Who does not know about PVA glue, which is actively used for gluing products from various kinds of materials: wood, ceramics, particleboard, linoleum, paper, glass, fabric and leather substrates. Adhesive popularity is determined by the high-quality adhesion of the material and the surface to be glued, affordable cost, increased resistance to moisture, but at the same time, good solubility in water, which in itself answers the question of how to dilute PVA glue? The purpose of the glue is determined depending on its type.
PVA glue is the most popular substance in the world. It is universal and useful both when studying at school, and when carrying out repairs in a house or apartment.
What is this agent - PVA glue?
The history of the composition dates back more than a century, and it was invented back in 1912 of the last century in Germany. After a couple of years, glue entered the sales market and began to be produced for commercial purposes. In 2018, adhesive production capacities exceeded one million tons of the substance.
What does the substance consist of
PVA stands for Polyvinyl Acetate Adhesive, the component composition of which consists of:
- a special synthetic fiber based on polyvinyl alcohol - vinalon, which accounts for about 95% of the product;
- various additives that increase ductility, stability, adhesion strength.
The main types of PVA glue
The main types of PVA glue compositions, divided into types according to their purpose, include:
- clerical - for gluing paper and cardboard substrates;
- wallpaper or household - for gluing paper materials to wooden and cemented surfaces;
- construction - for fiberglass, paper and vinyl compounds. It serves as an additive for primers, which contributes to the improvement of technological properties and adhesion, applied in the future materials: putty, plaster, dry mortar;
- Super M - indispensable for bonding products made of vapor-tight materials, ceramic and porcelain products, fabrics, glass, leather. In addition, it is used in the installation of a variety of floor coverings;
- Extra - used for gluing wood, plywood, building nets, wallpaper (cork, vinyl, paper, fiberglass), sickle. Used as an additive to increase strength;
- Universal - useful when gluing paper and paper-layered decorative plastic on wooden, glass and metal surfaces.
Is it possible to dilute glue and how
So, we came to a question that interests many: how to dilute PVA glue? Hurry to answer - yes, it is possible. Just do it right. How to cope with such a seemingly simple task and not spoil the glue, read on.
In order to cope with the task, try to adhere to some recommendations and dilute the adhesive only with warm water, various kinds of solvents adversely affect the technical properties and structure of the composition, destroying it. At the same time, it is necessary to mix the glue as intensively as possible.
How to dilute a very thickened composition
We will figure out whether it is possible to dilute PVA glue. When the glue dries, having thickened a lot, a crust or small dry particles resembling flakes form on its surface. These impurities that the solution may contain should be removed before applying the composition to the surface.
Clots of jelly consistency can be left, as they dissolve with stirring.
How to breed dry mix
You already know how and how to dilute PVA glue in the usual form, but sometimes you have to work with a dry mixture. Such substances are diluted according to the proportion or ratio indicated on the package. The manufacturer recommends adhering to these recommendations, otherwise the glue will lose its technical properties and will be useless in gluing.
Exception to the rule
If 90% of the types of PVA glue can be diluted with water, then 10% falls into a special category of adhesives on the market and not amenable to dilution with water. They, as a rule, are presented in finished form: in a diluted state and in appropriate containers, since they are characterized by an unpleasant chemical smell, and the substance quickly dries in open jars. To prevent the curing of the glue, try to buy containers of the volume that you can apply glue at a time. This will save both glue and money.
There are exceptions when such glue is diluted, but only with the use of a special synthetic solvent.
How to apply diluted adhesive to the surface
So, having figured out how to dilute the thick PVA glue, working with it does not imply difficulties. It is quite simple. The presence of an instruction will simplify the task, since the insert contains brief information on how to glue this or that type of product and how to use it correctly. Since the use of glue for wood and paper is somewhat different, some people face a problem when gluing wooden surfaces. To prevent unpleasant moments from happening to you, remember a simple rule: apply glue to the side of the product that absorbs the composition more slowly, that is, with a less porous structure.
Glue application guidelines
Is it possible to dilute PVA glue with water, sorted out. Remember that when working with PVA glue, regardless of type, follow some rules:
- for applying glue to thin wallpapers, one layer of the agent is enough, and for dense materials - two;
- for spotting PVA use a special nozzle, and if it is not, use improvised means - a syringe without a needle or an ordinary pipette;
- for processing a large surface using a sponge or roller;
- apply glue starting from the center and gradually moving to the edges;
- glued objects, if possible, can withstand under the press for greater reliability.
Having studied the information provided in the article, you received an answer to the so often asked question: “how to dilute PVA glue?”. Taking into account the above recommendations, the use of glue will become a rational solution for you, if necessary, to connect any parts with each other.