Attach Things to Another

Lets talk fasteners, hardware, glue, resin, and methods.

Questions to Ask

• Is it a permanent connection or will you need to disassemble the object?
• Does the glue need to be flexible, water-tight, paintable or stainable, or withstand a large amount of force?
• Are you attaching 2 of the same materials or different materials?
• Do you need them attached quickly or can you let it dry over time?
• Does the attachment need to be food save or low odor?
• Can the attachment show?

Techniques

Glue & Clamp/Hold

Glues work best when aided with a physical attachment. Use glue AND a screw, nail or staple, a glue and a joint, a glue and stitching or binding, or clamp for best results.

Use Appropriate Hold/Strength

Any glue is only as strong as the weakest material in the bonding union. There is no point in using a glue stronger than the materials you are bonding.

Always use the least toxic material that meets your bonding requirements.

Prep Your Surface

The success of a bond is dependent on the amount of surface area. The more surface area you are able to incorporate, the stronger the bond.

Read Instructions

Understanding how a glue works will help you choose the right glue for the job. The manufacturer knows their glue better than the cashier at the hardware store. Reading the label thoroughly will help you know if a glue is appropriate for your needs. Also, many glues have a help line or a website. We have found some sites for you. (source)

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Types of Fastening

• Tapes (masking, duct, foil, copper, flex)
• Liquid or Spray adhesives (white glue, wood glue, PVA, crazy glue, epoxy, puttys that harden, silicon)
• Re-closable Fasteners (like velcro)
• Hot glue or melting plastic to unite items (interfacings)
• Chemical adhesives that break down plastics
• Screws, bolts, hinges, latches, hooks, rings, (hardware)
• Rope, string, ties, rubber bands, wire
• Linings, stiffener, lamination
• Slide, friction, locking

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Resin for Art & Bonding

Resin is a natural or synthetic organic polymer, hardened by heating, UV or adding a curing agent. (source)

What is the difference between the epoxy and the resin?
Epoxy refers to the cured end product of epoxy resin.

Types of Resin

1. Epoxy Resin: Known for high strength and durability.
2. Polyurethane Resin: Offers flexibility and toughness.
3. Polyester Resin: Good mechanical properties and chemical resistance.
4. Silicone: Heat-resistant with excellent electrical insulation.
5. Acrylic Resin: Clear and weather-resistant.
6. Phenolic Resin: High heat resistance and excellent electrical insulation.

Resin vs. Plastic

• Resins are natural or synthetic polymers; plastics are synthetic with additional additives.
• Resins require curing; plastics are processed through molding techniques.
• Resins are often liquid or semi-solid; plastics are solid.
• Resins are used in coatings, adhesives, and composites; plastics are used in packaging, construction, and consumer goods.
• Resins generally have higher hardness and density, while plastics are more flexible and durable.

Resin for sealing, preserving, and decoration

You will need resin and hardener. mixing cups and sticks, gloves, safety glasses, resin dyes, resin pigments, and mica powders (metallic pigments), glitter, and other decorations as desired.

Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator when working with resin art materials.

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