Trends to expand and improve the characteristics of modern building materials show that, in principle, there cannot be a single combination of performance properties that technologists could not put into practice. The task of using fastening material without a destructive effect has long been faced by large construction companies, and its conceptual solution was proposed several decades ago. But only now it can be said that modern liquid nails fully meet the set requirements for a technically safe for the base and at the same time reliable fastening. Such a result can only be obtained if the fixation technique is correctly performed. To begin with, it is worth understanding what is the peculiarity of this fastener.
Differences from regular construction adhesive
In its structure and components, this is a typical adhesive mass, in which the emphasis is on mechanicalconnection durability. There are many solutions in the construction liquid fixatives segment for a strong bond of various surfaces, but most of them are either designed to bring small parts together or to insulate with a waterproof effect (sealants). In turn, liquid nails may well replace traditional mechanical fasteners such as self-tapping screws, staples, screws, etc. At least, if this does not apply to critical building structures with beams, ceilings and other load-bearing elements.
As for the composition, white clay and chalk are used to achieve the desired sticky effect. Sometimes they are introduced already in the process of gluing into the bulk. Dyes are also added that correspond to the most popular interior shades. Brown, grey, white and even black blends can be found on the market.
Which jobs use liquid fasteners?
The target group is wood and its derivatives. Porous and rough fiberboard and chipboard are connected almost forever, forming a monolith after applying the glue. There are also special modifications for ceramic surfaces, drywall, plastic, metal and glass. For example, tiles on liquid nails are laid like on cement mortar, but less dirt remains after work. Although in the domestic sphere, this adhesive is more often used to maintain finishing coatings. Full laying of cladding surfaces using this fastener is irrational, but it is beneficial to install small fittings both because of financial savings and for reasonsdurability of the result. In particular, the delicate installation of platbands or baguettes accompanies the gluing of heavy wallpaper or panels. A plastic ceiling plinth is also not easy to fix with a metal hardware, so a neat fit on a durable mounting adhesive becomes the best way out. The main thing is to initially determine which composition is suitable for specific tasks.
Acrylic based formulations
Inorganic synthetic blend with aqueous solvent. Actually, this recipe led to a rather gentle fastening effect in acrylic compositions. On the other hand, the use of water removed the chemical smell from the glue, which was a plus. At the same time, it cannot be said that acrylic liquid nails are completely unsuitable as a replacement for metal hardware. It also includes a group of copolymers, which significantly increases the impact resistance of the joint. The bonding effect is also increased in cases where the mass is applied to a porous surface that absorbs water. There is a dense association of structures with a transition to a monolithic space. Some time after application, the active action and the main adhesive ingredients begin.
But it is important to consider the restrictions on the use of acrylic nails. The presence of a natural solvent does not allow working with such compositions at low temperatures. Even at 0 ° C, there is a risk of getting a compound that will only hold on to light freezing. Manufacturers generally recommend using this adhesive at +7°C and above.
Lineupsorganic based
Strong mixtures that are characterized by an unpleasant odor and environmental insecurity. Therefore, it is recommended to work with organic solvents only with additional protective equipment. Specifically, the composition may include solvents such as hydrocarbon and toluene. Indirect protective additives are also used - for example, aliphatic polyamine protects metal surfaces from corrosion.
When compared with acrylic counterparts, high tensile strength will be the main advantage of organic liquid nails. Cladding panels can be held on the walls even under enormous loads on the structure with internal stress and deformation processes. The absence of strict requirements for operating temperature conditions is also noted. High-quality installation is allowed at -10 °С, although there is an upper limit - the quality of bonding deteriorates at +40 … +60 °С.
Popular brands
On the market you can find both universal compositions and specialized adhesive mixtures of this type. The first group includes the Macco line and, in particular, the LN601 modification with neoprene additives. This tool is suitable for working with drywall, wood, metal and plastic fittings. A wide scope of operation covers the glue "Moment" liquid nails, capable of withstanding heavy loads. The "Moment Installation" line includes super-strong compounds for a variety of tasks - from fixing heavy cladding to gluing natural stone.
Specialized tasks are best trusted by representatives of the Solvent Free, Zigger, Tub Surround, etc. lines. These manufacturers produce compounds that are optimally suited for rooms with high humidity, for mounting heavy building structures and reducing surfaces that are planned to be used in dynamic loads.
How to use the mounting gun?
A special gun is used to directly apply the adhesive mass to the target area. Its design consists of a carrier platform-body, a trigger, a rod and a disk, thanks to which the load is distributed on the rod. At the first stage, it is necessary to insert a tube (cartridge or spray can) with liquid nails into the holding platform. Installation is carried out by screwing on the dosing tip, after which you can proceed to install the tube in the gun. To do this, the locking mechanism is transferred to its original position with the rod retracted to the stop. Next, using the trigger mechanism, you should act on the cylinder through the rod with the disk. Glue will come out through the dispenser opening as pressure is applied to the hook.
Surface preparation
Immediately before laying the adhesive, properly clean the work area. At the first stage, dirt, foreign elements and coatings are removed. Weak areas of the surface are also identified - lagging putty, bulging paint or an outgoing chipboard layer. They do not tolerate liquid nails and the presence of various kindsoil coatings and degreasers. The surface should be as free as possible from traces of chemical treatment and dried well.
Optimal material consumption
Total mass consumption in tubes is calculated in running meters. So, when laying the solution on a flat surface, a line of 30-35 m can be obtained, provided that the thickness of the hole in the dispenser is factory-made, that is, 2 mm. But this will not be enough to create a strong fixation. According to experts, reliable bonding can be guaranteed with a line thickness of 6.5 mm. But there is one more nuance, which is noted, in particular, by users of Moment Installation liquid nails from the universal series. Due to the ultra-fast solidification, it is also impractical to treat large areas with thin layers. The optimal solution would be a line with a thickness of 8 mm. This will ensure both sufficient coupling force, and will give time for the correct convergence of the two surfaces.
Apply composition
By extrusion from a gun, it is necessary to apply an adhesive mass to one of the workpieces. If we are talking about uneven surfaces, then spot processing should be used. If it is necessary to ensure a quick initial setting with holding of the fastening contour, then application with wavy stripes over the entire area is used. In order to qualitatively glue liquid nails on the facade or other external surface, it is recommended to lay vertical straight strips. Immediately after applying the composition, the gun is released from the tube of glue. blanksneatly applied to each other in the desired position. Heavy objects or structures that are under external mechanical influence at this moment should be fixed with additional devices for the solidification time.
Features of working with gaps
Usually, silicone and cement grouts are used for gaps. Adhesive can be used when it is necessary to provide a tight and physically resistant contact with a gap between two surfaces. For example, Moment liquid nails are suitable for filling joints up to 20 mm wide. Working actions are also performed with a gun by squeezing out the mass. It is important to wait until the gap is completely sealed, which will prevent air from entering. At the end of the operation, you can perform a kind of grouting. To do this, a soap solution is taken and smoothed over the entire surface of the seam with a soft brush. This procedure will provide more reliable adhesion with the formation of an even adhesive film.
Removing adhesive mass
Immediately after completion of the work steps, tools and non-adhesive surfaces should be cleaned with soap, ethyl alcohol or other solvents. Hardened liquid nails can only be removed mechanically. To do this, it is recommended to use a construction knife, scraper or grinder with abrasive nozzles.
Conclusion
Building adhesive mixtures have long been considered by carpenters andinstallers as a worthy replacement for traditional solutions and hardware. Another thing is that there are many compositions that solve different problems. For example, what liquid nails are more often used in everyday life? For gluing small fittings, finishing coatings and minor repairs of equipment, universal mixtures like the same "Moment" are successfully used. However, it is far from always that replacing ordinary nails or self-tapping screws with glue justifies itself. Do not forget about the negative factors, including the presence of hazardous chemical components in organic compounds or the difficulty of dismantling the glued structure.
