MetaEfficient Reviews » Adhesives & Sealants

Gorilla Glue: A Solvent-Free Glue

Justin — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 23:15:07 +0000

Gorilla Glue is a non-toxic, solvent-free polyurethane glue. Natural glues like white glues (e.g. Elmer’s glue) or mastic are optimal, but this glue is much less toxic than most. It works well on wood, but it’s not as specific as most wood adhesives. It bonds pretty well on metals, stone, ceramics, and many plastics. It is waterproof, meaning it doesn’t break down when wet, and doesn’t expand or contract with temperature. You do have to clamp stuff in place for a while while it dries, which you should do with any glue. If you glue infrequently, it is nice that Gorilla Glue has a long shelf life — three years as opposed to one, as with many other polyurethane glues. It’s available from: Amazon ($13 for 8 0z), and most hardware stores. Review via Cool Tools.

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Non-Toxic Caulk Substitutes

Justin — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 20:06:28 +0000

We’ve tracked down a more efficient caulking compound — one that does not contain toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as toluene and hexane. These are present in conventional caulk because they are cheap to produce. One company, AFMSafeCoat, produces a caulking compound that is a water-resistant, flexible sealant with excellent adhesion.

This caulk will not dry out or crack, and it does not release any solvents. It can be used in sinks, showers, around pipes, and between walls and woodwork. It’s available from the Environmental Home Center for $6.50 per tube.

Another company, Geocel, makes a similar non-toxic product, with very low levels of VOCs.

See also our previous post on AFM Paint.

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Auro Contact Glue: 100% Natural

Justin — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 18:41:50 +0000

Why are we featuring this dull looking tube of glue from Germany? Because it doesn’t suffer from the design flaw of every other household adhesive: toxicity. It is one of the few glues in the world that are derived solely from natural materials. How is this possible? This transparent glue’s main ingredients are dammar, latex, casein and orange oil. Dammar is a light and non-yellowing plant resin derived from the Meranti tree (see below) which is grown sustainably in managed forests in Sumatra.

Here is a picture of the Meranti tree:

It is great for use on paper, wood, plastic, metal, glass and cardboard.

Available from: Auro for about $8 for 2.5 oz.

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Silicone-Based Sealants

Justin — Mon, 23 May 2005 21:58:17 +0000

If you’ve got to fix a leak, you might want get some silicone sealant, instead of such things as Plumber’s Goop that contain toluene. Silicone sealants are often sold as aquarium or marine sealants. Some silicone sealants still contain questionable ingredients – best check the label. There are alternatives to any toxic substance they have in the hardware store.

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Non-Toxic Adhesives, Caulks and Sealants

Justin — Sat, 14 Aug 2004 10:53:52 +0000

When building, adhesives are often overlooked and considered at the last minute. However, adhesives are often more toxic than the flooring and other products they are made to adhere.

Most adhesives are still based on SB latex, which releases large quantities of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The volatile solvents are used to emulsify (or liquefy) the resin that acts as the bonding agent.

However, water-based adhesives emit far less VOCs than their conventional solvent based counterparts.

There are also some starch-oil based adhesives on the horizon, such as ZBind which may be on the market soon.

The Environmental Home Center has a good list of water-based sealers, caulks and adhesives.

HealthyHome.Com also has an extensive selection of non-toxic Paints, Stains & Coatings.

A comprehesive list of low VOC adhesives can be found on the Carpet and Rug Institute web site.

Here is our overview of some of the products available:

SEALANTS

AFM Sealant Line: AFM products are a low odor, non-toxic and water-based.

PhenoSeal “Does It All” vinyl adhesive caulk is an all purpose product. It will bond, caulk, or seal all common building materials, providing a tough-yet-flexible material for different jobs. Does It All is mildew and rust resistant, paintable, non-toxic, and non-flammable. It resists mild acids, alkalis, salt water, oil, gasoline, and many other solvents.

WOOD ADHESIVES

Titebond Construction Adhesive – by Franklin International, is a solvent free construction adhesive (no VOCs) for plywood, paneling, hardboard and wet or frozen lumber.

Timberline 2051 Wood Flooring Adhesive – by Timberline for laminated plank and parquet flooring

Elmer’s Carpenter’s Glue – a low odor, non toxic water based adhesive for porous materials.

100% Pure Silicone Caulk – by DAP/Dow Corning Products can be used as a sub floor adhesive. Specify aquarium grade caulk without additives. Available at many hardware chains including Home Depot, Ace Hardware.

NATURAL CORK AND LINOLEUM ADHESIVES

Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive – by AFM is a low odor, non-toxic, water-based adhesive designed for hard composition wall and floor tiles as well as carpeting. (ceramic, parquet, Formica and slate where a typical carpet adhesive would be used.

Auro No. 383 Natural Linoleum Glue – by Auro is suitable for unfinished cork tiles in a thin bed application, but not suitable for floors in humid areas.

BioShield cork adhesive – is a water-based elastic glue made from natural latex, plant oils and resins designed for use with cork and carpets. Can be used on finished concrete wood and plywood.

Dri-Tac – is a water-based low VOC adhesive that claims superior tack. This product is recommended by Dodge-Regopol natural cork flooring manufacturers.

CERAMIC TILE ADHESIVES

CT-12 by Capitol Adhesives is a solvent-free mastic for installing ceramic wall and floor tiles.

CARPET ADHESIVES AND SEAMING TAPES

Almighty Adhesive – by AFM is low odor, non-toxic, water based adhesive for gluing wood and wood laminates

Auro No. 385 Natural Carpet Glue – by Auro

BioShield cork adhesive – is a water-based elastic glue made from natural latex, plant oils and resins designed for use with cork and carpets. Can be used with sisal, coco, wool and jute backings.

Hendricksen Naturlich Manufacturer’s Adhesive

Envirotec Health Guard Adhesive #2027, 2045, 2054, 2055, 2060, 2070, 2080

Envirotec Health Guard seaming tapes #3070, 3080, 3090, 3093, 3094

Alternatives to utilizing adhesives with carpeting include, 3M’s Tac Fast system using a loop fabric on the carpet back that engages with hook tape applied to the floor surface (like Velcro). This system eliminates the IAQ issues involved with liquid adhesives. Another mechanical application method is tacking down carpeting on tack strips eliminating the need for large quantities of adhesives.

CAULKING COMPOUNDS

AFM makes a Caulking Compound as part of the “SafeCoat” line which is a non-toxic, water-based, elastic emulsion type caulking compound designed to replace oil caulk and putty. It will not dry out or crack and does not release any solvents or obnoxious odors. SafeCoat caulking compound provides a water resistant, flexible, easy to install, non-sag sealant with excellent initial and permanent adhesion. This caulking compound has properties, which enable the application to be made without stringiness, and yet maintains flexibility and toughness. It mat be applied to a variety of substrates and has high durability. High resin content affords maximum bond strength.

Another caulking option is 100% silicone caulk, or aquarium grade caulk. These caulks are available in either clear or white and can be found at most hardware stores.