When can I expect my construction adhesive to dry?

For any construction adhesive or caulk, drying or curing time depends on a number of factors:

• Temperature (both of the air and of the bonding surfaces)

• Lower temperatures slow drying or curing of construction adhesive and caulk significantly. For example, it generally takes twice as long at 50°F (10°C) versus 70°F (21°C).

• Porosity (how well water or solvents get absorbed into the bonding surfaces)

• Non-porous surfaces — like plastics, metals and painted surfaces — can slow drying or curing time of construction adhesive and caulk from 24 hours to several days, or even weeks! It's recommended that at least one of the bonding surfaces be porous whenever possible.

• Moisture (both of the air and of the bonding surfaces)

• Humidity and moist surfaces make drying take longer, especially with latex construction adhesive. To bond permanently wet or damp surfaces, rubber/solvent-based construction adhesive or caulk dries more quickly. For other products, like polyurethanes, silicones or hybrid polymer-based products, moisture actually promotes curing. Amount of adhesive or caulk used.

• Large deposits of construction adhesive or caulk will dry or cure more slowly than small amounts. To make sure you use the right amount of LIQUID NAILS construction adhesive or caulk, follow the recommended guidelines on the packaging.

Of these factors, temperature and porosity have the greatest effect on drying and curing times. Air exposure and the method of application also have an effect. For the average drying or curing time of a specific LIQUID NAILS product, see that product's technical data sheet.