PVA Glues

Plain old white glue

PVA (Polyvinyl acetates) are probably the most common adhesive on the market. They come in a variety of formulas, all ever so slightly different, and specific to what they are designed to glue. Here are some tips for using Polyvinyl acetates.

• All PVAs are designed to work on porous materials only
• PVAs are water based, and clean up with warm soapy water.
• PVA is only toxic to ingest, it does not emit any harmful fumes, and is not hazardous to touch
• PVA sets best in good air circulation, at room temperature.
• PVAs need pressure to adhere, see our info on clamping.
• Most PVAs are not water proof. The yellow PVAs have a higher moisture resistance than the white ones, but neither are completely water proof.
• Never allow your PVAs to freeze. This breaks down the polymers and your glue will be rendered useless!
• Yellow PVAs have a shorter shelf life than white PVAs.
• Be wary of over priced PVAs that claim to be for a specific use. There is very little difference from one PVA to the other, and nothing that should increase the cost.
• Although PVA is not a gap filler, in some cases you can add sawdust to it to increase its gap filling ability.