What Should Liquid Nails Be Used For?
With just 28 Ounces of weight, liquid nails have been a multi-purpose heavy-duty construction adhesive formulated to deliver a high-strength bond that is strong for an extended time. The adhesive is usually permanent and waterproof. According to All fasteners, liquid nails were the first adhesive worldwide distributed in a cartridge for use in a trigger-style applicator. The advancements in the construction field have made this construction adhesive better every day. Today the adhesive is accessible through all the big and small retailers. Established by Macco Adhesives in 1948, liquid nails have never lost ground for being the best low-solvent and high-strength construction adhesive.
What Are Liquid Nails Used For?
According to Liquid nails, these adhesives are a multi-purpose construction available in different types, different colors and used for various activities such as tile repairs and mounting a mirror to the wall. Below is a list of what liquid nails can be used.
1. Rotted Wood
According to Cost owl, Rotted wood is quite expensive to replace, but the good news is that one can restore the rotted wood without entirely replacing it. Using a liquid nail adhesive, one can quickly restore the rotted wood. Here is a step-by-step guide
- Scrape away any wood that crumbles easily
- Drill a honeycomb pattern hokes for the liquid nails to penetrate
- Use a squeeze bottle to saturate the rotted area with the liquid nail adhesive
- Leave the fixed rotted wood to dry
2. Crown Molding And Trimming
Some liquid nail adhesives, such as LIQUID NAILS ®Ultra Qwik Grip Adhesive or Construction Adhesive (LN-2000), can be used in crown molding. How to apply the liquid nail;
- First, ensure the liquid nail is suitable for crown molding
- Cut the fit trim pieces and dry them before applying the adhesive
- Run a-quarter inch of continuous bead on the back of the molding and push the pieces into place
- Hold the pieces together for about five or ten seconds
- Allow the adhesives to dry
3. Retaining Walls
One can quickly build a retaining wall by using liquid nails. Examples of liquid nails that can be used are LIQUID NAILS® subfloor and deck construction.
How to apply the liquid nails on the retaining wall
- Use a suitable liquid nail on the wall
- Cut and fit the units before applying the liquid nail adhesive
- Apply two beads of the liquid nails both in the front and the back of the capstone
- Apply pressure in the capstone, ensuring they are all aligned and leveraged
4. Hang A Mirror
One can use liquid nails to hang a mirror on concrete, wood, or drywall.
How to apply the liquid nail adhesive
- Apply the adhesive to the back of a mirror
- Press the mirror against the surface used and ensure the mirror is in position and at an angle
- Leave the mirror for 24-48hours and allow it to dry.
The entire process is this simple, but remember the suitable liquid nail adhesive will be effective for a mirror installation
5. Metals
In as much as metals are not porous, liquid nails usually work on almost every surface, including metal surfaces. One can bond metal to concrete or wood by using liquid nails.
How to apply liquid nails on metal
- Wear a pair of gloves and a face mask
- Clean both surfaces that are to be attached. You can wipe the surface with a wet cloth
- Apply an a-quarter inch of liquid nails in a zigzag-like pattern
- Use a grip to hold the surface aligned. Ensure the surface is pressed firmly.
- Clean the excess adhesive by using a sandpaper
- Allow the liquid nails to dry.
6. Tile Repairs
There are liquid nails that are specifically designed to be used on tiles. They can be used to repair a tile floor by gluing it in place since tiles cannot be nailed or screwed. Liquid nails remain to be the best option for attaching the tiles and also fixing broken tiles.
How to apply the liquid nails on tiles
- Clean the back of each tile with a surface cleaner and paper towels
- Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves
- Screw the unto a tube of rubber nails and apply the adhesive around the back edge
- Press the tile against the floor or wall
- Clean excess adhesive with a mineral spirit
- Repeat the entire process for each tile and allow it to dry.
7. Backsplashes
Liquid nails can be used to install a backsplash
How to apply
- Clean the wall where the backsplash will be installed
- Determine the layout of the backsplash by marking vertical lines
- Apply the liquid nails and adhere them to the wall
- Wipe out any excess adhesive that will squeeze out
- Allow the liquid nails to dry
8. Wood
Since liquid nails are formulated for construction, it is preferred on woods due to their strong bonding characteristics
How to apply liquid nails on wood
- Before applying liquid nails, ensure the surfaces you will be sticking together are clean and dry. Wipe any grime on the surfaces
- Apply the adhesive directly to the joints that are to be held together
- Once done, remove any excess adhesive from the edges of the joints using a putty knife and leave it to dry.
9. Bathroom Walls
The shower walls Liquid Nails Adhesives are formulated to deliver a waterproof bond that meets all the air quality regulations. The liquid nails are preferably used because they don’t damage the bath surrounds and shower walls.
How to apply the liquid nails on bathroom walls
- Ensure the surfaces are clean and free of debris
- Cut and fit the materials before applying the liquid nails adhesives
- Apply the adhesive on the trimmed panels
- Firmly press the for ten minutes
- Allow it to dry
10. Outdoor use
LIQUID NAILS® Outdoor Repair Adhesive (LN-209) is a low-odor waterproof formulated to work on wet surfaces. It is rated for all-weather situations and cannot be affected by heavy rain; hence preferable for use in outdoor activities.
How To Use A Caulking Gun
- Lay down the item you want to put together
- Fill up the caulk gun with liquid nails adhesives
- Apply pressure to the tube and remove the tube tip
- After testing the gun, press it to apply the adhesive to the surface
- Allow the applying nail to dry
In Conclusion
Liquid nails are preferable because of their bonding properties, making them a suitable adhesive. Liquid nails usually take about fifteen minutes or so to dry after application and seven days to fully dry and become permanently sticky. Liquid nails have had various construction adhesives formulated for different purposes in heavy construction. It is also available in almost all retail shops. You can try to check it out.
You can also read:
- What are Concrete Nails Used For?
- A Guide on How to Countersink Nails
- Why You Should Use Copper Nails to Kill a Tree
- What Type of Nails Do You Use When Building a Fence?