White Glue’s Functions and Usage
FAQ 2025-09-22
White glue is a water-soluble adhesive made from vinyl acetate monomer via polymerization with an initiator. It’s commonly referred to as white glue or PVAC emulsion, and its chemical name is polyvinyl acetate adhesive. It’s synthesized from acetic acid and ethylene to form vinyl acetate, with titanium dioxide (low-grade products often use light calcium, talc, or other powders). This emulsion polymerizes to form a thick, milky white liquid. White glue cures quickly at room temperature, providing high bond strength. The bonded layer exhibits good toughness, durability, and resistance to aging.
The disadvantages of polyvinyl acetate emulsion adhesives include poor water and moisture resistance. They readily absorb moisture in humid air, creeping when used at high temperatures, reducing bond strength. They also freeze easily when stored below -5°C, damaging the emulsion. This product, using a polymer compound formed by the polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol and formaldehyde as a modifier, improves the emulsion’s water resistance and freeze-thaw resistance, expanding its application range.


White Glue Uses
It can be widely used for bonding paper products (wallpaper), as well as for waterproof coatings and wood. It uses water as a dispersant and is safe, non-toxic, non-flammable, and easy to clean. It cures at room temperature and offers excellent adhesion to wood, paper, and fabric, with high bond strength. The cured adhesive layer is colorless, transparent, and tough, and does not contaminate the adherend. The emulsion is also highly stable, with a shelf life of over six months. Therefore, it is widely used in printing and binding, furniture manufacturing, and as an adhesive for paper, wood, cloth, leather, and ceramics. It can also be used as a modifier for adhesives such as phenolic resins and urea-formaldehyde resins, and in the manufacture of polyvinyl acetate latex paints.
How to Use White Glue
1. Before using white glue, first clean the surface of the material to be bonded. For example, if there is oil, water, dust, or other dirt on the surface, clean it with a detergent such as alcohol. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying white glue.
2. When applying the glue by hand, use a brush to evenly apply the white glue to the surface of one of the materials to be bonded, then the other material. After bonding, press the two materials together, securing them with clips, tape, or other similar materials. Generally, the materials will be in place after two hours of bonding. Full curing takes 24 hours. (Note: The curing time of glue is affected by indoor humidity and temperature. If used in low temperatures and high humidity, the setting and full curing time of the white glue will be delayed. Conversely, in a dry and well-ventilated environment, the setting and full curing time of the white glue will be shortened.)
3. When using white glue, it is best not to dilute it with water to save costs. Doing so will affect the adhesive bond.


