When mother nature gives you branches and twigs, why not use them? If you’re not going to use those branches and twigs for fire and warmth, you can always use them for crafts. To use them for your DIY projects, you’re going to need good-quality glue to put all the pieces together.
The best glue for branches and twigs is PVA glue. PVA glue is commonly used today in wood construction because it’s made for bonding materials like wood, card, and paper. Plus, PVA glue is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it safe for kids and the environment.
In this article, we’ll take you through some PVA glue basics, how to use it, and some of the good brands available on the market today.
What Is PVA Glue?
Polyvinyl acetate, also known as PVA glue, white glue, school glue, carpenter’s glue, wood glue, or Elmer’s glue in the US, is a synthetic, water-soluble adhesive used on materials like wood, card, and paper. Many people use PVA glue in wood construction, bookbinding, and crafting. Most PVA glues are not waterproof but are water-resistant, meaning they can withstand water for an extended period.
Is PVA Glue Strong?
PVA glue is strong, with strength ranging between 3,600 and 4,000 psi, which is why it is commonly used in construction. You can also use PVA glue to join woods, chipboards, and MDF. Since PVA is capable of gluing hardwood products, you can rest assured that you can rely on PVA glue to hold the branches and twigs for your DIY projects.
Based on a test run by Fine Woodworking magazine on wood joints’ mechanical resistance with different glues, PVA glue was ranked for the best value. The test proved that PVA glue could perform well on tight ipé wood joints. The test also showed that Type 1 PVA glue (waterproof) was overall the best glue.
Do you know that PVA glue is more robust than most woods? That means the wood may fail first before the PVA glue does. If you need glue for the branches and twigs from your backyard, you’ll want PVA glue.
What Are PVA Glue Advantages?
PVA glue is very popular for many different reasons, such as:
- They’re durable
- They’re easy to use
- They can withstand prolonged exposures to water
- They’re affordable
PVA glue is somewhat environmentally friendly. Even though PVA glue is biodegradable, it can release fumes that will poison the air when burned. For the most part, PVA glue is safe, even for children, just so long they don’t swallow it.
How To Use PVA Glue
You can use PVA glue for many things, from home repairs to DIY home decor projects. PVA glues are excellent for repairing doors, binding books, setting up wallpapers, and more. It’s easy to use PVA glue, and you don’t have to worry about it getting on your skin as it is non-toxic and can also be easily washed off with warm water.
Step-by-step on how to use PVA glue on branches and twigs:
- Apply a generous amount of PVA glue on your branches and twigs. Be sure to cover all the necessary areas for maximum coverage. When appropriately covered, the PVA glue will work at its best.
- Wipe off any PVA glue access using a piece of wet fabric. Warm water will be ideal. You want to clean the surface of your project as soon as you can before the glue hardens.
- Join the branches or twigs according to your project instructions. You want to give the surfaces as much pressure as possible. When attached correctly, your branches or twigs should be stable.
- Leave your project to dry from an hour to several hours, depending on the amount of glue used. You want to let the glue dry up in an area with good air circulation. Place your newly glued product someplace warm — heat helps the glue’s water molecules evaporate, hence quicker drying.
Best PVA Glue Brands
The best glue for branches and twigs would be Elmer’s E7010 carpenter’s wood glue. You can also use it for home repairs. The product is easy to use, with up to 30 minutes of clamp time and 24 hours to achieve a complete bond.
You might also want to try Gorilla Wood Glue. This glue can be used indoors and outdoors and is ideal for light wood projects, including branches and twigs. Like Elmer’s, Gorilla glue is fast drying.
Another great product to consider is Mont Marte PVA Craft Glue. The glue bottle has a fine tip that makes it great for school or office projects and handicrafts. Some find the glue inconvenient for paper projects due to lack of flexibility, but it’s perfect for branches and twigs.
Final Thoughts
The best glue for branches and twigs is PVA glue. PVA glue is strong and is excellent for DIY projects and home repairs. Many people like PVA glue because it is non-toxic, easy to use, durable, and reliable.
Generally, PVA glue is safe to use, even for children, so long as it doesn’t get swallowed. PVA glue is water-resistant primarily and can withstand water exposure for an extended period. Some of the best PVA glues are by Elmer’s, Gorilla, and Mont Marte.