Non-toxic glue?

**AndyDuframe** · #1 06-20-2012, 07:20 AM

Any such thing as a fast-drying glue that doesn't make you dizzy? I've been trying to use one of those hobby glue guns, but they are way too messy. Most of of the materials I need to bond consist of paper and foam core.

**scyeige** · #2 06-20-2012, 07:51 AM

I reckon regular PVA should work fine - they don't emit noxious fumes

**calinous** · #3 06-20-2012, 08:02 AM

I'm not becoming dizzy from using shoe glue (it's dissolved in some petroleum-based solvent, smells like acetone/nail polish/nail polish remover). And it's pretty fast drying - 10 minutes or so, but is sticky enough after application

**AndyDuframe** · #4 06-20-2012, 09:19 AM

Thanks for the replies!
Any opinions about conventional hot-glue-guns? I love how fast things set up (like 5 seconds or less), and no fumes that I can detect. Problem is, the tip usually leaves kind of a spider web string as I pull away from the joint. Then that gets stuck on things I don't want glue (like my fingers).

**SCEtoAUX** · #5 06-20-2012, 10:43 AM

Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue (silver bottle), Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue (purple bottle).

Seems like all of the hot glue gun glues leave those spider web string thingies. Some say the high temp stuff is less prone, but it has not been observed as so by this unit.

**KCStephens** · #6 06-20-2012, 10:59 AM

As far as I know PVA such as Elmers is non toxic.
If applied as a very thin film ( think postage stamp) it sets up almost instantly
No web like strings or burnt finger tips

**paper hollywood** · #7 06-20-2012, 03:57 PM

Yes, I find PVA can be quick-drying enough when used properly. I find it works best if you coat both surfaces and wait just a bit until they are tacky before joining. I find hot glue less ideal for a couple of reasons. One is that it tends to be kind of stringy. Another is that if your finished work happens to be in a warm place for too long the joint will loosen. I've even had things come apart from sitting too close to a high wattage light bulb. If you finished joint is going to stay in a refrigerator, I'd say it's a great choice, though.

**glounsbury** · #8 06-20-2012, 08:24 PM

I use UHU glue. Get it at Michaels craft store.
It comes in a yellow pplastic bottle with green printing.
George

**AndyDuframe** · #9 06-21-2012, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paper hollywood

Another is that if your finished work happens to be in a warm place for too long the joint will loosen.

Ahh...I didn't even think of that. Good point.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I'll definitely check out the UHU and PVA glues. I'd love to put my clunky hot-glue gun out to pasture!