LIQUID NAILS® Adhesive FAQs

Turn here when you have general questions about LIQUID NAILS® household and construction adhesive products. We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions below. These questions were compiled from actual calls to our toll-free customer service hotline. You can find more detailed information on individual product pages or MSDS sheets. If you have additional questions about LIQUID NAILS Adhesive, please contact us. We will be happy to assist.

Removing LIQUID NAILS Construction Adhesives

Occasionally you may wish to separate two objects bonded with LIQUID NAILS Adhesive, such as two boards, two bricks, or in some cases, two of your fingers! Here are some tips for getting out of the stickiest situations. (Remember, LIQUID NAILS Adhesive is designed for durable bonding — this isn't supposed to be easy!)

How To Remove LIQUID NAILS Construction Adhesive from Skin

First, check to see if the adhesive is solvent or latex-based.

For Solvent-Based LIQUID NAILS Adhesive:

Gently rub petroleum jelly, vegetable or mineral oil onto the skin. Repeat applications may be needed

Remove any contaminated clothing and be sure to wash it before wearing it again

For Latex-Based LIQUID NAILS Adhesive:

Soap and water may be used as adhesive remover. Wash thoroughly.

How To Remove LIQUID NAILS Adhesive Products from Building Materials

In general, LIQUID NAILS construction adhesive and caulk products can be scraped off when they are softened either by:

  • Heating above 140°F with an electric heat gun or blow dryer
  • Coating the adhesive with petroleum jelly or mineral spirits for several hours to several days (NOTE: Mineral spirits are not recommended for tub surrounds, whether vinyl, plastic, painted or varnished.)

If building materials are bonded, you must separate the items as explained below before removing the construction adhesive.

What you'll need:

  • Windshield cut-out wire (also called music wire), available at most automotive parts stores
  • Safety gloves and/or handles for the wire to keep hands from being cut
  • Safety goggles or a face shield
  • Two screwdrivers to prop parts into an open position
  • Wire cutters

What you'll do:

  • Cut a length of wire about two or three feet longer than the width of the part to be removed.
  • Starting at one corner, work the middle of the wire under the edge of the part.
  • If using handles, connect them to the wire. If not, be sure to wear heavy safety gloves to protect your hands.
  • Saw back and forth with the wire, using moderate pressure. This should start to cut the construction adhesive. After a few inches have been cut, use the screwdrivers to prop open the gap. This helps prevent thermoplastic adhesives from re-adhering, which can happen as friction causes significant warming of the adhesive.
  • Continue sawing, moving the screwdrivers as you go. Continue until the part is loose and can be removed.
  • Scrape away residual construction adhesive. If the adhesive is too hard to scrape, apply a light layer of baby oil, wait an hour, then scrape. Repeat if necessary. NOTE: Do not use baby oil or any other softening material if painting of the surface is planned, as it will stain.

What is the dry time for LIQUID NAILS Adhesives?

We recommend bracing the application overnight. LIQUID NAILS adhesive will reach its maximum strength within 7 days. Actual dry time may vary with temperature, humidity and substrates.

How long will any odor last?

Cross ventilation is necessary when using LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products. Some odor may remain for a while, but odor usually lasts less than 24 hours.

Is LIQUID NAILS Adhesive flammable or toxic after it has dried?

No. Once a product has cured, the solvents have dissipated. It is the solvents that are flammable/toxic.

What is the working time for LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products?

Working time averages 15 minutes. Refer to the individual labels and data sheets for more information.

Will LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products become rock hard after they dry?

No. LIQUID NAILS construction adhesive and caulk products remain flexible to allow for expansion and contraction of the substrates.

What is the shelf life of LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products?

LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products are good for two years after the manufacture date. However, we recommend using them within one year of purchase.

To find the product's manufacture date, refer to the seven-digit ink-dot number generally found on or near the bottom of the container. The first number signifies the year (7 represents 2007, 8 represents 2008, etc.); the second digit signifies the month (A represents January, B represents February, etc.).

Leaving opened cartridges exposed will cause the product to harden inside the cartridge. After one year from the manufacture date, an unopened product may harden in the cartridge, or its solvents could separate.

Can LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products freeze?

LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products can freeze; however, once returned to room temperature they are usable.

What is the recommended application temperature for LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products?

We recommend applying LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products between the temperatures of 40°F and 90°F.

Do LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products resist water?

LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products resist water penetration. However, none of our products should be used below the waterline or immersed in water for long periods of time (e.g., pools, aquariums).

What condition must substrates be in for bonding?

Substrates must be structurally sound, clean and dry (not powdery, chalky or flaky), and without excessive movement.

How can LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products be removed?

In general, LIQUID NAILS adhesives & caulks can be scraped off when they are softened either by:
  1. Heating above 140°F with an electric heat gun or blow dryer.
  2. Coating the adhesive with petroleum jelly or mineral spirits for several hours to several days. (Note that mineral spirits are not recommended for tub surrounds, vinyl, plastic, painted or varnished.)

Are all LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products the same?

No, each LIQUID NAILS Adhesive product is specifically formulated to bond various substrates and common building materials with different construction requirements.

Who should be contacted for medical emergencies?

Always call 911 first in a serious medical emergency. For LIQUID NAILS Adhesive product-related information in a medical emergency, call 1-800-634-0015 and press 1 on the menu option. The call will be automatically transferred to the PPG Architectural Coatings Emergency Information Line. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Storing household LIQUID NAILS Adhesive

Get the most out of your LIQUID NAILS adhesive by taking these steps after each use:
  • Before placing the cap back on the tube, squeeze a small amount of the LIQUID NAILS adhesive inside the cap.
  • Screw the cap securely onto the tube so that the LIQUID NAILS adhesive in the cap is squeezed out along the edges of the tube opening.
  • Store in a cool place, preferably with a temperature of less than 85°F.
All household LIQUID NAILS Adhesive products, with the exception of the Metal Projects Repair Adhesive (LN-203) and Small Ceramic Projects Repair Adhesive (LN-202), cure or dry from the outside. By applying a small amount of LIQUID NAILS adhesive in the cap, you ensure that the tube opening stays clear of dried adhesive and is ready for use in your next project.