introduction
If something at home is broken, do you know what types of glues to use? There are so many types of glues that choosing the right glue can sometimes be confusing. I will introduce 9 types of glues that are essential for daily use, which can handle almost all the repair and handcraft needs! Whether it is gluing shoes, repairing furniture, doing handcrafts, or pasting wallpaper, choosing the right glue can make repairs more efficient.
9 different types of glues
Below I will introduce 9 different types of glues in detail, including white glue, hot melt glue, super glue, AB glue, spray glue, fabric glue, contact glue, rubber glue and polyurethane glue, to help you easily solve the problem of shoes coming apart? How to stick foam board? How to repair tiles that have fallen off? After reading this, you can become a home repair expert!
1. White glue
White glue is one of the most common types of glues used at home. It has a milky white texture—almost like diluted yogurt—and dries clear. Since it’s non-toxic and odorless, it’s safe even for kids’ crafts. Perfect for sticking cardboard, paper, or light wood, though it takes a while to dry completely. If you get any on your hands, just wash them off with water. Just remember: These types of glues are not meant for heavy-duty jobs or waterproofing. For those tasks, you’ll need stronger types of glues.
An in-depth look
- Material: Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)
- Common volumes: 10ml, 100-250ml, 500ml-1L and above 5L
- Features: Safe and non-toxic, water-soluble, slow-drying, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean
- Use: Wood, Paper, Ceramic, Fabric, Slime
Pros
Safe and environmentally friendly, non-toxic and odorless, suitable for children’s handicrafts.
Easy to clean, can be directly removed with water when not dry.
Cheap price, high cost performance.
Simple operation, ready to use after opening the lid.
After drying, the film is elastic and not easy to crack.
Cons
It softens easily when in contact with water, and the viscosity decreases in a humid environment.
Slow drying, it takes a long time (more than 24 hours) to fully cure.
Only suitable for light bonding, with poor load-bearing capacity.
Not resistant to high temperatures, and may fail at high temperatures for a long time (>60°C).
Product Recommendation: Elmer's Washable School Glue
Elmer’s Washable School Glues are safe, non-toxic, easy-to-use, versatile types of glues that work on paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, and pottery, making them an ideal choice for art, classroom, and home crafts. It dries clear and is washable for easy cleanup. Each bottle is approximately 113 ml and is suitable for children (ages 3+). The classic white glue formula can also make slime, adding fun and creativity.
Features:
Safe and non-toxic, suitable for children, and meets safety standards.
Suitable for a variety of materials such as paper, wood, cloth, etc.
Washable, easy to clean, and convenient to organize.
Anti-flow formula, precise application, not easy to drip, transparent after drying.
These types of glues are suitable for making slime.
Durable and cost-effective.
2. Hot glue
Hot melt adhesive is a thermoplastic adhesive that melts by heating, usually in the form of a cylindrical glue stick with a glue gun. The biggest feature of these types of glues is their fast curing speed. It usually forms a strong bond within 1-3 minutes after cooling.
It is suitable for bonding a variety of materials such as plastics, wood, and cloth. It is easy to operate and has good initial adhesion strength. As a common temporary fixing and hand-made bonding material, hot melt adhesive is popular for its convenience and versatility.
An in-depth look
- Material: EVA、PO、PA、PUR
- Common volumes: Diameter 7mm/11mm, length 10-30cm
- Features: Fast curing, strong versatility, easy to use, environmentally friendly, low toxicity, and general weather resistance
- Use: DIY, Packaging and Sealing, Electronics and Electrical, Home Repair, Industrial Field
Pros
It can be firmly adhered in 1-3 minutes after cooling.
Easy to operate, can be used directly with a glue gun.
Can bond a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, cloth, etc.
Environmentally friendly and safe, without solvents.
Low cost, suitable for frequent daily use.
Can quickly fix materials and reduce waiting time for the operation.
Cons
Poor temperature resistance, may become brittle at low temperatures.
Insufficient durability, long-term use may cause aging, cracking, and other problems.
The melt temperature is as high as 120-180℃, and there is a risk of scalding.
Once solidified, it is difficult to adjust the position a second time.
Product Recommendation: Gorilla Hot Glue Stick
Gorilla Hot Melt Glue Stick is a high-performance hot melt adhesive product designed for long-lasting bonding and versatile needs. Its unique formula is suitable for high- and low-temperature glue guns, and can firmly bond wood, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, jewelry, and other materials.
The glue stick provides an extended working time of up to 45 seconds, easy operation adjustment, and has excellent weather resistance, but avoid long-term immersion in water. Gorilla Hot Melt Glue is an ideal choice for handmade, home repair, and professional projects with its strong bonding power and durability.
Features:
It can be used to stick to wood, metal, cloth, foam, and jewelry.
It sticks tightly and can withstand being knocked over.
It takes 45 seconds to operate (ordinary glue dries in 30 seconds), and even novices can easily adjust it.
It can be used indoors and outdoors, but it cannot be soaked in water for a long time.
It comes in two specifications, with a thick rod of 0.44 inches and a thin rod of 0.27 inches.
3. AB glue (epoxy resin glue)
AB glue (epoxy resin glue) is a mixture of resin and curing agent to form a strong bond. These types of glues can firmly bond metals, ceramics, glass, hard plastics, and other materials, and are resistant to high temperatures and chemical corrosion.
After curing, it has high hardness and aging resistance, and is suitable for industrial maintenance, electronic packaging, handicraft production, etc. Compared with ordinary types of glues, AB glue is more suitable for professional uses with higher requirements for bonding strength and durability.
An in-depth look
- Material: Epoxy resin, amine, anhydride (such as SBR)
- Common volumes: 5g/10g/50g/1kg/5kg
- Features: High strength, high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, low shrinkage, insulation, thermal conductivity (optional)
- Use: Metal, wood, plastic, tile, PVC, ceramic, fiberglass, concrete, etc.
Pros
After curing, it has high hardness and can replace welding or riveting.
High temperature resistance (300℃), low temperature resistance (-60℃), and anti-aging.
Can bond metal, wood, plastic, tile, PVC, ceramic, fiberglass, concrete, and other materials.
Water-resistant, oil-resistant, acid-resistant, and alkali-resistant, suitable for harsh environments.
Special properties such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and flame retardancy are achieved by adding fillers.
Cons
The two components must be mixed strictly in proportion. Uneven mixing will lead to curing failure.
The curing time is long, and it is not suitable for emergency repairs.
Once cured, it cannot be softened or adjusted again.
It is brittle, and the impact resistance of ordinary models is poor.
Some curing agents are irritating to the skin, and gloves must be worn when operating.
Product Recommendation: J-B Weld Original Twin Tube Epoxy
JB Weld Original is a professional-grade two-component epoxy adhesive that can repair a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, and wood, as firmly as welding. When using, just mix 1:1, initially harden in 4-6 hours, and reach a strength of 5020 PSI after 24 hours, which is stronger than steel.
After curing, it can withstand high temperatures of 287°C, is waterproof and oil-proof, and can also be polished and drilled. It is an ideal choice for heavy-duty repairs such as auto repair, ships, and pipelines.
Features:
Super strong bonding, stronger than steel, can replace welding.
Can bond metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, fiberglass, and other materials.
Resistant to high temperatures of 287℃, waterproof, oil-proof, and chemical corrosion.
Can be polished, drilled, tapped, etc., after curing.
Durable – Forms permanent bonding, suitable for heavy-duty repair and industrial applications.
4. Super Glue
Super Glue (cyanoacrylate glue) is a fast-curing one-component adhesive that can cure in seconds by contact with trace moisture to form a high-strength bond. These types of glues are suitable for rapid repairs of various materials such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. After curing, it is transparent and hard, but it is brittle. It is easy to operate, but you need to pay attention to surface cleaning and avoid skin contact. It is an ideal choice for emergency home repairs and delicate work.
An in-depth look
- Material: Cyanoacrylate
- Common volumes: 1-3g, 5-20g, 50-500g
- Features: Instant curing, high-strength bonding, transparent and traceless, extremely thin bonding layer
- Use: Electronic products, eyeglass frames, plastics, metals, rubber, ABS, acrylic, etc.
Pros
Initial fixation can be achieved in 5-30 seconds, greatly improving work efficiency.
High-strength bonding, suitable for small-area precision bonding.
Easy to use, ready to use.
Transparent and beautiful, colorless after curing.
Ultra-thin bonding layer, suitable for precision parts bonding.
Cons
Very brittle, poor temperature resistance.
The surface must be clean and dry; oil and dust will seriously affect the effect.
It cannot be adjusted after curing and is easy to stick to the skin
Product Recommendation: Gorilla Super Glue
Gorilla Super Glue uses a special thickening formula, with a thick texture that does not flow. This versatile glue can bond common materials such as glass, plastic, metal, ceramic, rubber, etc., and its transparent curing leaves almost no trace. Its gel properties provide precise control and will not clog the bottle cap, effectively extending the shelf life.
The glue cures quickly within 10-45 seconds, which is particularly suitable for DIY repairs and hand-made crafts that require delicate operations and strong bonding.
Features:
Gel formula, special thickening texture, no dripping or flowing.
Can firmly bond glass, plastic, metal, and other materials.
Quickly solidify, almost no trace left after drying, keeping the adhered object beautiful.
Special bottle cap with built-in metal pin to prevent glue from drying and clogging.
Suitable for various scenarios such as handwork and repair.
5. Fabric Glue
Fabric glue is a flexible liquid glue designed for textiles that provides a strong bond while maintaining the softness of the fabric. ltswater. The base formula is safe and environmentally friendly. After curing, it is washable and not prone to cracking.
These types of glues are suitable for clothing repair, fabric crafts, etc. Compared with ordinary types of glues, the adhesive layer of fabric glue is more elastic and less prone to cracking. When using, simply press it together, and it can be washed normally after it is fully cured in 24 hours.
An in-depth look
- Material: Water-based acrylic resin, polyurethane
- Common volumes: 20-50ml, 100-250ml, 500ml and above
- Features: Flexible curing, washable, safe, and environmentally friendly. sticky and solid, transparent, and traceless
- Use: Clothing repair, fabric handicraft, curtain straps, sofa cover bonding, positioning before sewing
Pros
- The fabric remains soft after curing
- Washable and not easy to fall off.
- Simple operation, just apply and press, suitable for manual repair
- Safe and environmentally friendly, it does not contain irritating solvents.
- Colorless after drying, it does not affect the beauty of the fabric
Cons
- The bond is weaker than sewing.
- The curing time is long, so it is not suitable for emergency repairs.
- Washing or ironing at high temperatures may cause the bond to fail.
- The bond may gradually age after repeated friction or frequent washing.
Product Recommendation: Aleene's Permanent Fabric Adhesive
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion is the most popular professional fabric glue in the United States. This glue uses a low-odor, nontoxic formula that keeps the fabric soft after drying and is machine washable. These types of glues are suitable for a variety of fabrics such as cotton, denim, leather, and knitwear, and can firmly bond sequins, beads, and other decorative items. Whether it is clothing repair, fabric DIY, or decorative fixing, Fabric Fusion can provide a long-lasting and reliable bonding effect.
Features:
Designed for fabrics, long-lasting and strong.
Keeps fabric soft after drying.
It can withstand machine washing and retains its bonding effect after washing.
Suitable for a variety of fabrics such as cotton, denim, leather, knitwear, etc.
Safe and environmentally friendly, low-toxic, and odorless.
6. Spray Adhesive
Spray glue is an adhesive that comes in a pressure can and is sprayed evenly on the surface of an object like spray paint. Its biggest feature is that it can quickly form a thin and even layer of adhesive film, which is particularly suitable for bonding large-area materials such as foam boards, cloth, posters, etc.
These types of glues dry quickly and can usually be bonded within 30 seconds after spraying, and they will not leave unsightly glue marks like ordinary glue. It is very suitable for handmade DIY, advertising production, and home decoration. When using it, just pay attention to ventilation and avoid inhaling the spray.
Is it easy to stain the surrounding area when using spray glue? Use painter’s tape mentioned in “10 Must-Have Types of Tape for Home & Work” to protect the border first, so that you can spray it more easily.
An in-depth look
- Material: Acrylic resin, rubber base
- Common volumes: 100-200ml, 400-500ml, 750ml-1L
- Features: Uniform spraying, fast positioning, thin and traceless, wide applicability
- Use: Handmade DIY, foam board, poster, home decoration, car interior, etc.
Pros
Atomized spraying, light and uniform adhesive layer.
Quick bonding, surface drying within 30 seconds.
Easy to operate, no need to brush, suitable for large-area bonding.
Transparent after drying, it does not damage the appearance of the material.
Available in removable or permanent types.
Cons
It needs to be used in a ventilated environment to avoid inhalation.
The spraying range is difficult to control accurately.
The load-bearing capacity is weak.
The unit price is higher than that of ordinary liquid glue.
Product Recommendation: 3M Super 77 Multi-Surface Spray Adhesive
3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive is very efficient and convenient to use! A spray can quickly adhere to various materials, such as paper, cloth, plastic, leather, and other surfaces. The position can be adjusted within 2-3 minutes after spraying, and there is no need to worry about sticking it crooked.
This spray adhesive dries quickly and will not penetrate or damage the material. It is an ideal choice for projects such as album making, handicrafts, and light repairs. It is a reliable and worry-free choice.
Features:
Can stick to paper, plastic, cloth, leather, etc., easy to use for handwork and repair
Can be adjusted repeatedly within 2-3 minutes after spraying
The glue is thin and uniform, and will not dirty the surface of the adhered object.
One can cover about 190 square feet (about 17㎡)
Simple operation, even novices can master it.
7. Wood Glue
Wood Glue is a glue designed for wood bonding. These types of glues’ main component is polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which has excellent wood permeability and bonding strength. These types of glues solidify through water evaporation to form a strong bonding layer, which is particularly suitable for woodworking operations such as furniture making.
Compared with other types of glues, wood glue usually has 15-30 minutes to adjust the position. After fully solidifying, the tensile strength can reach more than 10MPa, making it the preferred bonding solution for furniture repair.
An in-depth look
- Material: PVA, (PU) or epoxy resin
- Common volumes: 50-250ml，500ml-1L，5-20kg
- Features: Super strong adhesion, long adjustment time, optional waterproof, environmentally friendly, low odor
- Use: Furniture making, wood art DIY, installation of wooden floors, stairs, and wood veneer
Pros
Super strong wood bonding, tensile strength> 10MPa.
Long open time (15-30 minutes), easy to adjust the alignment.
Low odor, non-toxic, compliant with EN 204 standard, no worries for indoor use.
After curing, it can be sanded and painted; the glue line is not obvious, and it maintains its beauty.
D3/D4 waterproof models can meet the needs of outdoor use, such as garden furniture.
Cons
For use on wood only.
Long curing time.
Limited temperature resistance.
Weak initial adhesion.
Product Recommendation: Titebond III Wood Glue
Titebond III woodworking glue is a favorite of carpenters. As a professional-grade water-based glue, it is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, odorless, and easy to use. These types of glues can be easily cleaned with clean water, the bonding effect is solid, and the waterproof performance has passed the highest industry standards. These types of glues are very reliable for outdoor furniture or kitchen wood products. Whether it is DIY or professional carpentry, this glue can do the job perfectly.
Features:
Designed for woodworking, the bond strength exceeds that of the wood itself.
The water-based formula is non-toxic and odorless, and can be cleaned with water.
Used for indoor and outdoor use, waterproof and durable.
Provides a 20-minute open time for fine adjustment.
Easy to sand after curing, it does not affect painting and finishing.
8. Contact Cement
Contact cement usually uses chloroprene rubber or polyurethane as the base material, with strong initial adhesion and anti-peeling performance, especially suitable for permanent bonding of decorative veneer, rubber, leather, and other materials. After bonding, it is soft and resistant to folding, and is not afraid of high temperatures.
These types of glues are widely used in furniture manufacturing, automotive interiors, shoe repair, and other fields. When using, pay attention to ventilation, and wait for the solvent to completely evaporate (about 10-20 minutes) before pressing to ensure the best bonding effect.
An in-depth look
- Material: Neoprene, Polyurethane
- Common volumes: 50-250ml, 1-5kg
- Features: Immediate adhesion, strong adhesion, heat and oil resistance, no need for pressure
- Use: Fireproof board, wood veneer, PVC floor, leather bonding, rubber repair, sole repair, automotive interior bonding.
Pros
Instant bonding, suitable for leather, rubber, plastic veneer, and other difficult-to-bond materials.
After bonding, it is flexible and resistant to bending and not easy to crack.
High temperature and oil resistance.
No need for long-term pressure.
Cons
It is necessary to apply glue on both sides and let it dry halfway before pressing.
Once pressed, it is difficult to adjust.
Need to be used in a ventilated environment.
Contains organic solvents and must be kept away from fire.
Product Recommendation: DAP Weldwood Original Contact Cement
DAP Weldwood Original Contact Cement is a professional-grade, strong glue, especially suitable for fast and strong bonding. It uses a neoprene formula and can be firmly bonded after 15-20 minutes of drying. This glue can be used to bond wood, rubber, leather, plastic, etc. It is not afraid of blisters and can withstand high temperatures. It can be used indoors and outdoors. However, this glue has a strong smell and must be used in a well-ventilated place and away from fire.
Features:
High bonding strength and excellent durability.
Quickly bond within 15-20 minutes after applying the glue.
Can bond a variety of materials such as wood, rubber, leather, plastic laminates, etc.
Waterproof, high temperature resistant, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
9. Rubber Cement
Rubber glue is an elastic adhesive with natural or synthetic rubber as the main component. Its unique removable properties make it an ideal choice for paper, photo pasting, and art design. These types of glues have the characteristics of repeatable positioning and remain flexible after drying. Its low permeability can effectively prevent paper wrinkling, which is particularly suitable for photo album making, collage art, etc.
An in-depth look
- Material: Natural rubber or synthetic rubber (such as SBR)
- Common volumes: 30- 100ml, 250- 500ml
- Features: Removable, repeatable positioning, wrinkle-free design, easy to clean
- Use: Collage, poster making, creative handicraft, album pasting, temporary file fixing, paper repair
Pros
Removable without damaging the paper.
Good anti-wrinkle effect, low permeability.
Repeatable positioning.
Excess glue stains can be removed with an eraser.
Still flexible after curing, no cracking with slight bending.
Cons
The adhesive is weak and only suitable for light pasting
It may fall off naturally after long-term storage
It needs to be ventilated when used
High temperature may soften the adhesive layer and lose its adhesiveness
Product Recommendation: Slime 1050 Rubber Cement
Slime 1050 is a rubber glue specially designed for tire repair. It can quickly repair punctures on bicycle and motorcycle inner tubes. The can design comes with a brush head, which is convenient for direct application to the damaged area. It is easy to operate and does not easily dirty your hands. The bonding effect is reliable, especially suitable for emergency repairs. These types of glues are cost-effective and are a practical repair tool for outdoor cycling.
Features:
Specially designed for tires, suitable for tire patches and rubber plugs.
Built-in brush head, ready to use after opening the cover.
Quick repair, suitable for emergencies.
Good durability, most users recognize its long-term bonding stability.
High cost performance.
FAQ
What glue is used for stickers?
There are usually several types of glues used for stickers:
1. Acrylic glue: It has good viscosity and water resistance, can form a strong bond on the surface of different materials, and is not easy to leave marks, suitable for all kinds of stickers.
2. Rubber glue: It has strong viscosity and good flexibility, and can adapt to the pasting of some curved or uneven surfaces, but it may leave glue stains on some materials.
3. Organic silicone water: It has excellent high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance and stability, and is often used for stickers used in special environments such as outdoor logo stickers. If you want to know more about the types of stickers, click: The 20 Most Popular Types Of Stickers In 2025.
Is adhesive the same as glue?
Adhesive and glue are essentially the same, both are substances used to bond materials, but their usage scenarios are slightly different: glue mostly refers to simple glue used in daily life (such as white glue, super glue), while adhesive is a more professional general term that covers high-performance adhesives such as industrial and medical ones (such as epoxy resin and medical bone glue).
What types of glues to use on styrofoam?
For foam boards, it is recommended to use low-temperature hot melt glue or white latex (PVA), which will not corrode the foam and has strong adhesion. Spray glue (such as 3M 77) is suitable for large-area bonding, but it must be foam-safe. Avoid solvent-based glue (such as super glue, epoxy resin), which will melt the foam. Gel-like super glue (such as Gorilla gel) can be used for small-area bonding, but it needs to be tested first.
What types of glues for vinyl flooring?
For the installation and repair of vinyl (PVC) flooring, it is recommended to use flexible and water-resistant polyurethane glue or acrylic floor glue, which can adapt to the thermal expansion and contraction of the floor and has strong adhesion. Contact glue can be used for small area repairs, and elastic silicone is recommended for wet areas.
Avoid using epoxy resin or white glue; the former is too hard and prone to cracking, and the latter is not waterproof. During construction, the ground needs to be cleaned, and the glue should be evenly applied with a serrated scraper. Avoid heavy pressure within 48 hours after paving.
What types of glues do you use for paper mache?
1. White Glue (PVA)
Best for: Most projects, strong & non-toxic
Mix: Dilute with water (2:1 glue-to-water ratio)
Drying Time: 12-24 hours
2. Flour Paste (Homemade)
Best for: Cheap, kid-friendly projects
Mix: 1 part flour + 2 parts water (boiled to thicken)
Drying Time: 24+ hours (slower but lightweight)
3. Wallpaper Paste
Best for: Large sculptures (flexible when dry)
What types of glues to use on shoes?
1. Polyurethane Adhesive (PU Adhesive)
Applicable to: sports shoes, work shoes, and other shoes that need to be resistant to bending for a long time
2. Contact Cement
Applicable to: leather shoes, boots, rubber soles
3. Epoxy Resin Glue (Epoxy)
Applicable to: repair of hard soles or heel fractures
4. Strong glue)
Applicable to: temporary repair, small area of debonding
What type of glue is used on Goodyear soles？
- Contact Cement – Offers excellent flexibility and shock absorption, often used in shoe repair.
- Rubber Cement – Sometimes used for temporary holds before stitching in Goodyear welting.
What is glue made of?
The glue production process is mainly divided into four steps:
1. Mix the resin, solvent, and other raw materials according to the formula accurately, heat, and stir.
2. Filter to remove impurities and adjust the viscosity.
3. Quality inspection, test viscosity, drying time, and other indicators.
4. Fill and seal, and package the finished product.
Different types of glue use specific raw materials and processes, but the basic process is similar. To learn more about how glue is made, please click What is glue made of?
Conclusion
Glue is a must-have, all-purpose repairer for your home! From gluing shoes and repairing furniture to handmade DIY, 9 types of glues have their unique uses. White glue is suitable for handmade, super glue is quick to repair, AB glue is super durable, etc. Don’t worry, next time you encounter glue cracking. By referring to this guide, you can easily choose the most suitable types of glues to give your damaged items a new life!
