Frequently asked questions

Typical setting time of EVO-STIK Seriously Strong Stuff Fast Setting Adhesive is approximately 15 minutes. However, full bond strength will be achieved after 24 hours.

Before you apply EVO-STIK Seriously Strong Stuff Ultimate Adhesive, make sure that the surface is clean and preferably dry. Remove any loose or weak materials from the surface.

Yes, EVO-STIK Seriously Strong Stuff Ultimate Adhesive will bond damp surfaces and may even be used underwater. It is important to clean the surface to remove any loose matter hidden by the dampness.

Yes - EVO-STIK Seriously Strong Stuff Ultimate Adhesive will, but for best results do not use excess adhesive.

A skin will form after 5 to 15 minutes. EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Waterproof Adhesive will be fully cured after 17 to 24 hours depending on the ambient conditions.

After carefully scraping off the bulk, uncured EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Waterproof Adhesive may be removed using a cloth lightly moistened with white spirit. If it has cured then it will require mechanical removal, i.e. cutting, sanding or scraping.

No, we do not recommend EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Waterproof Adhesive for this use.

Before applying EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Sealant & Adhesive, make sure that the surface is clean and preferably dry. Remove any loose or weak materials from the surface.

EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Sealant & Adhesive (up to 3mm thick) will take 17 to 24 hours to dry, depending on the ambient conditions.

Yes - once cured, you can paint over EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Sealant & Adhesive with most types of water based emulsion paints.

Hybrid sealants and adhesives combine the best properties of sealant and adhesive technologies: 

• Strong bond: Hybrid adhesives often provide superior adhesion to most materials compared to traditional silicone or acrylic adhesives. 
• Versatile: Suitable for both sealing and bonding applications with excellent adhesion to most building materials. 
• Flexible: Maintains flexibility, preventing cracks and gaps even under temperature changes. 
• Waterproof: Provides a durable, waterproof seal, ideal for various environments. 
• Paintable: Can be painted, allowing for a seamless integration into various aesthetic finishes. 
• Solvent-free: Hybrid sealants are often low odour compared to traditional alternatives. 

Yes - both EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Interior & EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Exterior can be used to fill gaps in uneven walls or similar surfaces. The adhesive can then be sanded and painted using most paints.

Yes - EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Exterior is suitable for outdoor use, as well as indoor use.

No - EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Interior adhesive can only be used indoors.

EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Exterior is a solvented grab adhesive that can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.

EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Interior is a solvent-free grab adhesive that can only be used indoors.

EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Exterior (solvented adhesive) can be stored for up to 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored in the original, unopened packaging. For more details, see the technical data sheet.

EVO-STIK Liquid Nails Interior (solvent-free adhesive) can be stored for up to 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored in the original, unopened packaging. For more details, see the technical data sheet.

EVO-STIK All Purpose Silicone Sealant should form a skin within 30-40 minutes depending on bead width, temperature and humidity, and will be completely set within approximately 48 hours. 

The fungicide in the sealant can only work if it’s in contact with the mould - which can be prevented if the sealant is covered with soap or grease. A good technique for preventing the stains is to wipe the sealant with some dilute liquid bleach every few weeks.

Yes - as it’s both durable and mould-resistant, EVO-STIK All Purpose Silicone Sealant is ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens. 

No – EVO-STIK All Purpose Silicone Sealant is not suitable for bedding in double-glazed units.

Yes, EVO-STIK Stops Mould Dead contains premium fungicides to keep your seals looking brand new – it won’t stain, blacken or yellow. It works to target mould at the source, preventing mould and mildew growth that withstands the test of time and is available in both white and clear.

EVO-STIK's Stops Mould Dead, anti mould silicone, is suitable for non-porous surfaces like plastic baths and fittings and UPVC windows. Easily create a seamless seal around windows using our white or clear mould proof sealant to keep your window space looking clean and healthy for years to come.

EVO-STIK's Stops Mould Dead, anti mould silicone, is suitable for non-porous surfaces like plastic baths and fittings and UPVC windows. Easily create a seamless seal around windows using our white or clear mould proof sealant to keep your window space looking clean and healthy for years to come.

EVO-STIK White for Life Shower & Bathroom Sealant should form a skin within 30-40 minutes depending on bead width, temperature and humidity, and will be completely set within approximately 48 hours.

Absolutely - EVO-STIK White for Life Shower & Bathroom Sealant is ideal for use around kitchen sinks, tiles and other fittings.

When applied, EVO-STIK White for Life Shower & Bathroom Sealant has a ‘vinegar’-type odour, which is a standard feature of many sanitary sealants. This will disappear once fully cured.

Yes, to prevent any film of material building up on which mould can grow.

Absolutely - EVO-STIK Clear for Life Shower & Bathroom Sealant is ideal for use around kitchen sinks, tiles and other fittings.

Yes, to prevent any film of material building up on which mould can grow.

EVO-STIK Clear for Life Shower & Bathroom Sealant should form a skin within 30-40 minutes depending on bead width, temperature and humidity, and will be completely set within approximately 48 hours.

When applied, EVO-STIK Clear for Life Shower & Bathroom Sealant has a ‘vinegar’-type odour, which is a standard feature of many sanitary sealants. This will disappear once fully cured.

Yes. EVO-STIK 1 Hour Shower Bathroom Sealant should form a skin within 20-30 minutes and after one hour it is suitable for water contact. It should be completely set within 24 hours.

The fungicide in the sealant only works if it is touching the mould, and sometimes a film of soap can build up and block it. To prevent this, try cleaning the sealant with dilute bleach once a month or so.

EVO-STIK 1 Hour Shower Bathroom Sealant will last up to 24 months when stored in original packaging in cool, dry conditions.

EVO-STIK Bathroom and Kitchen Sealant should form a skin within 15 to 60 minutes, dependent on bead width, temperature and humidity. For optimum performance, it may take up to one week to dry all the way through.

There is no adequate solvent to remove EVO-STIK Bathroom and Kitchen Sealant. Carefully cut away excess with a very sharp knife. Do not use solvent to remove product from skin – use soap and water.

Yes - EVO-STIK Bathroom and Kitchen Sealant forms a durable, flexible seal that will prevent both leaks and draughts.

EVO-STIK Window and Door Frame Sealant should form a skin within 1-2 hours, and may take up to one week to dry all the way through.

Yes, although you need to wait until EVO-STIK Window and Door Frame Sealant is fully dry before starting to paint it.

Yes - EVO-STIK Window and Door Frame Sealant forms a durable, flexible seal that will prevent both leaks and draughts.

EVO-STIK Window and Door Frame Sealant will not be waterproof until it is fully dry, and can therefore be damaged by rainfall.

As soon as EVO-STIK Flexible Decorators Filler is dry through. For thin layers less than 1mm, this could be as little as 30 minutes in good drying conditions. For thicker layers and less than ideal conditions, it could take a full day, or even longer if it’s very thick. Since this sealant shrinks as it dries, the surface stretches and this could crack a paint film if it was applied too soon.

Excess EVO-STIK Flexible Decorators Filler sealant should be carefully scraped away using a knife and the remaining film wiped away immediately with a clean cloth damped with warm soapy water. Set sealant can only be removed mechanically using a sharp knife or scraper.

• Caulk is for neat finishing indoors, like filling gaps around skirting boards or window frames before painting. It dries hard and can be painted over. 
• Sealant stays rubbery and flexible, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where gaps need to stay watertight. It won’t usually take paint, but it stops leaks and handles movement well. 

Think of it this way: caulk for a paintable finish, sealant for a waterproof seal. 

You should caulk before you paint. EVO-STIK Flexible Decorators Filler can be painted over, so it makes sense to caulk before you paint. Occasionally, people may prefer to prime the surface before a caulk application. However, caulk should always be the first step before topcoats of paint are applied. 

No – we recommend using a sealant for bonding the bottom of skirting boards instead of caulk. Caulk is best applied to the top of skirting boards. 

If you’re looking for a guide on how to stick skirting to a wall or sealing your skirting boards, discover our articles here: how to apply skirting boards and how to seal skirting boards.

PVA stands for Polyvinyl Acetate.

EVO-STIK General Purpose PVA is white before use, but it dries to a transparent film.

No, PVA is not suitable as a floor sealer because it has poor wear resistance and turns white when exposed to moisture.

No. We do not recommend using General Purpose PVA to seal plaster before painting. PVA can create a sealed, glossy surface that prevents paint from being absorbed evenly, which may cause adhesion problems or peeling. Instead, use a primer suitable for plaster and follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations.

No. Waterproof PVA is not intended for use as a surface coating. When exposed to water, it can turn hazy white and is therefore not suitable for sealing concrete ornaments in fish ponds.

No. Waterproof PVA is not suitable for use as a primer before painting. For best results, use a primer recommended by the paint manufacturer and appropriate for the surface being painted.

Yes - EVO-STIK Serious Glue does not contain any water or solvent, making it ideal for bonding foam polystyrene.

Absolutely - EVO-STIK Serious Glue will bond damp surfaces and may even be used underwater.

EVO-STIK Epoxy Rapid Tubes takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to set at room temperature. Full bond strength is achieved after approximately 24 hours. Meer regels weergeven

No. EVO-STIK Epoxy Rapid Tubes adhesive will not rust over time.

Yes. Once set, EVO-STIK Epoxy Rapid Tubes can be sanded. Please ensure you wear a suitable dust mask when sanding.

EVO-STIK Epoxy Rapid Syringe takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to set at room temperature and attains full strength after approximately 24 hours.

Yes. Once fully set, EVO-STIK Epoxy Rapid Syringe can be sanded. Please ensure you wear a suitable dust mask when sanding.

EVO-STIK Hard & Fast Metal Epoxy Putty hardens to a metal-like finish in approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is fully cured after 30 to 60 minutes.

Uncured EVO-STIK Hard & Fast Metal Epoxy Putty can be cleaned from tools using cellulose thinners or acetone. If the putty comes into contact with skin, remove it using a suitable proprietary hand cleaner.

No. The plasticiser in vinyl can migrate into EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive over time, causing the adhesive to become soft and sticky. This can weaken the bond and eventually lead to bond failure.

EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive has probably been stored at temperatures below 5°C. Allow the adhesive to warm up gradually to room temperature overnight and it should return to its normal consistency and workability.

EVO-STIK Contact Adhesive Spray can be used on a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, ceramics, rigid plastics, glass, leather, cork, hardboard, underfelt, carpet tiles and foam-backed carpets. It can also bond thin polyethylene and polypropylene sheets.

EVO-STIK Contact Adhesive Spray is not suitable for polystyrene, plasticised PVC or vinyl tiles, asphalt, or bituminous materials.

Contact adhesive and super glue are both suitable for a variety of materials, but they have different properties and applications.

• Application: Contact adhesives are applied to both surfaces and left until touch dry before bonding. Super glues are typically applied to one surface and then held together for approximately 15 to 30 seconds using firm pressure.
• Uses: Contact adhesives are generally used for large surface areas, such as laminates, countertops and upholstery. Super glues are better suited to small, precise repairs, such as bonding ceramics, plastics and glass.
• Properties: Some contact adhesives allow limited repositioning during application, whereas super glues form a fast bond within seconds.

The best choice depends on the materials being bonded and the requirements of your project.

Before using EVO-STIK Timebond Adhesive, ensure the surfaces to be bonded are clean, dry and free from contaminants such as dust, grease and paint.

Uncured EVO-STIK Timebond Contact Adhesive can be removed using EVO-STIK Adhesive Cleaner. Once cured, the adhesive can only be removed by mechanical means.

Yes. EVO-STIK Timebond Adhesive provides an excellent bond to concrete, as well as many other materials.

EVO-STIK Timebond Adhesive can be stored for up to 18 months from the date of manufacture when kept in its original, unopened packaging under cool, well-ventilated conditions.

No. EVO-STIK Adhesive Cleaner is not suitable for use on vinyl, polystyrene, cellulose paint or rayon fabrics. Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to determine its suitability before use.

Yes. EVO-STIK Adhesive Cleaner is solvent-based and has a sweet-smelling odour. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in the vapours.

To prime very porous surfaces before using EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive:

1. Prepare only the amount required for immediate use.

2. Dilute EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive  with approximately an equal volume of EVO-STIK Adhesive Cleaner in a clean container.

3. Add the cleaner slowly while stirring gently.

4.Stir the mixture thoroughly until well combined.

5. Dispose of any unused mixture after use.

Most emulsion adhesives are white in colour due to the way they reflect light. When used under the correct conditions, EVO-STIK Wood Glue Interior dries clear or translucent.

Until EVO-STIK Wood Glue Interior has set, the bond has very little strength. As the adhesive dries, water evaporates and the adhesive shrinks, while the moisture may also cause the wood grain to swell. Clamping the materials gently helps keep the joint in place until the adhesive has fully set.

EVO-STIK Wood Glue Interior reaches full cure within 24 hours at 20°C. 2

The time taken to develop full bond strength depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, bonding pressure, substrate type, porosity and moisture content.

As a guide, beech substrates at 7°C should be clamped for at least 12 hours. At 20°C and 55% relative humidity, the clamping time may be reduced to little more than 1 hour. 

EVO-STIK Wood Glue Interior has an open assembly time of approximately 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the porosity of the substrate and the ambient temperature.

To clean the nozzle on EVO-STIK wood adhesive, use a clean, damp cloth to firstly wipe off excess glue after closing. 

If the nozzle becomes clogged with dry glue, remove the entire cap by screwing this from the bottle. Twist the nozzle and push the dry glue backward with a toothpick or similar item. Then, rinse the cap with warm water and dry, before screwing back onto the bottle. 

No. EVO-STIK Wood Glue Interior is designed for indoor use only and is not recommended for outdoor applications.

For exterior projects, we recommend EVO-STIK Wood Glue Exterior, which can be used for both interior and exterior wood bonding.

EVO-STIK Wood Glue Exterior reaches full cure within 24 hours at 20°C. 2

The rate at which bond strength develops depends on factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, bonding pressure, substrate type, porosity and moisture content.

As a guide, beech substrates at 7°C should be clamped for at least 12 hours. At 20°C and 55% relative humidity, the clamping time may be reduced to little more than 1 hour.

EVO-STIK Wood Glue Exterior has an open assembly time of approximately 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the porosity of the substrate and the ambient temperature.

EVO-STIK Mitre Adhesive is a high-strength cyanoacrylate adhesive supplied with an aerosol activator for rapid curing.

It is suitable for a wide range of materials, including wood, MDF, PVCu, and many common metals, plastics and rubbers.

EVO-STIK Mitre Adhesive is ideal for bonding mitre joints in picture frames and skirting boards, repairing hairline cracks in porcelain, and fixing broken jewellery.

Yes. EVO-STIK Mitre Adhesive is effective when used on its own. However, when used with the activator, bond strength is improved, creating a stronger, more durable bond that cures almost instantly. Meer regels weergeven

EVO-STIK Polyurethane Wood Glue is a moisture-curing, single-part polyurethane resin adhesive that is commonly used to bond wood and other materials together.

Its thixotropic, non-drip formula makes it particularly suitable for vertical and overhead applications, such as mortise and tenon joints.

EVO-STIK Polyurethane Wood Glue provides a strong, water-resistant bond and cures rapidly, allowing bonded joints to be handled carefully after approximately 5 minutes.

It bonds most wood types and many rigid porous materials, including concrete, plaster and brick, as well as non-porous materials such as metals, foamed polystyrene, GRP and PVC. At least one of the surfaces being bonded must be porous.

EVO-STIK Polyurethane Wood Adhesive should only be used where at least one of the surfaces being bonded is porous. Non-porous surfaces should be abraded beforehand to provide a good key for adhesion.

Cured EVO-STIK Polyurethane Wood Adhesive can only be removed mechanically. The best time to remove excess adhesive is shortly after it has cured. To avoid damage, it is advisable to protect any vulnerable surfaces before application.

Both Polyurethane Wood Glue and PVA Wood Glue are excellent choices for bonding wood. The best option depends on your application and project requirements.

Polyurethane Wood Glue

Pros:

• Extremely versatile
• Expands to fill joints
• Provides very strong bonds on wood and many other materials

Cons:

• Requires moisture to cure
• Has a shorter working time of around 15 minutes
• Can be more difficult to clean up, so extra care is needed during application

PVA Wood Glue

Pros:

• Easy and clean to apply
• Provides very strong wood-to-wood bonds
• Offers a longer working time of around 30 minutes

Cons:

• Generally limited to wood-to-wood bonding applications

Both adhesives have their advantages, so it can be useful to keep both on hand for different types of projects. EVO-STIK Polyurethane Wood Glue offers greater versatility, while EVO-STIK PVA Wood Glue is ideal for many traditional woodworking applications.

EVO-STIK Waterproof Wall Tile Adhesive typically sets within 24 hours, depending on the ambient conditions. When used to bond tiles to impervious surfaces, setting times may be longer.

Ready-mixed tile adhesives set by the evaporation of the water they contain into the surface to which they are applied.

If EVO-STIK Instant Grab Wall Tile Adhesive is applied more thickly than recommended, or if the surface is impervious, heavily primed or damp, drying times may be considerably extended.

Increasing the temperature, improving ventilation and using a dehumidifier can help the adhesive dry more quickly.

Yes. EVO-STIK Rapid Set Floor Tile Grout is suitable for use with all types of tiles, including ceramic, stone and porcelain tiles.

EVO-STIK Rapid Set Floor Tile Grout sets in approximately 3 hours under normal conditions. Setting times may be significantly increased at lower temperatures. Avoid heavy foot traffic for at least 24 hours after grouting.

Start with vinegar. For tougher residue, use mineral spirits applied with a cloth.

Yes, but with caution. Use a low setting and keep it moving to avoid damaging the wood.

It's important to use the right product(s) for the type of wood glue you're trying to dissolve: 

• PVA-based wood glue can often be softened with water or vinegar.
• PU wood glues require acetone when uncured, or sanding once cured.

Patch any holes or cracks with appropriate filler before reinstalling tiles. Ensure to allow it to dry until fully cured for maximum results.

Dampen the surface lightly using a bucket of warm water and a sponge, while scraping to reduce dust.

Sand or level out imperfections using a grinder, after adhesive removal to get a smooth, clean surface.

It’s not recommended. Old adhesive can compromise the bond and cause uneven tiling.

While EVO-STIK General Purpose PVA can bond wood and is suitable for a range of interior DIY and building applications, it is not specifically designed for installing engineered wood flooring.

Engineered wood flooring requires an adhesive that can accommodate factors such as subfloor type, movement, load requirements and moisture conditions. Always follow the flooring manufacturer's installation guidance and use the recommended flooring adhesive for the system.

EVO-STIK General Purpose PVA is ideal for bonding, priming, sealing and dustproofing porous materials such as wood, plaster and cement, but a dedicated flooring adhesive is generally the most suitable choice for engineered wood flooring installations.

No. PVC glue and PVA glue are different types of adhesive designed for different applications.

EVO-STIK General Purpose PVA is a water-based adhesive used for bonding porous materials such as wood, paper, plaster and cement. It can also be used for priming, sealing and dustproofing.

PVC glue is a specialist adhesive designed for joining PVC pipes and fittings. It works by softening and fusing the PVC surfaces together to create a strong, permanent joint.

Because they are designed for different materials and uses, PVC glue and PVA glue are not interchangeable. Always use an adhesive that is suitable for the specific material and application.