Tried and tested: ice cream makers

Sam Brockley, Senior Category Manager for Adhesives and Sealants at Bostik, has these top tips…

ADHESIVE

Thanks to the latest advances in technology, grab adhesives can be used in a multitude of tasks both inside and outside the home, including bonding skirting or architrave and installing wall panelling. When it comes to choosing a grab adhesive, strength, performance and setting time are all key factors.

Silane modified polymer adhesives (also known as SMP, SM Polymer or MS), such as EVO-STIK’s Strong Stuff waterproof adhesive are solvent-free products that offer resistance to extreme temperatures and movement, superior bond strength in both wet and dry conditions and fast setting times. Solvent-based grab adhesives are renowned for their superior final bond strength, with some, such as EVO-STIK’s GRIPFILL, also offering gap-filling properties. It’s important to check that surfaces will not be adversely affected by solvents before applying this type of adhesive. Water-based adhesives, including EVO-STIK’s GRIPFILL Solvent Free, offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to regular, solvent-based adhesives. With no corrosive qualities, water-based grab adhesives can be used on almost any interior surface without the risk of a chemical reaction.

Most grab adhesives are applied using a standard cartridge gun. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from dust, grease and other loose material. Any paint should be removed from surfaces where the adhesive will make contact and metal surfaces should be degreased with detergent and water or an appropriate degreaser.

Cut off the dome at the top of the cartridge, taking care not to damage the thread. Cut the nozzle to the desired width and angle and screw onto the cartridge. Insert the cartridge into a cartridge gun and repeatedly squeeze the trigger until the adhesive appears. Apply parallel beads of adhesive to one of the surfaces, then align and bring the surfaces together, pressing firmly.

After carefully scraping off the excess, uncured adhesive can be removed using heavy-duty cleaning wipes or a cloth lightly moistened with white spirit. Cured adhesive can only be mechanically removed, for example by cutting, sanding or scraping. Always refer to the product’s Technical Data Sheet before use to ensure its suitability for your task.

EVO-STIK Strong Stuff waterproof grab adhesive, £9.99 per 290ml, Bostik

EVO-STIK GRIPFILL solvent free adhesive, £2.79 per 350ml, Bostik Ensuring that the joins around your shower or bath are properly sealed will not only protect them from water, but make the area look neat and tidy too. Macramé tiles, from £50 per sq m, Topps Tiles

Achieve a professional finish by using sealant to fill any gaps between wet areas and tiles. Arles Snow décor mix gloss tiles, £39.99 per sq m, CTD Tiles Look out for ownbrand sealant, which can save you £££s if you’re working to a tight budget. Wilko’s is flexible, waterproof and mould-resistant. All-purpose interior silicone sealant in White, £4 per 300ml, Wilko

Seal of approval

Harriet Goodacre, Brand Communications Manager and Tile Consultant at Topps Tiles, recommends…

SEALANT

With waterproof, anti-mould and anti-mildew properties, silicone sealants are a great option for bathrooms to fill gaps around basins, baths and shower trays, and help to achieve a neat look around the edge of tiles. They’re usually available in white or clear finishes, and occasionally colours. There are two main types of silicone sealant. Acetoxy Cure can be fully cured in just 24 hours but cannot be used on porous surfaces like limestone or travertine. Oxime Cure takes slightly longer to set but is suitable for use on delicate surfaces like marble and granite as well as metal and glass.

To apply, first ensure the surface is clean and dry. Insert the sealant cartridge into a caulking gun, making sure to cut the tip of the cartridge wider than the gap you’re filling. Holding the tip at a 45 degree angle, apply from one end to the other ensuring the sealant is evenly distributed. To finish, use a sealant smoothing tool to remove any excess and ensure a smooth finish.