A true DIY essential, PVA is a versatile solution for a wide range of tasks around the home. Perfect for priming surfaces, bonding materials or sealing porous areas, it helps ensure better adhesion and a professional-quality result every time.
Ideal for use with plaster, wood, paper and more, PVA is easy to apply and highly reliable. Whether you're preparing walls for painting or working on home repair projects, it’s a must-have for any toolkit.
Our products
General purpose PVA
EVO-STIK General Purpose PVA is a reliable, multi-functional adhesive, primer, sealer …
Waterproof PVA
EVO-STIK Waterproof PVA is a general purpose adhesive, primer, sealer and dustproofer,…
Step-by-step tutorials
Discover the many uses of PVA with our practical tutorials. From priming surfaces before decorating to improving adhesion on porous materials, discover exactly how this versatile DIY essential can help you achieve better results.
Our step-by-step guidance takes the guesswork out of preparation and application, helping you complete projects more effectively. Whether you're decorating, repairing or crafting, our advice will help you get the most out of your PVA and achieve a professional finish.
PVA FAQs
What does PVA stand for?
PVA stands for Polyvinyl Acetate.
Can I use General Purpose PVA to seal a kitchen floor?
No, PVA is not suitable as a floor sealer because it has poor wear resistance and turns white when exposed to moisture.
Can I use General Purpose PVA to seal plaster before painting?
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.
Can Waterproof PVA be used as a primer before painting?
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.
Can Waterproof PVA be used to seal a concrete ornament in a fish pond?
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.
What colour is General Purpose PVA?
EVO-STIK General Purpose PVA is white before use, but it dries to a transparent film.
Can I use General Purpose PVA for engineered wood flooring?
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.
Is PVC glue the same as PVA glue?
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.
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