Adhesive Basics

Adhesives Basics ...

We Florists are always cutting things apart and then trying to glue them back together in an arrangement to suit our desire. We cut fresh blossoms from their stems, silk flowers from their wires, ribbon from it's roll, handles from their baskets, leaves from their stalks and the list goes on. Then we want to glue said flowers, leaves and handles back onto ribbon. containers, wristlets, packages and so forth. The myriad of adhesives available can be dizzying. First, there are several types of glues and adhesives, one for every job, and second, there are several name brands for some of the, multiplying the choices and increasing the confusion.

To tell the truth, though, the multiple products can be narrowed down into just a few categories:

• Hot Glue: Used for Hard Goods Only. NEVER on Fresh Flowers or greens, with the possible exception of gluing pinecones or hardgoods into hardy Christmas Greens.
  
  • Pan Melt: This refers to chunks of glue that are melted in an electric skillet. Superior to glue gun glue in many ways, including the fact that it includes adhesive.
    
    
  • Glue Gun: The biggest advantage to glue gun glue is that it is easily applied. Just pull the trigger and molten "glue" comes spilling out of the nozzle of your gun. The glue is actually plastic that melts in the gun and then hardens after being applied. If the items you are gluing have nooks and crannies where the plastic can get in and form fingers to hold the two parts together, you're in good shape. If you are trying to glue two smooth surfaces together, you'll often find that the parts "pop" apart with little agitation. When the items take a trip to the cooler, as flower arrangements often do, that separation will come even quicker. There are high temp and low temp glue guns with glue that works specifically for either. High temp glue is just that--high temp. It will instantly burn your fingers. Glue sticks come in formulations and shapes that are specific to individual types of glue guns, so be sure to purchase the correct shape (Small or Large diameter Round, or Oval) and temperature type for your gun.
    
    
• Cold Glue: Used to bond fresh flowers and foliage.
  • Oasis Adhesive: This is one case where the brand is important. This adhesive is sort of like rubber cement. It works as a contact adhesive, meaning you apply some of the glue to each surface you want to bond, allow it to air dry for a few moments, and then press the two gluey surfaces together. You will need enough glue to form a layer, but you don't want so much that you end up with a blister or bubble of wet glue under the dried surface. The drying is an endothermic reaction and too much of the adhesive can cause the temperature to drop enough to damage flowers and foliage. This is the glue used to construct today's best corsages and body flowers. It is also great for gluing blossoms into garlands or wreaths.
    
    
  • Spray Glue: Spray Glue comes by many brand names. I list it under cold glue, but it's good for both hardgoods and fresh flowers and foliage. It is an aerosol glue. Spray glue is also a contact adhesive, so again, you treat both surfaces. There are some that are repositionable (Tack1000 from Design Master, 3M also has one) and some that are more permanent (Tack2000 for one). You can use these for glitter, mossing containers, paveing salal leaves onto containers, ribbon or fabric, and many more applications.
  • Stem Lock: There are several brands, Floralock from Lomey and Bouquethold from Syndicate are two. Floralock was the first, and is the one we recommend at this point. The adhesive is in an aerosol can and has a tiny straw that you put into the spray cap, to work like a WD40 nozzel. When you have completed your bouquet in a floral foam bouquet holder, you simply apply the adhesive by inserting the straw into the design at the foam surface (not into the foam) and spray in several locations. This will serve two purposes... to lock in the stems and to seal the foam, keeping the remaining water in the bouquet holder. You'll be tempted, but don't put your face right in there to see where the glue is going... the glue will spray back at you and glue your eyelashes shut! Give the bouquet time to air out before handing it off to the bride or promgoer--it will smell like glue for a little bit, but it won't fall apart! An absolute must for every bouquet.
    
    This isn't the Crowning Glory page, but I'll throw in that you also must coat your wedding flowers Crowing Glory before you send them out into the world.