Acrylic construction adhesive is made on a water-based acrylic dispersion. It dries by releasing water, so at least one of the surfaces must be porous: plaster, concrete, brick, drywall or wood. Fresh adhesive washes off with water. Acrylic adhesives do not withstand permanent immersion in water.

Adhesives for drill-free fixing

Liquid Nails comes in white at 1000 kg/m² and clear at 800 kg/m² for skirting, thresholds, mouldings and PVC panels. Crazy Grip is water-resistant, holds 1000 kg/m² without slipping and comes in packs from a 0.2 kg tube to a 12 kg bucket. Super Montage is the strongest in a tube at 1500 kg/m², for heavy ceramics and suspended ceilings, and works up to +100 °C. Decor holds cornices, rosettes and mouldings as soon as they are pressed in place, indoors only. La Crystal is clear and comes in 1, 2.5 and 5 kg buckets for large areas.

Adhesives for specific jobs

Tile, Mosaic, Stone is a ready-to-use elastic adhesive rated 2200 kg/m² that takes up to 15 % movement and is applied from +8 °C. Ultra Lip bonds linoleum, carpet, parquet and PVC tiles, holds 2000 kg/m² and copes with underfloor heating. Multi-Green is green, for artificial grass and synthetic coverings, applied from +10 °C.

When you need something other than acrylic

Acrylic adhesive will not bond two non-porous surfaces such as glass and metal, because the joint cannot dry. Use MS Polymer Super Fix or the Universal adhesive sealant there. For work in frost from -10 °C and heavy panels there is rubber-based Extra Strong at 2500 kg/m²; it contains a solvent, so it is not used for mirrors. All three types are compared in “Liquid nails” and the article “Which mounting adhesive to choose: MS Polymer, acrylic or rubber”.

Questions and answers

Can acrylic adhesive be used outdoors?

Yes, Liquid Nails, Crazy Grip and Super Montage are also rated for exterior work, and Ultra Lip for terraces and porches. Decor is for indoor use only.

How long does acrylic adhesive take to cure?

Full cure takes 24–48 hours. The adhesives are applied from +5 °C, Tile, Mosaic, Stone from +8 °C and Multi-Green from +10 °C.