All Purpose Adhesive

About All Purpose Adhesive

All purpose adhesives are versatile bonding solutions designed to work across multiple materials and applications, making them essential for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who need reliable adhesion without maintaining separate products for each substrate. Unlike specialist adhesives formulated for single-purpose use, all purpose adhesives bond wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, fabric and other common materials. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including grab adhesives, epoxy resins, hybrid polymer adhesives and solvent-free formulations from trusted brands like Everbuild, UniBond, Gorilla, Bostik and Araldite.

Modern all purpose adhesives deliver professional-grade performance with excellent gap-filling properties, fast setting times and resistance to weathering, moisture and temperature extremes. From quick-setting epoxy syringes like Araldite Rapid for emergency repairs to high-tack grab adhesives such as Everbuild PinkGrip for vertical applications without temporary supports, MyToolShed.co.uk offers solutions for virtually any bonding challenge. Many contemporary formulations are low-odour and solvent-free, making them safer for indoor use whilst maintaining industrial-strength bonds that withstand harsh British weather conditions.

Applications

All purpose adhesives are indispensable across numerous trades and applications:

• Builders and General Contractors: Fixing skirting boards, architrave, coving, wall panels and general site work
• Joiners and Carpenters: Bonding wood, laminate and composite materials in furniture making and installation
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Securing pipework, brackets, insulation and fixtures where mechanical fixings aren't suitable
• Electricians: Mounting trunking, cable clips and junction boxes
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Installing panels, trims, splashbacks and decorative finishes
• Maintenance and Facilities Managers: General repairs across commercial and residential properties
• DIY Enthusiasts: Household repairs, craft projects and home improvement tasks

Choosing The Right All Purpose Adhesive

Material Compatibility: Whilst all purpose adhesives work across multiple substrates, some formulations excel with specific combinations. Epoxy adhesives perform exceptionally with metals and hard plastics, whilst hybrid polymer adhesives like Everbuild Stick 2 offer excellent performance on porous materials.

Setting Time: Fast-setting epoxies cure in minutes for quick repairs, whilst grab adhesives like Bostik Serious Glue provide immediate tack for vertical applications but require 24-48 hours for full cure strength. Consider whether you need time for positioning or immediate bond.

Indoor or Outdoor Use: Exterior applications require weatherproof formulations that resist moisture, UV degradation and temperature fluctuations. Products like Gorilla Waterproof Glue and Evo-Stik Strong Stuff Weatherproof are designed for outdoor durability, whilst standard formulations may only suit interior use.

Solvent Content: For indoor work or confined spaces, solvent-free formulations are preferable for health and safety compliance. They produce minimal odour and don't require extensive ventilation, making them more pleasant to work with on occupied sites.

Safety Information

Ventilation: Always work in well-ventilated areas, particularly with solvent-based adhesives. Ensure adequate fresh air circulation and consider respiratory protection in confined spaces.

Skin and Eye Protection: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact and irritation. Safety glasses should be worn when applying adhesive overhead or where splashing might occur.

Storage and Disposal: Store adhesives in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Keep containers sealed when not in use and dispose of empty containers according to local authority guidelines and COSHH regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between grab adhesive and standard all purpose adhesive?
Grab adhesives like Everbuild PinkGrip provide immediate high-tack bonding, allowing you to fix materials vertically without temporary supports whilst the adhesive cures. Standard all purpose adhesives typically require clamping during curing and may have longer open times for positioning. Grab adhesives are particularly useful for fixing skirting boards, coving and panels where clamping isn't practical.

Can I use all purpose adhesive on surfaces that will get wet?
This depends on the specific formulation. Many modern all purpose adhesives like Gorilla Waterproof Glue and polymer-based products offer excellent water resistance once fully cured, making them suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and exterior applications. However, traditional contact adhesives and PVA-based products aren't suitable for permanently wet conditions. Always check manufacturer specifications for water resistance ratings.

How long does all purpose adhesive take to set?
Setting times vary considerably depending on adhesive type. Fast-setting epoxies achieve handling strength in 5-10 minutes, grab adhesives provide immediate tack but need 24 hours for full cure, whilst standard contact adhesives may require several hours for good bond strength. Temperature and humidity also affect curing times—adhesives generally cure more slowly in cold conditions.