If you are wondering what PVA stands for, a little research will tell you that it stands for polyvinyl acetates.
In simple terms, PVA basically means that it is an odorless, colorless material that is used in glues. PVA is used so as to ensure that whatever you are gluing together can last for many decades to come. If you are planning to sell your work, using PVA is a great idea.
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The reason you should use PVA glue and not any other is … because most of the other glues tend to turn yellow after some time and also break down, as a result, the things fall apart and are no longer glued together. The perfect example of this is the kindergarten craft that you made while in school. After some time, it tends to fall apart this is because the glue used is either school glue or Elmer’s glue.
Some of the advantages of PVA glue are as below:
- It does not yellow after a long period of time
- It doesn’t break down
- It remains malleable
- It has no effect on the PH balance of paper or anything else that it may get into contact with.
- Unless ingested, it is not toxic, therefore you should not eat it.
- Once it dries, it is clear in color
- It does not give a bad smell or does it produce harmful fumes.
The disadvantages of PVA Glue are as below:
- It can be degraded and broken down by algae, lichens, bacteria, and yeast.
- You cannot apply varnish over PVA but it can be painted over.
- When frozen, its polymer is degraded and renders the glue useless.
- It takes quite a bit of time for its bond to attain full strength
- It is not entirely water resistant
Uses of PVA Glue
- It is used by carpenters to join wood pieces together
- It is used for binding of books. Due to its flexibility and strong bond, it enables books to be securely bound. It also ensures that the PH level of the paper is not compromised.
- It is used as a wallpaper adhesive
- It is used for making crafts.
- It is used as an adhesive for envelopes
- It is used as an adhesive in the process of paper packaging
- Wallpaper Adhesive
There are three types of PVA glue. They are as shown below:
Glue can be used to do a lot more than just doing the ordinary sticking purpose. It has been known to be used for cosmetic purposes and for medical reasons. Below are eight uses of the PVA non -toxic craft glue.
When plants are pruned, they can be left predisposed to microorganism infections and bacteria that can result to the destruction of the plant. When you leave an opening on a pruned plant, ensure that you apply a coat of PVA glue. This will create an impermeable barrier for the plant and protect it against bacteria.
Frayed shoelaces look pretty untidy and also wear out the entire lace. If you have frayed shoelaces, all you have to do is to curl them with your hands, dip them in PVA glue and leave them to dry for a while.
PVA glue can be used in place of filler to fill the cracks and holes in your walls so as to enable painting to take place. All you have to do is to use a pipette for the purpose of filling the holes with glue.
For nail polish removal, all you have to do is mix two parts nail polish with one part PVA glue. Paint a layer of the mixture on each nail and leave it to dry. Once it is dry, peel it off with one single stroke.
Having trouble fitting screws into the hole? All you have to do is to pour a few drops of glue in the hole. After that, leave it in for about twenty minutes and wait for the results. Once the glue sets, you can go ahead and screw the screws into the whole. They will fit effortlessly.
To create special effects such as crackles on walls, all you have to do is apply a coat of paint over the wall and give it some time to dry. Once it’s dry, apply PVA glue over it then wait so that it can become gummy. Once it’s gummy, apply another paint layer then wait for the cracking effect to start appearing. For best results, use a base that contrasts with the topcoat color.
PVA glue mixed with liquid starch and food color will produce a cheap supply of slime that you and your children can enjoy for a long while.
Below are recipes for making your own glue from the comfort of your home. One of the easiest ways to make glue is by mixing flour and water. You can also make milk glue or a paste out of cornstarch. Milk glue is stronger than flour glue and you will be able to hear the chemical reaction taking place as you prepare the glue. All these are easy to make non-toxic and are a fun project to do with children.
Homemade Glue Recipes
This is one of the simplest recipes that can be used for children’s crafts.
• Add cold water to half a cup of flour until you achieve a consistency that looks like heavy cream.
• Transfer it to a saucepan for five minutes and stir it consistently.
• Allow it to cool before using it.
• Mix half a cup of flour and water into a bowl
• Stir the mixture until you achieve a gooey consistency
• Add a pinch of salt to the mixture
Other PVA Glue Tips:
• It can be used on permeable materials.
• An air-conditioned room is the best place for setting PVA glue.
• The most water resistant PVA glue is the yellow one as most of them are not water resistant.
• White PVA lasts longer than yellow PVA.
• To save money, ensure that you are a smart shopper. Avoid overpaying for PVA. Most PVA is more or less the same and can be interchanged with each other. Therefore what can be used on your scrapbook, can in most cases be used on wood.
Conclusion
Glue is definitely among those things that will most probably never go out of style unless something else is created that can replace it. It is definitely here to stay at least for the conceivable future because its benefits are simply amazing.
With each and everything that human beings create, there will always be an evolution into a flexible and stronger solution that will come up. One of these is the way in which super glue has evolved into different niches. It is not only used for fixing broken china but it is also used in the patching of wounds. The glue is able to bond and seal wounds effectively doing away with the need for stitches. The best thing about it is that it incorporates a healing ingredient that allows faster healing of wounds. For burns and scrapes, spray-on glue can be used on the skin to provide a barrier that protects the skin from infections.
It is quite impossible to fathom a world that does not have glue. It has basically assisted in the shaping, molding and bonding the homes that we all live in. The items that we use on a daily basis, without the help of glue it would be almost impossible to have them and in turn, people will live very basic lives.
In many ways, Glue those things that simplify our lives and enables us to create, build and repair. The best thing about it is that it is readily available and cheap to purchase. Knowing more about the best adhesives will make sure that you select the best that suits that task.
From the above information, you can now get a clear picture that encompasses what PVA glue really is, how it can be used and the areas in which you can use it. With all that you can be able to make a decision on the exact glue to purchase for your next project. By putting all the tips above into consideration before making a purchase, you will be able to save money and but the right product for your project and by so doing, you will create something that will last for many years to come.
