Choosing the right skirting board adhesive is crucial to ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish to your room. Skirting boards, serving as a decorative and functional element of a room, require a strong bond to the wall to withstand daily wear and tear. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice:

Understand Your Skirting Board Material

The first step is to identify the material of your skirting boards. Common materials include MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), wood, PVC, or polystyrene. Each material has its unique properties and requires a specific type of adhesive for optimum bonding.

  • Wooden Skirting Boards - For traditional wood, PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) based adhesives or solvent-free wood adhesives are suitable. They offer a strong bond and allow for wood's natural expansion and contraction.
  • MDF Skirting Boards - MDF is denser and heavier. Therefore, a high-strength, gap-filling adhesive would be ideal. Consider a solvent-free construction adhesive that can bear the weight and resist shrinkage.
  • PVC and Polystyrene Boards - For these synthetic materials, a flexible, solvent-free adhesive works best. It should be able to cope with the expansion and contraction of plastic materials without cracking.

The adhesive must be compatible with both the skirting board and the wall surface. Whether it’s plaster, drywall, or any other material, the adhesive should bond well with both.

Consider the Adhesive Properties

  • Strength - The strength of the adhesive is crucial. A high-strength adhesive ensures that the skirting boards stay firmly in place against the wall, even in high-traffic areas. Look for adhesives labelled as 'high-strength' or 'heavy-duty'.
  • Drying Time - Consider the drying time of the adhesive. If you are working on a tight schedule, you might prefer a fast-drying adhesive. However, faster drying times can mean less time to adjust the skirting boards once they are placed.
  • Flexibility - Skirting boards are subject to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. An adhesive with flexible properties can accommodate these movements, preventing cracks and gaps.
  • Paintability - If you plan to paint over the skirting boards, ensure that the adhesive is compatible with paint. Some adhesives can bleed through paint or prevent it from adhering properly.
  • Ease of Application - Choose an adhesive that is easy to apply. Adhesives that come in tubes with nozzles can make the application process smoother and more precise.
  • Water Resistance - If the skirting boards are in a moisture-prone area, such as a bathroom or kitchen, choose a water-resistant adhesive to prevent moisture damage.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Consider the safety and environmental impact of the adhesive. Look for low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or solvent-free adhesives to ensure a safer application, especially in enclosed spaces.

Price vs Quality

Finally, consider the cost. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that a higher-quality adhesive can save time and money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs.

Brand Reputation

Research different brands to understand the performance of their adhesive products. Well-established brands often offer higher quality and more reliable adhesives.

  • Soudal Fix ALL High Tack - a robust hybrid polymer sealant and adhesive, boasting exceptional strength in both initial grip and ultimate bond (320kg/10cm²). This product ensures versatile, high-performance bonding and sealing across various materials on nearly any surface, including porous, non-porous, and even damp or humid conditions. Also, it includes the fungicide, providing superior protection against mould and enhancing the longevity and cleanliness of the application.
  • Everbuild Instant Nails - a high-strength, solvent-free adhesive that is perfect for a multitude of home improvement tasks. It offers a quick grab, making it an ideal replacement for mechanical fixings in various applications. This gap-filling adhesive is not only potent but also user-friendly, ensuring a secure and reliable bond for a wide range of DIY projects.

Conclusion

Choosing the right adhesive sealant for your skirting boards is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and longevity. By considering the material of the boards, the desired strength and durability, flexibility, curing time, moisture resistance, paintability, ease of application, brand reputation and price, you can ensure that your skirting boards are not only beautifully installed but also stand the test of time. Remember, the right adhesive is the one that meets your specific needs while balancing strength, flexibility and safety.

Skirting Boards Adhesive FAQs 

What adhesive is best for wooden skirting boards? 

  •  PVA based adhesives or solvent-free wood adhesives are suitable for wood, as they accommodate natural expansion and contraction.

What should I use for MDF skirting boards? 

  • A high-strength, gap-filling adhesive is ideal for MDF, which is denser and heavier.

Can the same adhesive be used for PVC and polystyrene boards? 

  • Yes, a flexible, solvent-free adhesive is recommended for both, to cope with expansion and contraction.

How do I choose a strong adhesive? 

  • Look for adhesives labelled as 'high-strength' or 'heavy-duty' for a firm hold.

Why is adhesive flexibility important when using a skirting board adhesive? 

  • It allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, preventing cracks.

Should the skirting board adhesive be paintable? 

  • Yes, if you plan to paint the skirting boards, ensure the adhesive won't bleed through or affect paint adherence.

Is water resistance important in a skirting board adhesive? 

  • Yes, especially in moist areas like bathrooms or kitchens, to prevent moisture damage.

Should I prioritise price or quality when selecting a skirting board adhesive? 

  • While budget is a factor, higher-quality adhesives can be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing repair needs.

What is Soudal Fix ALL High Tack? 

  • It's a hybrid polymer sealant and adhesive with high strength and versatility, suitable for various surfaces and conditions.

What makes Everbuild INSTANT NAILS stand out? 

  • It's a high-strength, solvent-free adhesive with quick grab, ideal for multiple home improvement tasks.

Are there adhesives resistant to mould growth? 

  • Yes, some adhesives contain fungicides for mould resistance, like Soudal Fix ALL High Tack.

What’s the final advice for choosing the right adhesive? 

  • Consider your specific needs, balancing strength, flexibility, and safety, to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.