Gluing together acrylic sheeting is a completely different process than traditional gluing methods. In fact, gluing acrylic sheeting together is considered joining rather than gluing. This is because, in order to properly connect acrylic sheeting, the adhesive solvent needs to be placed along the joints to ensure a durable finish. Most acrylic solvents melt the bonding surface of the acrylic, fusing them into one piece. Here are some things you need to know about properly joining acrylic sheeting together.
How to fuse acrylic paints
If you want to glue over acrylics, make sure the paint is dry first. PVA will be fine, because it is like using plastic on plastic. Also you can use impasto gel/medium or an acrylic binder, they all act like glues too. I would suggest on a piece of paper or canvas sheet first do a few samples/trials with what mediums I have suggested. Be aware that the choosen glue medium (water-based) you use might stay tacky. Maybe a glaze over the top or varnish will help that problem. Let use know how you go and post a picture when you have done it! Chrissy
July 22, 2008 at 10:22 pm #1103708
Default
I think it is either Howard or Howyadoing (Bret) that use acrylic paint to glue things in place.
Seems the paint works as a binder and is actually better than any glue.
~~Kathleen
July 22, 2008 at 10:27 pm #1103709
Default
When I have painted and then added ephemera over top I have used soft gloss gel to fix the paper onto the paint.
Kathy
My Website Calliope’s Musing; My Blog Pencil Shavings; My ArtFire shop
July 22, 2008 at 11:05 pm #1103706
Default
I think the answer is clear acrylic medium to glue the clipping on top of acrylic paint. When dry, more acrylic medium on top to seal the clipping. I’ve never done it myself.
Julie >:3 (Sketch/Art Blog, Personal Blog )
Wetcanvas has a Chinese Brush Painting thread and an Asian Brush Project “Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.” Ed Parker, Sr.
July 23, 2008 at 12:22 am #1103711
Default
Thank you! I’ll let you know how it goes!
— Judas
If our eyes could not see, how beautiful we would see the world through our hearts. – Jacqui Delorenzo
July 23, 2008 at 9:00 am #1103710
Default
I use acrylic gel medium.It is like glue and it dries clear.
http://vanyasartblog.blogspot.com/
http://vanyasartjournal.blogspot.com/
www.vanyasArts.etsy.com
July 24, 2008 at 8:56 pm #1103712
Default
I went and got a matte acrylic gel and it worked PERFECT! Thanks!
— Judas
If our eyes could not see, how beautiful we would see the world through our hearts. – Jacqui Delorenzo
Can You Use PVA Glue for Acrylic Pouring?
These days there are many kinds of paints, surfaces, pouring mediums, and additives that acrylic pouring artists use to create with. Each of these items has its strengths, weaknesses, and associated monetary costs. With this in mind, we are exploring one of the more inexpensive, but highly effective, pouring mediums commonly available to most artists; PVA glue.
PVA, or polyvinyl acetate, glue works quite well as a pouring medium. The texture and composition mix nicely with acrylic paints and dries into a sturdy, slightly flexible, solid that adheres to many different painting surfaces. PVA glue is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find in most countries.
Read on for more information about the composition of PVA glue and a few of the advantages and disadvantages of using PVA glue in your fluid acrylic pouring project.
Table of Contents
Why Use PVA Glue in Acrylic Pouring?
PVA glue is a multi-purpose glue made from polyvinyl acetate. This glue is most commonly used as an adhesive to porous materials like wood, cloth, paper, and cardboard.
Vinyl and acrylic resins are similar in composition with vinyl being a much cheaper alternative, hence its use in things like house paint and glue. The vinyl resin is both a hardener and a binder which makes it an ideal candidate for extending acrylic paint without compromising its strength and composition.
Here are a few of the other properties of PVA glue to consider before using it as a pouring medium. Acrylic Pour with PVA Glue
Cost
One major factor in favor of using PVA glue for your acrylic paint pour is the price. All-purpose glue like Elmer’s Glue-All can be found any almost any hardware, grocery, or convenient store. This glue costs a fraction of the price of most name brand acrylic paint pouring mediums.
Fewer Cells
When used in an acrylic paint pour, glue tends to have fewer cells form naturally when compared to other pouring mediums like Floetrol or Liquitex Pouring Medium. This is especially beneficial when you are looking to get more solid colors in your paint pour techniques like a ring pour.
Cells are a tricky business with fluid art and we recommend you read our article specifically dedicated to cells here.
Strength and Drying Times
PVA glues were created to improve the strength of the glue and to minimize their drying times. PVA glues are made of binders/resins, water, and ethanol or acetone.
The binders/resins create the bonding connection between surfaces. The water gives the mixtures it’s fluidity and contributes to how long the material takes to dry. The ethanol or acetone is used to control how quickly the glue dries.
Drying times for acrylic pour artists are less important than a woodworker where minutes can be important.
Acrylic pour artists expect their paintings to take a day or two to dry and a few weeks to fully cure.
You can learn more about drying times of acrylic pours in our article here.
Glue Provides Sheen
Since many acrylic paints are more matte, when combined with a pouring medium made of semi-gloss glue and water you get a shinier result when dried.
PVA Glue is Non-Toxic
Another plus for using PVA glue as your pouring medium is that it is non-toxic. These glues are made from synthetic materials that do not create very much outgassing. No special equipment like masks or gloves is required when using PVA glue.
Alternative Glues
- Glue-All or White Glue – This is a multi-purpose glue that we use the most. Elmer’s is a popular brand in the US but there are a few others.
- School Glue – This a watered-down version of the Glue-All. It is made to be washable, even after it has dried which is why it is favored in-school use. This will work for practice pours but we don’t recommend using it for artwork you want to last longer than a few years. If you use silicone you can’t wash that off before putting a resin or top coat on or you will pull up the color. School Glue also dries a smoky white where Glue-All dries clear.
- Bookbinders Glue – This glue is specially made for long term use. It is PH neutral so that it won’t break down or yellow over time.
- Clear Glue – Some glue comes in a clear form. In most cases clear glue is similar to the Glue-All or white glue. Bear in mind that some school glues are also clear so read the label carefully.
Archival refers to the lifespan of a material and how well said materials keeps its original color, texture, and form. Because the composition of PVA glues varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, every glue is going to have a different archival quality.
Most PVA glues, like School Glue, Clear Glue, and Elmer’s Glue-All are slightly acidic. These glues will last years but will break down over time in part because of the acid. However, based on what we’ve seen from other artists, this time tends to be in the decades for acrylic pour art.
Many fine artists prefer book binder’s glue or other similar acid-free or PH neutral glues as they will last much longer than traditional glues. Bookbinders and acid-free glues are also more expensive than more common PVA glues.
Choose the Best Adhesive
Before gluing acrylic sheeting together, you need to use the best adhesive for your project. There are several different kinds of plastic adhesive, but it’s important to pick the right one for acrylic. Because acrylic sheeting needs to be welded together rather than glued, you need to pick a cement solvent that melts the acrylic pieces and fuses them at the joints.
When applying cement solvent, make sure that your acrylic sheets fit together without using force. If any sides are rough, lightly sand them to ensure proper bonding. It’s also important that all of your acrylic sheets is dry and free of debris before bonding.
Safety Tips
Before applying welding solvent, take proper safety measures to ensure dangerous chemicals are not inhaled or come in contact with skin.
- Keep all welding solvents away from heat sources
- Keep workspaces properly ventilated
- Wear a breathing apparatus, especially if the space isn’t well ventilated
- Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear
- Store on a high shelf, away from children and animals
- Use a small head applicator bottle for the solvent. Needle-nosed works best
Assembling Acrylic Sheets
Once you have put in place safety measures, it’s time to bond the acrylic sheets together. Use clamps or masking tape to hold acrylic sheeting in place while applying solvent. If acrylic sheeting is being welded for box corner joints, apply solvent on the inside edge of the acrylic sheeting. Apply cement solvent on both sides of sheeting if you’re applying to flat joints.
Allow acrylic sheeting to dry for at least 30 minutes before moving. For maximum durability and strength, let sheeting dry for 48 hours. Once the solvent has dried, your pieces of plastic sheeting are now welded together into one piece of acrylic.
