If you’re interested in finding natural alternatives to those nasty smelling chemical adhesives which have taken over the hardware market, you don’t have to look any further. For hundreds and thousands of years natural adhesive (otherwise known as natural glue) were the only option available to carpenters, builders, plumbers, manufacturers, craftspeople and even artists. As such, the science of natural adhesives has evolved over time and there are a number of great alternatives available even today which can be used for a wide range of projects, both big and small. Ultimately it depends on your own unique requirements and how much time you’re willing to spend making and applying the glue.
Natural adhesives have many of the same properties that chemical and synthetic adhesives have. Some natural adhesives are quite strong, whilst others are incredibly flexible. Some are waterproof, whilst others are soluble in water. Some are ideal for delicate jobs which require a level of invisibility of the adhesive, whilst others can be used in the construction of large or heavy items of furniture.
Natural adhesives have many of the same properties that chemical and synthetic adhesives have. Some natural adhesives are quite strong, whilst others are incredibly flexible. Some are waterproof, whilst others are soluble in water. Some are ideal for delicate jobs which require a level of invisibility of the adhesive, whilst others can be used in the construction of large or heavy items of furniture.
Of course, natural adhesives / natural glues are often slightly more expensive than the mass-produced chemical alternatives and are not as easy to use – most need to be kept at a high temperature and don’t come with handy applicators. That said, they’re friendlier to the environment – they don’t release nasty chemicals into the atmosphere or soil in either the manufacturing process or later application – and friendlier to your home (no nasty smells or aggravations of chemical-based allergies). Whilst natural adhesives are not perfect for every gluing job, you should be able to use them every now and then in your home.