Anything can happen at home – something breaks, a handle falls off or a child “accidentally” tears off a piece of plastic decoration. And then what? Instead of throwing it away, take action! A good adhesive is a treasure for every home DIY enthusiast – even if you only do it once every six months. Let’s find out which adhesives are worth keeping on hand and when to reach for them.
Glass glue – when cracked glass occurs
Cracked glass is one of the most annoying things in the house. Especially if something that has sentimental value to us, such as a beloved vase or mug, breaks. In such situations, you need a specialised glass adhesive that creates a transparent, almost invisible bond. This is important because it’s not just about durability – aesthetics matter too. https://ataszek.pl/101-kleje-do-szkla
Look out for UV light-curing adhesives – they are very effective, but require a UV lamp. For simpler home repairs, epoxy or cyanoacrylate (so-called ‘seconds’) adhesives for glass are sufficient.
Home repairs with multi-purpose adhesives
Sometimes you don’t know what you are dealing with – plastic, ceramic or glass? That’s when multi-purpose adhesives for home repairs, which have a broad spectrum of action, come in handy. A good quality all-purpose adhesive can handle both a porcelain plate and a plastic TV remote control.
Ideally, it should be waterproof, quick-drying and form a flexible bond – a feature that is particularly useful with materials that deform.
Adhesives for plastic – not all work for every material
Plastic is an extremely demanding material, especially if we are not familiar with the type of plastic. We have a lot of plastic items around the house – toys, household parts, garden furniture. It’s worth knowing that not every adhesive will work on every plastic.
Adhesives for plastic are usually either based on cyanoacrylate or have ingredients that allow them to react chemically with the surface of the plastic. If you are dealing with difficult plastics (such as PP or PE), look for special adhesives with a primer to increase adhesion. Check out Ataszek’s range: https://ataszek.pl/98-kleje-do-plastiku
Adhesives for ceramics – ideal for broken cups and plates
Accident in the kitchen? Someone has dropped a cup or plate? Instead of throwing it away straight away, try a repair. Ceramic adhesives are designed to bond fragile surfaces in a way that is durable and – most importantly – resistant to heat and moisture.
If you want to repair utilitarian items (e.g. mugs), make sure the glue is safe for health and resistant to hot drinks. For decorative items, a simple fast-drying epoxy glue will suffice.
Bonding metal at home – what works?
Although metal bonding is associated with the workshop rather than the kitchen, it also comes in handy in home repairs. Falling off hinges, decorative handles or aluminium lamp parts are examples where a strong metal adhesive can solve the problem.
Two-component epoxy adhesives work best, forming a durable and stress-resistant bond when set. Some are also suitable for outdoor use – ideal for the balcony or garden.
Bonding plastics – how do I choose the right adhesive?
Bonding plastics is a river subject. Plastics vary in texture, flexibility and properties – so it is important to choose the right adhesive. For rigid plastics (such as ABS), epoxy-based adhesives will work well. For flexible ones, it is better to use a contact or hybrid adhesive that does not dry hard.
It’s always a good idea to check that the adhesive package states the type of plastic it supports. If you are unsure – a test on an unseen part will help avoid disappointment. Check out more: https://ataszek.pl/144-kleje-do-pp-pe-pom-ptfe
Quick repairs? Seconds” adhesives in action
When something breaks, falls off or simply catches you by surprise, second glue can be a lifesaver. It works instantly, but be careful – it sets in seconds and is difficult to remove from your fingers.
Although it doesn’t work well with flexible surfaces and materials that ‘work’, it will be perfect for hard plastics, ceramics or glass. It’s always worth keeping it in the kitchen drawer – preferably next to slices, just in case.
What else is worth having in your household glue kit?
Finally, here are a few more suggestions that will work in unusual situations:
– Assembly glue – great for heavier items like shelves and skirting boards,
– Hot melt glue (hot glue) – ideal for decorations, textiles and creative DIY projects,
– Double-sided adhesive tapes – for lightweight items, decorating and quick fixes,
– Sanitary silicone – although it’s not a classic adhesive, it will work well for small repairs in the bathroom and kitchen.
As you can see, home repairs don’t have to end with a visit to the hardware shop. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of will and the right glue to save a favourite mug, repair a toy or bring a broken decoration back to life. It’s worth having at least a few types of glue in the house – it’s a small cost and big possibilities! Article produced in collaboration with Ataszek
