How to Use Construction Adhesive
- 1). Clean the surfaces to which you will apply construction adhesive. Remove all dirt, dust and other contaminants. If necessary, clean the surface with a solvent or paint stripper to remove grease, wax or paint. Construction adhesives bond best with clean, dry surfaces.
- 2). Mix your construction adhesive if necessary. Some construction adhesive products, such as mastic and thin-set, require water or other additives to reach their full bonding potential. Follow specific product instructions for mixing requirements.
- 3). Apply the construction adhesive to your surface. To bond flat surfaces to flat surfaces, builders often choose to apply the adhesive with a caulk gun in even beads across the surfaces. For small repairs or filler projects, use a putty knife to force the adhesive into the damaged areas. For large bonding areas, such as installing tile on walls, use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive. Whatever your application method, be sure to apply a thin, consistent layer.
- 4). Allow for adhesive drying time if necessary. Some construction adhesives require you to hold off on the bonding until the glue becomes tacky, which can take a few hours in some cases. Consult specific product instructions for these details.
- 5). Firmly press the two surfaces together. Apply pressure across the entire bonding surface; if possible, roll the surface with a floor or wall roller to ensure that all areas receive equal pressure. Allow for the indicated drying time before applying pressure or moisture to the surface.