Everything you need to know: Grab adhesives

If you've ever tried to attach a skirting board, mount a shelf, or install decorative panels without drilling holes, you've likely come across the term grab adhesive. These powerful bonding agents are a must-have in any DIYer's toolkit. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about grab adhesives. Discover exactly what grab adhesives are, the different types available, and how to apply them for the best results. 

Grab adhesives are high-strength adhesives designed to instantly bond heavy materials to a variety of surfaces, with no nails or screws required. The term "grab" refers to its initial bonding strength, which helps keep materials in place while the adhesive fully cures. 

These adhesives are perfect for fixing everything from skirting boards and coving to wall panels, hooks, and even mirrors. Whether you're working with wood, metal, brick, or plastic, there's a grab adhesive suited for the task. 

No need for mechanical fixings 

• Grab adhesives eliminate the need for nails, screws, or plugs, saving time and preserving the aesthetics of your surfaces. 

Quick and easy 

• Most grab adhesives are ready to use straight from the tube with a standard caulking gun. Many provide instant grip, meaning you don’t need to prop up or clamp your materials in place. 

Versatile 

• Grab adhesives can bond a wide range of materials, both porous and non-porous, including metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, concrete, and glass. 

Clean finish 

• As there’s no drilling involved, you avoid dust and potential damage to your materials. 

Not all grab adhesives are the same. Here's a rundown of the most common types you'll find on the shelves and from EVO-STIK: 

SMP adhesives 

Silane Modified Polymer (SMP) adhesives, also known as MS Polymer adhesives, are high-tech solutions that offer several benefits:  

• Weather, temperature and movement resistance: These adhesives are waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures and movement, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects.  
• Superior bond strength: SMP adhesives provide strong bonds in both wet and dry conditions.  
• Fast setting time: Some SMP grab adhesives can set in as little as 15 minutes, allowing you to complete your projects quickly. 
• Solvent-free: Safe for use in occupied buildings, SMP adhesives offer reduced health risks.  

Recommended product: EVO-STIK Seriously Strong Stuff Fast Setting Adhesive - This adhesive can hold an incredible 300kg/m² after just 15 minutes. It's perfect for quick and reliable bonding in various conditions.

Tip: Use SMP adhesives for projects involving a variety of materials, exposure to the weather, or where quick setting times are essential.  

2-in-1 sealant & adhesive

2-in-1 sealant and adhesives, also known as hybrids, offer the benefits of an adhesive and sealant in a single cartridge, providing versatility and convenience:  

• Multi-use and timesaving: 2-in-1 products can be used for bonding and sealing various materials, making them perfect for emergency repairs.  
• Wet and dry conditions: These hybrid solutions work well in both wet and dry environments, making them great for a wide range of projects inside and outside of the home. 
• Flexibility: They remain flexible even if the substrate moves, ensuring long-lasting bonds.  
• Mould resistance: Ideal for kitchen and bathroom applications due to their mould-resistant properties.  

Recommended product: EVO-STIK Strong Stuff Sealant & Adhesive - This product can be used as both a sealant and adhesive without compromising on performance. It's flexible, waterproof, and suitable for interior and exterior use.  

Tip: Keep an all-in-one adhesive and sealant in your toolkit for quick fixes and versatile applications. 

Solvent-based adhesives

Solvent-based grab adhesives are known for their distinctive smell and strong final bond strength:  

• Gap filling properties: Some solvent-based grabs can fill gaps between substrates, making them perfect for skirting and coving applications.  
• Surface compatibility: Ensure that the surfaces you are bonding are not adversely affected by solvents.  

Recommended product: EVO-STIK GRIPFILL Adhesive - This adhesive is the nation’s number one gap-filling adhesive with superior final bond strength. It's ideal for supporting heavier objects inside and outside your home.  

Tip: Use solvent-based adhesives for projects requiring strong bonds and gap filling, but always test on a small area first.  

Solvent-free grab adhesives  

Solvent-free grab adhesives, also referred to as water-based grab adhesives, offer a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional, solvented grab adhesives:  

• Non-corrosive: Safe for use on almost any interior surface without causing chemical reactions.  
• Instant grab: Provides immediate bonding, securing materials in place for accurate alignment.  

Recommended product: EVO-STIK GRIPFILL Solvent Free Adhesive - This multi-purpose, high strength adhesive offers gap filling properties without the odour. It's suitable for interior use and bonds a wide variety of building materials.  

Tip: Choose water-based adhesives for indoor projects where environmental impact and safety are concerns.  

What you will need: 

• Your chosen grab adhesive 
• Caulking gun 
• Utility knife 
• Cloth or sponge 
• Gloves 
• Cleaning solvent (for solvent-based adhesives) 

Optional: 

• Safety goggles 
• Masking tape 

Clean both surfaces thoroughly. Remove any dust, grease, or debris. For best results, surfaces should be dry (unless you're using an adhesive suitable for damp surfaces). 

Carefully use a knife to cut the dome at the top of the cartridge, taking care not to damage the thread (if using GRIPFILL, push a nail through the base of the nozzle to break the seal). Then cut the nozzle at a 45° angle, adjusting the hole size to your desired bead thickness. Screw the nozzle onto the cartridge if required, then load the cartridge into the caulking gun. 

Repeatedly squeeze the trigger until the adhesive appears. Apply parallel beads to one of the surfaces to be bonded. For large items, a zigzag bead pattern works well. Avoid applying too close to the edges to prevent squeeze-out. 

Carefully align your materials and press them together ensuring the bead of adhesive is crushed (for GRIPFILL, using a twisting action, press the other surface into position to maximise surface contact and grab). You may need to hold or support them temporarily if the adhesive doesn’t offer immediate grab. 

Wipe away any excess adhesive immediately with a cloth. Use water for water-based products or the recommended solvent for solvent-based ones. 

Check the adhesive’s technical data sheet for full curing time. While many grab adhesives hold instantly, full strength is often reached in 24-48 hours. 

• Test first: If you’re unsure about surface compatibility, do a small patch test. 
• Temperature matters: Avoid applying in very cold or very hot conditions unless the product allows it. 
• Use masking tape: Temporarily secure light items with masking tape while the adhesive sets. 
• Don't overapply: More adhesive doesn’t always mean stronger hold - too much can slow curing and cause mess. 

Grab adhesives are an essential tool for anyone tackling home improvement projects. Whether you're mounting shelves, fixing trim, or tackling larger refurbishments, there's a grab adhesive for the job. Choose the right type for your materials and conditions, follow the steps, and enjoy a fast, strong, and clean bond - no screws required.