Trends in expanding and improving the characteristics of modern building materials show that, in principle, no combination of operational properties can exist that technologists could not put into practice. The task of using fixing 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 we can say that modern liquid nails fully meet the requirements for technically safe foundation and at the same time reliable fastening. This result can only be obtained if the fixation technique is correctly performed. For starters, it’s worth understanding what the feature of this fixture is.
Differences from conventional building glue
In its structure and components, this is a typical adhesive mass, in which the emphasis is on the mechanical resistance of the joint. In the segment of building fluid fixers, there are many solutions for a strong bond of various surfaces, but most of them are either designed for mixing small parts, or for insulation with a waterproof effect (sealants). In turn, liquid nails may well replace traditional mechanical fasteners like screws, brackets, 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, additives of white clay and chalk are used to achieve the desired adhesive effect. Sometimes they are introduced already in the process of gluing into the bulk. Dyes corresponding to the most popular interior shades are added. In the market you can find brown, gray, white and even black mixes.
What work uses liquid fasteners?
The target group is wood and its derivatives. Porous and rough fiberboard and chipboard are joined almost forever, forming a monolith after applying glue. There are also special modifications for ceramic surfaces, drywall, plastic, metal and glass. For example, tiles on liquid nails are laid like cement mortar, but less dirt remains after work. Although in the household sphere this glue is more often used for the maintenance of finishing coatings. Full laying of the cladding surfaces with this fastener is irrational, but it is profitable to install small fittings because of financial savings, and for reasons of durability. In particular, the delicate installation of platbands or baguette accompanies the gluing of heavy wallpaper or panels. A plastic plastic skirting board is also not easy to fix with a metal hardware, so a neat fit on a durable mounting adhesive becomes the optimal solution. The main thing is to initially determine which composition is suitable for specific tasks.
Acrylic compositions
Inorganic synthetic mixture with an aqueous solvent. Actually, this recipe caused a rather sparing effect of fastening in acrylic compositions. On the other hand, the use of water deprived the glue of a specific smell with chemical shades, which went a plus. At the same time, it cannot be said that glue liquid nails made of acrylic does not suit at all as a replacement for metal hardware. It also includes a group of copolymers, which significantly increases the impact resistance of the compound. The effect of the ligament increases in cases where the mass is applied to a porous surface that absorbs water. There is a dense union of structures with a transition to a monolithic space. Some time after application of the product, the main adhesive ingredients begin to act.
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 obtaining a compound that will only hold on a light frost. Manufacturers generally recommend the use of such glue at +7 ° C and above.
Organic based formulations
Potent mixtures that are characterized by an unpleasant odor and environmental insecurity. Therefore, working with organic solvents is recommended only with additional protective equipment. Specifically, solvents such as hydrocarbon and toluene may be included. Indirect protective additives are also used - for example, an aliaphatic polyamine protects metal surfaces from damage by corrosion.
Compared with acrylic analogues, high tensile strength will be the main advantage of organic liquid nails. Cladding panels can be retained on the walls even under tremendous 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 ° C, although there is an upper limit - the gluing quality deteriorates at +40 ... + 60 ° C.
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, able to withstand heavy loads. In the line "Moment of Installation" superstrong compositions are presented for a wide variety of tasks - from fasteners to heavy cladding to bonding of natural stone.
It is better to trust specialized tasks to representatives of the Solvent Free, Zigger, Tub Surround rulers, etc. These manufacturers produce compounds that are optimally suited for rooms with high humidity, for the installation of heavy building structures and surface information that are planned to be used under dynamic loads.
How to work with a mounting gun?
A special gun is used to directly apply the adhesive mass to the target area. Its design consists of a supporting platform-body, a trigger, a rod and a disk, thanks to which the load distribution on the rod is performed. At the first stage, it is necessary to insert a tube (cartridge or cartridge) with liquid nails into the holding platform. Installation is made by screwing the dosing tip, after which you can proceed to installing the tube in the gun. For this, the locking mechanism is transferred to its original position with the rod all the way to the stop. Then, using the trigger, you should act on the cylinder through the stem with the disk. The adhesive mass will exit through the dispenser opening as pressure is exerted on the hook.
Surface preparation
Immediately before applying the glue, clean the work area properly. At the first stage, dirt, foreign elements and coatings are removed. Weak surface areas are also detected - lagging putty, bulging paint or the outgoing layer of particleboard. Do not tolerate liquid nails and the presence of various kinds of oil coatings and degreasers. The surface should be free of traces of chemical treatment and dried well.
Optimum material consumption
The total mass flow in tubes is calculated by running meters. So, when laying the solution on a flat surface, a line of 30-35 m can be obtained, provided that the hole thickness in the dispenser is factory, that is, 2 mm. But this will not be enough to create a strong hold. According to experts, reliable adhesion 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 liquid nails “Moment Installation” from the universal series. Due to ultrafast hardening, large areas to process with thin layers is also impractical. The optimal solution would be a line with a thickness of 8 mm. This will provide sufficient coupling strength, and will give time for the correct mixing of the two surfaces.
Application of the composition
By extruding from the gun it is necessary to apply an adhesive mass to one of the workpieces. If it is a question of uneven surfaces, then spot processing should be applied. If it is necessary to ensure a quick initial setting with holding the fastening contour, then applying the application of undulating strips over the entire area. In order to glue liquid nails on a facade or other external surface, it is recommended to lay vertical straight stripes. Immediately after applying the composition, the gun is released from the tube with glue. The blanks are carefully applied to each other in the desired position. Heavy objects or structures, which at this moment are under external mechanical influence, should be fixed with additional devices for the time of solidification.
Features of working with gaps
Usually silicone and cement grouts are used for gaps. Adhesive can be used if it is necessary to provide tight and physically stable contact with a gap between two surfaces. For example, Moment liquid nails are suitable for filling joints up to 20 mm wide. Work is also done with a gun by squeezing 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 grout. To do this, a soap solution is taken and with a soft brush is smoothed over the entire surface of the seam. This procedure will provide more reliable adhesion with the formation of a smooth adhesive film.
Adhesive removal
Immediately after completion of work operations, tools and surfaces not intended for gluing 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
Construction adhesive mixtures have long been considered by joiners and installers as a worthy replacement for traditional solutions and hardware. Another thing is that there are many formulations that solve different problems. For example, which liquid nails are more commonly used in everyday life? For gluing small furniture elements, finishing coatings and minor repairs of equipment, universal mixtures like the same “Moment” are successfully used. However, by no means always replacing ordinary nails or self-tapping screws with glue justifies itself. Do not forget about negative factors, including the presence of hazardous chemical components in organic compounds or the difficulty of dismantling the glued structure.