I have made most of my layout of MDF, table top format (solid and flat, no cookie cutter or other methods). I butt jointed all the MDF together using liquid nails. The joints are solid and holding together very well. Here is my question: What is the life span of a product like liquid nails? I am afraid that 15 years from now, the glue might "dry out" (or whatever glue does as it detiorates - does it detiorate?) and the joints come apart. Is this a reasonable concern?
I've gotta think not, since Liquid Nails is sold as a construction adhesive (obviously a marketing goof in not finding their real market), and I don't think something like that would have the wide acceptance it does without being long-lived.
I think their technology is better than it used to be. I remember my dad putting wood veneer paneling up with the Liquid nails and having it fall off a few years later. The LN had dried to a brittle solid and lost it's adhere. This was in the 70's.
I used Liquid Nails (Foam) to bond blue foam board cookie cutter roadbed to both foam and wood risers. In most cases it came free from both types of risers within 12 months. I reglued with Elmer's white glue and have had no problems since. Where Liquid Nails was used to glue one flat sheet to another it is holding fine. So I assume that LN needs a larger area than the top of a riser (~1" x 2") to hold over time .... ?
You know I goofed... it is Lepages "No More Nails" that I am using. I am hoping the life span is a long one.
LePages is a variation of the old time Hyde Glue that had to be heated to become liquid, but held Pianos and Furniture together. My experience with LePages "ready-to-use" is that it eventually dries to a hard glassy solid and will actually break its self before turning loose of the wood. However, I have not used it on any of the particle type boards, because they usually come apart after time from absorbing moisture from the rainy days. Liquid Nails is a variation of polyurethane that is supposed to remain slightly flexible, which is what you really want rather than a brittle solid glue. Use caution and lots of open air ventillation with Liquid Nails because the fumes are toxic! Do NOT smoke or eat in the same area where you are using it! [ 10. December 2002, 08:13: Message edited by: watash ]
Watash:which LePage product are you referring to as similar to the old hide glue that had to be heated???? ( The "Hyde" glue that you mention comes from the elusive Nauga Beast.. ) Also which Lepage product goes "glassy"??? Just curious, as up here in Canada, Lepage is pretty well #1 in adhesives of all types, has been forever. I do quite a bit of woodworking, and mainly use Lepage white or yellow glues for general carpentry, and outdoor "Weathergrip" for applications where any moisture might come in to play.Never had a problem, some joints 25 years old. About 5 years ago, I installed some MDF ceiling trim in a bathroom with Liquid Nails, and in spite of the steam exposure from hot water showers etc., so far no problem. Have found Liquid Nails "for Projects" a pretty good adhesive for joining styrene to wood, when doing HO structure kitbashes, etc. Note there are several types of Liquid Nails, for different applications...read instructions carefully. regards / Mike
