Repair

Reading glasses, Fix & Flash glue, and magazines on a wooden table with two glasses of iced tea

Browse our wide selection of repair glues, perfect for small household repairs and DIY projects. The repair range includes our best super glues, specialty glues and all-purpose glues. All are expertly designed to create a secure bond to a variety of materials.

Step-by-step tutorials

Our how-to videos guide your through the best ways to use your repair adhesive, so you can get stuck into your next DIY project.

Discover hints and tips to bring your broken or damaged items back to life - all in a few drops. With our guidance, you can contribute to a more sustainable future by repairing your items instead of throwing them away. Don't bin it, fix it! Be a #REPAIRHERO.

DISCOVER TUTORIALS

Frequently asked questions

Are glue gun sticks toxic?

No, Bostik Hot Glue Sticks are non-toxic and suitable for a wide range of craft, hobby and DIY applications.

Although Bostik Hot Glue Sticks are non-toxic, the melted adhesive and glue gun nozzle can become very hot during use. Always follow the product instructions and take care when handling hot adhesive.

Can I use any glue sticks with my glue gun?

No - using the wrong glue sticks could block and damage your Bostik glue gun. We have two variations of glue gun, HG3 Hot Melt Glue Gun and Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun and each of our glue guns have specific glue sticks that are available.

Can Super Glue repair leather?

No, Bostik Super Glue is generally not the best choice for repairing leather. Leather requires an adhesive that remains flexible after curing so the repaired area can continue to bend and move without cracking.

For leather and imitation leather repairs, Bostik Leather Glue is the recommended option. It is designed to create a strong, flexible and water-resistant bond that helps deliver longer-lasting repair results.

Do I need a super glue gel or a super glue liquid?

A super glue liquid has a low viscosity, meaning the liquid flows easily. This type of formula is great for filling horizontal surface cracks and fractures where the adhesive can flow into the cracks.

A super glue gel has a higher viscosity, making it less 'runny' and less likely to drip. Gels are ideal for vertical application and for porous surfaces and tend to be easier to apply as they are harder to spill.

Does Super Glue work in the cold?

Yes, Bostik Super Glue is designed to perform in cold conditions and can maintain a strong bond even at low temperatures. Many Bostik Super Glue formulations remain effective in temperatures down to -20°C.

To achieve the strongest bond, ensure the surfaces are clean, dry and properly prepared before applying the adhesive.

Should you remove a Glue Stick from a glue gun?

No, a partially used Glue Stick is usually best left inside the glue gun until you need it again. Attempting to remove the adhesive may interfere with the internal feed mechanism and could affect the performance of the tool.

If part of the Glue Stick extends beyond the back of the glue gun, it can be trimmed carefully. When the remaining Glue Stick becomes too short to feed properly, simply insert another Glue Stick and continue working as normal.

How do I know how to stick two materials together?

Discover our new Bostik Glue Guide to discover what product to use.

How do you prepare surfaces before gluing?

Before applying adhesive, make sure both surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust, grease, oil, rust, loose material or other contaminants.

Removing residues and preparing the surfaces properly helps improve adhesion and gives the best chance of achieving a strong, durable bond.

How does fabric glue work? 

Bostik Fabric Glue forms a permanent bond by adhering to the fibres of the fabric.

How long do glue guns last?

The lifespan of a glue gun can vary depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. In many cases, glue guns can provide reliable performance for years when used correctly and kept free from blockages.

One of the most common causes of glue gun problems is a jammed glue stick. Using the correct glue sticks for your glue gun can help prevent blockages and keep the tool working effectively for longer.

How long does fabric glue take to dry?

Bostik Fabric Glue should be allowed to dry and cure fully before the bonded item is washed or put into regular use. Drying time can vary depending on the amount of adhesive applied, the fabric type and the surrounding conditions.

For the best results, follow the product instructions and allow the repair sufficient time to cure before handling or laundering the fabric.

I’ve spilt super glue on my work surface, how do I remove it?

Wipe the affected area with an acetone dampened cloth or nail polish remover containing acetone.

Is Fabric Glue washable?

Yes, Fabric Glue is designed to create a durable bond that can withstand washing once fully cured. This makes it suitable for clothing repairs, fabric alterations and other textile projects that may need regular cleaning.

For the best results, allow the adhesive to dry completely before washing the fabric and always follow the product instructions.

Is PVA glue the same as school glue?

Bostik PVA Glue is suitable for school projects and is ideal for both schools and home, but it is not described as “just school glue.” It bonds to fabric, but it is not described as the same as fabric glue. Information about leather glue is not available in the provided source.

Bostik PVA Glue is described as a multi-purpose, solvent free white glue and as a general purpose PVA glue, but the provided source does not state that all multi-purpose glues are PVA glues. 

Is super glue flammable?

No. Bostik super glues are classified as non-flammable and are not intended to ignite under normal conditions of use. For best results, always use the product as directed and store it according to the instructions on the packaging.

Can super glue withstand high temperatures?

Yes, Bostik Super Glue Liquid and Bostik Super Glue Gel can perform in temperatures ranging from -55°C to +80°C. 

This temperature resistance makes them suitable for many repair and bonding projects where materials may be exposed to changing environmental conditions.

Is super glue waterproof or water resistant?

Bostik Super Glue Liquid and Bostik Super Glue Gel are water and heat resistant. However, the available product information does not describe them as waterproof.

If your project may be exposed to moisture, check that the adhesive is suitable for the intended application and conditions before use.

Is glue gun glue waterproof?

Yes, glue gun glue is highly water resistant and can withstand exposure to moisture in many everyday applications. Once fully cooled and cured, the adhesive forms a durable bond that can also resist temperature fluctuations and general wear.

For the best results, always ensure surfaces are clean and dry before applying glue gun adhesive.

How does viscosity affect adhesive performance?

Viscosity refers to how thick or fluid an adhesive is. Lower-viscosity adhesives flow more easily, while higher-viscosity adhesives are thicker and provide greater control during application.

The viscosity of an adhesive can influence how it spreads, fills gaps and performs on vertical surfaces, making it an important factor when selecting the right product for a project.

When should you use PVA glue?

Use Bostik PVA Glue when bonding porous materials such as paper, card, wood and fabric. Its solvent-free formula makes it a popular choice for arts, crafts, school projects and general creative applications.

If you're working with leather or need a dedicated fabric repair adhesive, Bostik Leather Glue and Bostik Fabric Glue are designed specifically for those applications and materials.

What is Spray Adhesive and how to use it?

Spray Adhesive is a permanent contact adhesive in an aerosol format. It applies as a mist and is suitable for bonding a wide variety of materials including paper, card, foam, leather, rubber, plastic, metal, wood, stone and even concrete.

Simple and easy-to-use in a few seconds, our Spray Adhesive caters to all kinds of craft and DIY needs, whether that’s craft creations, furniture repairs, clothing repairs and more.

Simply shake to wake, spray from 15 to 20 cm, allow to dry for a few seconds, line up your surfaces and press together to stick.

What is super glue made of?

Bostik’s Super Glue Liquid and Super Glue Gel are all made of ethyl cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate is an acrylic resin that cures almost instantly. The fast-setting, ultra strong and colourless properties of our super glue formulas make them perfect for day-to-day household uses in repair or DIY projects.

What is the difference between PVA glue and other glues?

Bostik PVA Glue is a water-based, general-purpose adhesive that dries clear and is commonly used for arts and crafts, school projects, paper, card, wood and fabric applications.

Unlike some other adhesives, Bostik PVA Glue is specifically designed for creative and hobby projects where ease of use and a clear finish are important. Different types of glue are formulated for different materials and applications, so the best choice depends on the project you are working on.

 

What is the shelf life of Glu Dots? 

24 months, unopened, from date of manufacture. Store in dry conditions between +5⁰ C and +25⁰ C

What is the shelf life of the adhesive I have bought and where can I store it?

The shelf life of adhesives varies from product to product, but typically ranges between one and two years from the date of manufacture when unopened and stored correctly in dry conditions - usually between +5°C and +25°C. Once opened, the life of the product will be more limited – this is dictated by variables including the type of adhesive, how it is stored, and how much adhesive is left unused. For more information, refer to the product’s Technical Data Sheet.

What materials does PVA Glue stick to?

Bostik PVA Glue is best suited to porous materials such as wood, paper, card and fabric. It is commonly used for DIY, craft and woodworking projects where a strong and reliable bond is required.

For the best results, apply Bostik PVA Glue to clean, dry surfaces. PVA Glue is generally less effective on non-porous materials such as glass, metal and many plastics.

Will fabric glue stop fraying?

Yes, Bostik Fabric Glue can help minimise fabric fraying by strengthening and sealing exposed edges. The adhesive forms a flexible bond that helps prevent loose threads from unravelling over time.

This makes Bostik Fabric Glue a convenient option for fabric repairs, alterations and craft projects where maintaining neat edges is important.

What is the difference between a multipurpose glue and super glue?

The main difference between a multipurpose glue and a super glue is the drying time. A super glue bonds within seconds (almost instantly) and an all purpose adhesive bonds within minutes (typically within five minutes). Multipurpose glue is ideal for use on a wide range of substrates, including paper, whereas super glue is more suited for use on solid surfaces only.

Stuck on what glue to use?

Gary

Use this guide to find out what product to use for your job.

Start the Glue Guide