Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn

No one likes to get into sticky situations but sometimes you have to, especially when you dropped your favorite coffee cup and the handle broke off.

There’s a sticky glue to get you out of that sticky situation. In fact, you can find a type of glue for any and all occasions that need bonding (unless it’s people – then you need a dating service) so make sure you purchase the right one for your product and conditions.

Many types of glues work superfast and can have toxic fumes, so follow directions carefully and use protective gear.

10. Indoor (white) glue

Indoor glue, the white stuff you probably used in school, is the adhesive to use for gluing most paper, ceramic and wood. Made from polyvinyl acetate, it sets in about 8 hours and is cured in 24 hours. Use a clamp if the pieces don’t stay together on their own while drying. White glue is water-soluble so cleanup is easy with soap and water.

9. Cellulose Glue

Glass, ceramics and plastic may need a tougher bond than indoor glue can provide, so cellulose glue is a better choice. It helps to apply two coats to both surfaces and let it set for two days. Cellulose glue is water resistant so it needs to be cleaned with an acetone like nail polish remover.

8. Rubber Cement

Rubber cement can provide both permanent and temporary bonding of paper, so it’s popular in art or advertising applications where paste-ups are common. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the pages.

7. Epoxy

For extra-strong, water-proof bonding both indoors and outdoors, epoxy is the best choice. It can be tricky to use since it requires mixing two parts (a resin and an activator) and applying quickly. There are many epoxy variations depending on the surface and whether it will be used indoors or outdoors, so read the package carefully. Wear protective gloves and use a disposable applicator and perform cleanups quickly with an acetone.

6. Instant Glue

Non-porous items like plastics, metal or rubber that need to be set almost immediately can be repaired with instant or Cyanoacrylate glue. Since it works so fast, wear gloves to protect your skin. Instant glues are water resistant and must be cleaned up with acetone. Instant glues have become popular in hospitals as an alternative to surgical stitching.

5. Resorcinol Glue

Big pieces in tough conditions demand a big adhesive like resorcinol glue. It’s used for bonding wood products and resists both fresh and salt water. It’s also used for outdoor furniture and any outdoor products that are subject to stress because the bond is strong and rigid.

4. Animal Glue

Once all glues were made from animal hides, but today animal glue is used mainly for making wooden musical instruments, for binding books and for repairing antique furniture. Animal glue can be loosened with heat.

3. Contact Cement

Contact cement is used to install floor coverings, Formica countertops, artificial turf, wood veneer and for attaching shoe soles to uppers. Contact cement must be applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry sometimes as long as 24 hours before using. Once the surfaces are pressed together, the bonding in quick and pressure or clamping s normally not needed.

2. Hot Glue

If you’re a hobbyist or craft maker, you probably own a glue gun and an arsenal of glue sticks. Hot glues such as ethylene-vinyl acetate heated in the gun and applied in molten form to a wide range of material. Once the glue solidifies, the bond is set.

1. School Paste

Everyone knows the smell and most of us remember the taste of school paste. It’s a liquid adhesive made from vegetable starch (wheat flour or rice flour) and water. It works well for gluing paper sheets together or sticking posters on walls (wallpaper paste uses cellulose for a longer-lasting bond) and is used in bookbinding. It’s easy to apply and since it’s all-natural, it’s safe to eat.