Adhesives are a vital part of modern construction. Whether you’re fixing plasterboard, bonding timber, installing skirting, or working with stone, the right adhesive saves time, reduces the need for mechanical fixings, and ensures a clean, professional finish. With so many types available, from grab adhesives and PU foam to hybrid polymers, it’s become second nature to reach for a tube on almost every job.
But while adhesives are easy to use, they’re just as easy to misuse. Skipping surface prep, choosing the wrong type, or rushing the cure time can all lead to failed bonds, costly callbacks, and lost time on site.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential do’s and don’ts of using construction adhesives. From choosing the right product to applying it correctly and safely, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get it right, first time, every time.
Do: Choose the Right Adhesive for the Job
Using the wrong adhesive can lead to wasted time, failed bonds, or even structural issues. The key to getting a strong, reliable fix is to match the adhesive to the material, conditions, and purpose of the job.
Grab adhesives are ideal for fixing timber, plasterboard, and trims. They're quick to apply and offer a strong initial tack – perfect for skirting boards, battens, or stair nosings.
Hybrid polymer adhesives offer excellent flexibility, weather resistance, and durability, making them the go-to for external applications or where movement and vibration are factors.
PU (polyurethane) adhesives are great for heavy-duty construction bonding, such as brick, stone, and concrete, particularly where a fast set is needed.
It’s also important to understand the difference between solvent-based and solvent-free adhesives.
Solvent-based adhesives generally cure faster and perform better in colder or damp conditions.
Solvent-free options, while more environmentally friendly and lower in VOCs, may require a longer curing time and are best used indoors or on well-prepared surfaces.
Taking a moment to check the product label, or better yet, speaking to your local MP Moran team, can save hours on site and prevent avoidable mistakes.
Don’t: Apply to Dirty, Dusty, or Damp Surfaces
One of the most common reasons adhesive bonds fail on site isn’t the product itself – it’s poor surface preparation. Dust, dirt, grease, and moisture all act as barriers between the adhesive and the surface, significantly weakening the bond. Even a high-performance product can’t stick properly if the substrate isn’t clean and dry.
Before applying any adhesive, always:
Brush off loose dust and debris with a dry cloth or stiff brush.
Wipe down surfaces to remove grease or residues (use an appropriate cleaner if needed).
Allow surfaces to dry fully, especially when working in freshly plastered or damp areas.
Failing to prepare surfaces correctly can result in gaps, lifting, or full adhesion failure, often only visible after the adhesive has cured. A few extra minutes of preparation ensure a bond that lasts and saves you from having to redo work later.
Do: Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
It might sound obvious, but reading the manufacturer’s instructions is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid mistakes when using construction adhesives. Every product is formulated differently – what works for one job might not work for another, even if they look the same in the tube.
Manufacturers provide key details like:
Recommended application temperature: most adhesives work best between 5°C and 25°C. Applying in conditions outside this range can affect curing and performance.
Open time: this is the window after application during which the adhesive remains tacky and effective. Missing it can mean the bond fails altogether.
Curing or drying times: some adhesives may feel dry to the touch in minutes, but require several hours or even a full day to fully cure and achieve maximum strength.
Even if you’ve used a product before, different substrates, site conditions, or storage temperatures can affect performance. Checking the datasheet or instructions takes a few seconds and can save hours of rework down the line.
Don’t: Use the Wrong Tools or Nozzle
It might seem minor, but the tools you use to apply adhesives can have a big impact on the quality of your work. A damaged nozzle, blunt cut, or poor-quality caulking gun can lead to uneven application, excessive waste, or messy finishes, especially when working in tight spots or along visible joints.
Using the wrong nozzle size can also result in:
Too much adhesive, leading to squeeze-out and slow curing.
Too little coverage, which compromises bond strength.
Inconsistent beads, which make it harder to press materials together evenly.
To get the best results:
Always cut the nozzle cleanly to suit the bead width required. A 45° angle cut gives you more control.
Use a high-quality caulking gun with a smooth trigger mechanism to ensure steady, even pressure, particularly important with thicker adhesives like grab or hybrid polymer types.
Keep spare nozzles and cleaning wipes handy on site for quick changes or clean-up.
Applying adhesive properly is just as important as choosing the right product. The right tools make your work faster, neater, and more professional.
Do: Allow Full Cure Time Before Loading or Painting
One of the biggest mistakes on site is assuming an adhesive is ready as soon as it feels dry. But drying and curing are not the same thing. While many adhesives develop a skin or initial tack within minutes, full curing, when the adhesive reaches maximum bond strength, can take several hours or even longer, depending on the product and conditions.
Rushing this process can lead to serious problems, including:
Joint failure under load if bonded materials are moved or fixed too soon.
Cracking or shrinking when painting over uncured adhesive.
Warping or slipping, particularly when bonding heavier materials like skirting or boards vertically.
Most manufacturers clearly state a recommended cure time, which can vary based on humidity, temperature, and the surfaces being joined. For example, a hybrid polymer adhesive may take 24 hours to fully cure, even if it appears dry within an hour.
To avoid issues:
Always plan for adequate curing time, especially on final fix or decorative finishes.
Avoid applying pressure or paint too early.
If in doubt, check the product datasheet or ask at your local branch.
Taking this extra step ensures your bond is strong, your finish is clean, and your work stands the test of time.
Health and Safety Bonus Tips
While adhesives are widely used across the trade, it’s important to treat them with care. Many contain solvents or reactive chemicals that can irritate skin, damage surfaces, or affect air quality, particularly in enclosed spaces or during prolonged use.
Here are a few key health and safety considerations:
Wear gloves to protect your hands from direct contact. Some adhesives, especially PU foams and solvent-based products, can be difficult to remove and may cause irritation.
Work in well-ventilated areas to minimise exposure to fumes. Solvent-based adhesives can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which may cause dizziness or headaches if inhaled over time.
Keep a PU foam cleaner or adhesive wipe on hand for quick clean-up of spills before they cure. Cured adhesives are far more difficult to remove.
Avoid eye and skin contact, and wash immediately if contact occurs.
Store products safely, away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Pressurised cans or cartridges can degrade if stored incorrectly.
Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) supplied by the manufacturer for proper handling, storage, and first-aid measures.
Adhering to basic safety practices helps prevent accidents, extends product life, and ensures your workspace remains clean and compliant.
Get It Right the First Time
Using adhesives correctly is about more than just grabbing the nearest tube and applying it. The strength and reliability of a bond depend on choosing the right product, preparing the surface properly, and applying it with care.
For tradespeople working in fast-paced environments, even minor improvements in how adhesives are selected, stored, and applied can make a major difference. Better finishes, fewer callbacks, and greater efficiency all start with getting the basics right.
Explore our range of sealants and adhesives online or in your nearest branch today. For flexible ordering and exclusive pricing, open a Trade Account.