What is the best glue to use for furniture repair?

Updated: 09.19.2019 11:10:34

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Not only professional carpenters, but also home craftsmen often have to glue wooden products. In some cases, neither nails nor screws can cope with the task. Then you have to select the appropriate wood glue. Domestic stores offer a wide range of both domestic and foreign formulations. They differ significantly in both price and quality. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is important to take into account several nuances.

Criteria for choosing wood glue

1. When purchasing, you should determine purpose of glue

   . There are universal products that can connect wooden elements with each other, as well as with other materials (metal, glass, plastic). This is an excellent choice for hobbyists or furniture makers. But carpenters prefer to use narrowly targeted adhesive mixtures; they work best on wood and its derivatives.

2. Having decided on the tasks, it is worth take into account the characteristics of the tree

   . Not all types of wood glues can work with damp or resinous wood. Much depends on the density of the material.

   Read also:  Choosing a floor for a summer house: advantages and disadvantages of popular materials
3. It is important to look a little into the future. If the glued product will be in a dry room, then almost any glue will do the job. But at high humidity or low temperature, the strength of the connection can only be ensured by a narrow range of products.
4. The strength of a seam is determined in different ways. It's one thing when a part can only support its own weight. Completely different properties are required from glue under constant impact loads.
5. Environmental friendliness is also an important factor. If the smell can be combated by airing or using ventilation, then contact of glue with food can be dangerous to human health.
6. Few craftsmen continue to make wood glue according to old recipes. Today, manufacturers offer compositions based on PVA, organic resins and polyurethane. All are suitable for wood, but have limitations for other materials.

Our review includes the best wood adhesives. When selecting products for the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

1. appointment;
2. specifications;
3. chemical composition;
4. price;
5. expert opinion;
6. consumer reviews.

Features of choice

It would seem that repairing a loose chair is a simple five-minute task. Take the parts, apply the adhesive, and you're done. But this work has its own nuances that are important to know before using glue to repair furniture.

Experienced experts advise paying attention to the following points:

• Manufacturers must indicate on the packaging the types of surfaces to be bonded. This is an important point. An incorrectly selected composition can lead to weak fixation. Certain types of adhesives may give a good bond between wood and wood, but they will not bond wood to glass.
• It is important to pay attention to the components of glue for furniture repair. Additives can provide a super strong bond but may damage the surface. While plastic can still withstand such experiments with various chemical compositions, then, for example, chipboard is not so durable.
• If you find a substance such as trichloroethane in the composition, immediately refuse to purchase. This component is harmful to human health. Another significant disadvantage is that when water gets on trichloroethane, an oxidation process begins, which can permanently ruin the appearance of your furniture.
• But if the composition contains synthetic rubber and solvent, then purchase this glue for furniture repair without hesitation. These substances are safe and harmless, and also provide reliable fixation to various surfaces.
• Manufacturers of building materials are actively fighting for consumers. Therefore, they have long been offering formulations to which pigment is added, and some companies offer a rich range of colors. So choosing an adhesive for repairing furniture in the right shade will not be difficult. And this will be a very correct decision, since yellow spots or white stripes from conventional compounds will not decorate your furniture, for example, made of mahogany.

Important! Pay special attention to such an indicator as glue density. The minimum values ​​should be within 1.1 g/cm3. This is a rather liquid consistency, but it will be enough for reliable fixation. Anything below this mark will not adequately ensure adhesion of the materials being bonded.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of wood adhesives

What glue is suitable for wood?

If you prepare for the procedure and also choose the appropriate glue, the furniture will be repaired so that the gluing joints will not be visible. The following products are suitable:

• carpentry;
• PVA;
• synthetics;
• casein

Wood glue is used in furniture repairs. But the product is quite susceptible to moisture. Even if you fasten the parts of a structure that will stand in the air, it will begin to collapse in frost. PVA also has the same disadvantages. The synthetic product is the most short-lived, since the surface is destroyed due to varnish.

Rating of the best wood adhesives

Which brand of wood glue is best to choose?

To know how to buy waterproof wood glue, you should carefully study the composition information. Today on the construction market there is a large selection of excellent adhesive compositions that provide high performance parameters for joints. After drying, a moisture-resistant wood adhesive often turns out to be more reliable than the base coating. When choosing a product, you need to have information about the product’s ability to glue wood of various species and change its color. The most famous brands:

• Moment . The Russian manufacturer produces glue in the form of an aqueous dispersion. It firmly connects wood species, as well as various building materials. Experts note the availability of glue, its reliability, and quick drying.
• Kiilto . Finnish company producing paint and varnish products in various directions. Adhesive compositions are distinguished by the absence of toxic components.
• Titebond . The product is produced by a well-known brand from the USA. Wood furniture glue holds the structure together perfectly. The manufacturer regularly works to improve technology, so the range is constantly increasing.
• Kleiberit . The brand from Germany offers various adhesive compositions for furniture, which are designed for different types of coatings. All products are of high quality.
• UHU . A German brand that is a leading developer of adhesives in terms of quality parameters and assortment. The company strives to take a leadership position in environmental protection issues.
• Akfix . A young but well-known brand from Turkey. Focused on the production of environmentally friendly paint and varnish products and technologies in order to find solutions that best meet the needs of consumers.
• Tex . Well-known developer of paint and varnish products. Adhesive compositions are used in industry and in everyday life. Suitable for plywood, cardboard, paper, they are resistant to moisture and serve as an additive.
• Lakra . One of the largest domestic developers of decorative paint and varnish products. Adhesive compositions from Lakra are manufactured in accordance with international standards of quality, safety, and environmental friendliness.

Each manufacturer is considered a well-known representative on the market and produces good quality products. Considering that the companies in question have positive criticism, the consumer will have no problem finding the best wood adhesives.

The best PVA wood glue

One of the most environmentally friendly wood glues is a water emulsion of polyvinyl acetate. There is no toxic odor during work, so ventilation is not a mandatory requirement for a carpentry workshop. The availability of the product allows it to be widely used. Experts paid attention to several models.

Kleiberit 303.0

Rating: 4.9

German wood glue Kleiberit 303.0 has many advantages. But experts focused on such quality as water resistance. It was this fact that became the key in determining the winner of the rating. This PVA glue is also the leader in sales in our country. Consumers managed to appreciate the versatility of the adhesive composition. With its help, you can connect different types of wood, fiberboard, chipboard, veneer, etc. Some craftsmen admire working with hard wood. The gluing process itself does not cause any difficulties. It is enough to press the parts to be joined for 6...10 minutes to get a single whole.

In addition to moisture resistance, users note resistance to low temperatures (down to -30°C). The white color after drying also does not cause discomfort.

Advantages

• strength;
• ease of use;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• moisture resistance;

Flaws

• not detected.

ULTIMA JOINER PVA

Rating: 4.8

The high performance properties of ULTIMA STOLYAR PVA adhesive were appreciated by workers in the printing and woodworking industries. They account for the lion's share of sales in Russia. Manufacturers, as well as experts, speak flatteringly about the extraordinary strength of the seam (0.9 kgf/cm). Therefore, it is possible to glue parts that are subsequently subjected to high dynamic loads. For its excellent strength, fast setting time and transparency, the material was awarded second place in our rating.

The adhesive is also resistant to low temperatures. It is able to maintain its working properties after 4 cycles of deep freezing (down to -35°C). Finishers have found another use for this PVA-based glue. They glue reinforcing tape, glue wallpaper, and seal joints.

Advantages

• versatility;
• strength;
• frost resistance;
• transparent seam;

Flaws

• takes a long time to dry.

Moment Super PVA D3 moisture resistant

Rating: 4.7

Domestic wood glue Moment Super PVA D3, moisture-resistant, boasts high performance characteristics. It can be used for gluing a wide range of products made from natural wood, veneer and materials containing wood inclusions. The product is somewhat inferior to the leaders in the duration of pressing (15-20 minutes) and final drying (24 hours). The glue does not leave marks on parts after drying, for which it deserves third place in the rating.

PVA aqueous dispersion remains operational within temperatures from +5 to +30°C. This feature is often indicated by craftsmen in reviews as a minus of the adhesive composition. But users have no complaints about durability, transparency, and accessibility.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• transparency;
• no odor;
• versatility of use;

Flaws

• long drying.

TEX PVA Carpentry Professional

Rating: 4.6

A wide range of materials can be joined using TEX PVA Carpentry Professional glue. This is not only wood, cardboard or paper, but also leather, linoleum and tiles (not ceramic). Such unique properties are achieved thanks to excellent adhesion. At the same time, the seam has high strength and elasticity. The composition itself is white, which should not frighten users. After drying, it becomes transparent and does not externally spoil the formed knot. The craftsmen mention ease of use and the absence of an unpleasant odor. The adhesive composition has earned a place in our rating.

The reliability of the clutch does not cause any complaints among professionals. The glue consumption is somewhat high (1 kg per 4-7 sq. m), and it takes a whole day to dry.

Advantages

• versatility;
• environmental friendliness;
• high strength;

Flaws

• high consumption of material.

Krass PVA PVA D3

Rating: 4.6

If it is necessary to glue parts so that the seam is not visible, craftsmen give preference to the Krass PVA PVA D3 composition. The material will not spoil the appearance of the most noble wood, which is often important when making luxury furniture, doors or when laying parquet. The glue has good moisture resistance; this quality significantly expands its scope of application. Experts included this PVA-based product in our rating also for the elasticity and strength of the seam. The manufacturer managed to create the glue without organic solvents, so the mixture turned out to be environmentally friendly.

Professional carpenters and furniture makers note such a feature of the adhesive composition as the possibility of application to a damp surface. And the properties of the seam are maintained in a very wide temperature range (0-100°C).

Advantages

• transparent seam;
• water resistance;
• strength and elasticity;

Flaws

• long drying time.

Application of glue

When answering the question of which glue is best to use for furniture repair, you need to take into account that the composition must not only be of high quality and durable. Ease of use also plays an important role. It all depends on what surfaces are planned to be restored:

• Polyurethane glue is suitable for fixing furniture edges. Using a gun, you can treat even the smallest areas in hard-to-reach places.
• Animal glue is suitable for working with plywood. The viscosity of the composition can be varied to suit different situations by adding a little less or a little more water to the powder. If you do not like the result, then this shortcoming can be easily eliminated. It is enough to heat the animal glue so that the composition melts and becomes viscous again, then you can correct incorrectly fixed parts.
• Contact adhesive based on rubber or butadiene is the best option for restoration work with upholstery, joints of fabric base, wood, leather, and plastic parts. The adhesive joint is quite elastic, which is why its scope is so wide, and it is also resistant to temperature and even humidity.
• The acrylic composition can be safely used when restoring children's furniture, furniture made of plastic and chipboard. It is able to provide reliable fixation to both small parts and large surfaces.
• PVA furniture adhesive is intended for gluing particle boards, veneer, pressed cardboard, laminate, plywood, and wood. Forms a durable film of increased elasticity and does not in any way change the structure of the material used in the work. It can also fix surfaces of various sizes.
• If your furniture has large gaps between the parts, then you should opt for a two-component composition. After hardening, the surface can be sanded and traces of the restoration will be invisible.

The best polyurethane adhesives for wood

Polyurethane adhesives are highly durable. Glued parts can be subjected to both static and dynamic loads. The seam is not afraid of moisture, sunlight, or temperature changes. Our review presents the best polyurethane products.

Titebond Polyurethane Wood Glue 2300

Rating: 4.9

A real breakthrough in the field of adhesive technology was the development of a polyurethane composition for wood, Titebond Polyurethane Wood Glue 2300. Experts unconditionally gave this product from the USA the first place in the rating. The manufacturer managed to find the optimal balance between pressing speed (45 min) and retention time of working properties (20 min). The glue perfectly bonds any wood-based materials, from natural wood to wood chip products. However, the scope of application does not end there; metal, plastic, ceramics, stone and a number of other materials can be permanently glued.

The product is water resistant, but it is not recommended to keep the knots formed in conditions with constantly high humidity or under water. The composition is not afraid of frost, but before use it should be warmed to +12°C.

Advantages

• fast gluing;
• versatility;
• high seam strength;

Flaws

• high price.

Kleiberit 501.0

Rating: 4.8

The German glue Kleiberit 501.0 is not inferior to the winner in versatility. It can also be used to connect wooden, ceramic, and polymer parts in different combinations. In addition, this polyurethane composition is advantageous in its heat resistance and moisture resistance. Experts put the glue in second place for its impeccable quality, but the long curing period (24 hours) did not allow it to become a leader. Bonded parts can be used in sunlight or rain, not to mention inside buildings. The strength of the seam is not satisfactory even among professionals.

Craftsmen note the ease of use and predictability of the glue. The only disadvantages they include are the corrosive odor and adhesion to human skin.

Advantages

• versatility;
• weather resistance;
• heat resistance;

Flaws

• takes a long time to dry;
• pungent smell.

SOUDAL 66A

Rating: 4.8

The adhesive composition for wood from Belgium SOUDAL 66A has excellent adhesion. In this component it has practically no competitors. Therefore, wood can be combined not only with each other, but also with various building materials (with the exception of polyethylene and polypropylene). Experts also gave it third place in the ranking for its high water resistance. The parts may be wet, but the glue will do its job without any problems. The mixture perfectly fills any unevenness due to foaming. But the strong expansion did not allow the product to take a higher position.

Craftsmen note a wide temperature range (from -30 to 100°C), in which the strength of the connection is maintained. Therefore, it can be used for work both inside and outside buildings.

Advantages

• excellent adhesion;
• strength;
• excellent water resistance;

Flaws

• high price;
• expansion upon drying.

Features of using contact adhesive for gluing veneer

When gluing veneer from natural wood, it should be taken into account that veneer has a porous structure, and the pore sizes can reach quite large sizes in some types of wood. Therefore, to glue veneer, you need to choose a glue that is more viscous. Glue that is too thin may seep through the pores of the wood.

You should also use glue with non-water-based solvents, because a thin layer of natural wood veneer can begin to absorb water and swell. If water-based glue is used, then during pressing it is necessary to allow the water to evaporate.

Using contact adhesive for gluing plastics.

To obtain a high-quality surface lined with a plastic surface, you first need to know the type of plastic. Typically, the markings indicate the types of plastics that are intended for gluing with this type of adhesive. Failure to follow the instructions for use may result in poor quality of the adhesive seam or damage to the plastic surface itself.

Contact adhesives for gluing plastics are often available in red. Therefore, when gluing light-colored materials, a red adhesive seam may be visible at the end.

Plastic materials for cladding panels made of wood or wood materials have weak adhesion, therefore, for high-quality gluing to a chipboard base, it is necessary to ensure good adhesion to the surface of the plastic. Most often, this can be ensured by the roughness of the surface coated with the composition. It is important that the roughness is uniform, otherwise unglued areas may appear, which may swell with further use.

The best resin wood glues

Adhesive compositions based on organic resins remain in demand. Their strength and resistance to moisture, petroleum products, and aggressive substances is beyond doubt. The most popular of these is epoxy. Only the master needs to ventilate the room and protect the skin of his hands. Here are the best resin based adhesives.

UHU PLUS ENDFEST 300

Rating: 4.9

Chemists from Germany managed to create the most durable wood glue based on epoxy resin. The composition of UHU PLUS ENDFEST 300 is a two-component product. It can be used to connect a variety of materials. It is not recommended to use glue only for working with polyethylene, polypropylene and glass. Experts gave this product the first line in the rating for its ultra-strength. Preparing the adhesive solution is quite simple, and the setting time is 90 minutes. The seam is completely polymerized in 12-24 hours.

Among the advantages of the glue, professionals note moisture resistance, high impact strength and durability of the seam. But in order to get the full set of these properties, the proportions when mixing must be observed.

Advantages

• high strength;
• seam durability;
• versatility;
• moisture resistance;

Flaws

• high price.

TITEBOND ORIGINAL WOOD GLUE

Rating: 4.8

The one-component wood adhesive TITEBOND ORIGINAL WOOD GLUE received a lot of praise from carpenters and furniture makers. It is an emulsion based on an aliphatic resin. Experts call this composition the best specialized product for professional activities. The connection of parts with tongues and grooves is especially strong. After drying, the emulsion becomes moisture resistant, and the seam can withstand impact loads perfectly. Thanks to the deep penetration of the glue, it is possible to bind the structure of both natural wood and particle-fiber elements.

Professionals speak flatteringly about the ease of use and quick hardening of the seam. Only the emulsion consumption is quite large (180 g/sq. m), and the working time is only 5-10 minutes. The material is worthy of second place in the ranking.

Advantages

• high quality;
• moisture resistance;
• strength;

Flaws

• high consumption;
• short working hours.

EDP ​​EPOXY GLUE

Rating: 4.7

EDP ​​EPOXY wood glue is sold on the domestic market at the most attractive price. This is one of the most popular compositions among amateurs and professionals. With its help you can create new units or repair old furniture. Characteristic features of the popular epoxy are good adhesion, high strength, and moisture resistance. The resinous base allows the addition of various fillers. There is no shrinkage during the polymerization process. The composition is not recommended for use on items that will come into contact with food.

Experts gave the glue, proven over the years, only third place in the rating due to the long drying time. In addition, the ease of use leaves much to be desired.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• no shrinkage;
• moisture resistance;

Flaws

• takes a long time to dry;
• not convenient to use.

Mode of application

List of recommendations to consider when working with furniture glue:

1. First of all, you need to read the instructions included with the composition. From it you can find out whether it is suitable for the material used and how the gluing occurs.
2. It is important to become familiar with the composition of the glue and pay attention to the presence of toxic substances (trichloroethane is especially dangerous).
3. Work with toxic types of glue should be carried out outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
4. The surfaces to be bonded are thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt and must be completely dry. In most cases, moisture will prevent the adhesive from fully setting.
5. Many types of glue are yellow, white, or other tints. When using this fact, you need to take this fact into account or choose a colorless option. Opaque furniture glue will be visible even under a layer of varnish or stain.
6. The glue is most often applied in a small layer on both surfaces to be glued. After this, they must be connected and pressed tightly against each other.

Important! Some two-component compositions involve applying the base to one surface and the hardener to the other. In this case, the chemical reaction begins after the parts are combined. This allows you to achieve the maximum level of connection strength.

The best professional wood glue

In professional activities, wood glue requires not only a strong connection of wood, but also ease of use and quick setting. The seam must retain its qualities even when exposed to atmospheric conditions. From the variety of proposals, experts chose the most popular model.

Titebond III Ulimate 1416

Rating: 5.0

Titebond III Ulimate 1416 One Part Wood Adhesive provides an extra strong bond. The product meets the stringent ANSI/HPVA Type I requirements, indicating high water resistance of the joint. In addition, experts call it the first adhesive that can be cleaned with water. Among its competitors, this composition is distinguished by its strong initial adhesion. The dried seam can be sanded; the manufacturer allows it to come into contact with food. Another important advantage of the glue is its ability to be used for outdoor use.

Professional carpenters are completely satisfied with the quality of gluing various types of wood, laminate, paper, plywood, chipboard, fiberboard and MDF. The glue is extremely popular in Russia and is a real bestseller.

Advantages

• super strength;
• environmental friendliness;
• water resistance;
• fast setting;

How to glue a wooden chair

When working with a chair, you need to take into account that almost all parts are held together in a small area. The bond must be rigid and able to support the weight of a person. Epoxy glue can be useful if the surface is uneven. But more often furniture glue is used that is inelastic, otherwise the bond may not be reliable enough.

The following compositions are most suitable for stool:

1. Kleiberit PUR - designed for gluing many materials, including wood. Made from polyurethane. Water- and heat-resistant, high-strength, one-component.
2. “Moment Carpenter” from Henkel is a quick-drying furniture adhesive designed for wooden surfaces. Provides a strong connection of parts, excess is easily washed off with water.
3. Titebond is a professional polyurethane wood adhesive made in the USA. Withstands any temperature, retains adhesive properties for a long time after application to the surface.