How to Use Adhesives Safely in DIY

You will find that most DIY projects require the use of some form of adhesive. This means that every homeowner needs to have a range of adhesives in their toolkit so that they can bond two materials together properly. But you must also remember to be safe when using any form of adhesive. While glue may not appear as dangerous as many of the tools and bits of equipment in your toolkit, it can still be incredibly dangerous to use due to the various chemicals it contains. With this in mind, here is a guide to how to safely use adhesives in DIY.

Ventilation

Most glues contain chemicals which can be harmful if inhaled — this is why you need to make sure that you are always working in a well-ventilated space and taking regular breaks. You could also use a mask, but ideally it will be in a well-ventilated area. You should also avoid eating or drinking in the same area where you are using adhesives.

Eye Protection

You certainly don’t want to get any kind of glue in your eyes, which is why you must always wear goggles when working with adhesives (this is generally good practice for any DIY project). You should also have an eye-washing kit nearby.

Gloves & Skin Protection

Adhesives can cause damage to the skin which is why you should always wear gloves (this should also stop you from sticking your fingers together!). You may also want to have some form of protection in the form of a long-sleeve top. If you do manage to get an adhesive on your skin, there should be advice on what to do on the glue bottle; however, most can be removed with an antiseptic cleaning agent. 

Read Directions

You should read the directions of the adhesive before you start to use it, particularly if it is toxic or is one that uses a glue gun or spray. In addition to teaching you how to use the glue safely, this should also help you to get the best results. 

Buy From Specialists

It is important to always purchase your adhesives from specialists so that you are getting the best, safest and strongest glues. You can get high-quality adhesives at trade prices from specialists online which will help you to save money while also getting the best products on the market.

Clean Spillages Immediately

It is easy to spill glue when completing a DIY task, but this can create a slip hazard and damage your surrounding environment. This is why you need to attend to any spillages immediately and before it begins to dry — this can usually be done with a rag and/or piece of cardboard.

Follow these tips and it should allow you to work with any type of adhesive safely and confidently. It may not seem as dangerous as using a saw or hammer, but adhesives can be dangerous to work with and you must always keep safety in mind.