When working on home improvement projects, people often need to adhere various construction materials to metal and wonder if Liquid Nails can do the job.
Liquid Nails® works on metal if you choose the right product from the various selection of Liquid Nails construction adhesives, sealants and caulks available. You can attach metal to wood, concrete, and other pieces of metal using Liquid Nails.
The rest of this article will examine some of the specific uses for Liquid Nails. I will identify products to bond metal to various building components and offer tips on utilizing Liquid Nails products to adhere items to one another.
Table of Contents
What Is Liquid Nails Used For?
Liquid Nails brand products, available online and in most home improvement stores, are commonly used for DIY and professional projects and installations.
Liquid Nails offers caulks, sealants and general-purpose or specialized adhesive products, used by homeowners and expert contractors alike, as an alternative to welding or mechanical fastening.
Can Liquid Nails adhere one metal item to something else made of metal, wood, or concrete? Here is a quick rundown.
Metal to Metal
Adhering metal to metal no longer requires soldering. If you are looking for an adhesive to create a metal sculpture, a metal letter for your child’s room, or metal decorative shelving, there is no need to break out the welding mask. Liquid Nails securely bonds metal to metal.
Metal to Wood
Liquid Nails can replace sheet metal screws as multiple adhesive types securely attach the metal to wood. Perhaps you are looking to place reclaimed wood over a steel beam to take your space from a modern, industrial feel to a more natural, rustic look. Applying liquid nails to the back of your timber allows you to get the look you want without the use of fasteners.
Metal to Concrete
If you don’t have a hammer drill and concrete screw handy, there is no need to buy them. Liquid Nails adheres to metal and concrete. Many Liquid Nails products are appropriate for outdoor use. They can bond metal decorations to masonry surfaces, letting you attach items without placing unsightly screws through the decorative surface.
Liquid Nails is used as an alternative to welding or using nails, screws, or other fastening devices to attach various types of materials together. Now that you know a substance exists to address your need, you can narrow the available options to determine which variety of Liquid Nails to purchase, and determine where you can procure it.
Which Liquid Nails Product Is Best for My Project?
As there are a vast array of products available, choosing the type of Liquid Nails may be a bit confusing. There are specific formulas designed for a variety of applications. Before taking a tube home, determine whether it is the best choice for your particular project.
To see the complete list of potential products and their uses, visit the Liquid Nails Construction Adhesives & All Products website. Once there:
- Filter by “Interior” or “Exterior” application.
- Next, click on the “Surfaces” drop-down on the left-hand side.
- Select the material type(s) you are looking to bond.
- Once a list of suitable options appears, you can click on each to see:
- Application tips
- MSDS tech data
- Product description
- Product advantages
- Surfaces the product is recommended for
- Surfaces the product is not recommended for
- Clean up and disposal tips
- Warranty information
- Reviews, questions and answers
- Certificates of conformity
- To narrow a list further, consider additional filters based on:
- Type of project
- Which store(s) carry the product
- The size of the product container
- Product type (adhesive, caulk/ sealant, or multi-purpose)
Once you have selected and obtained the right product for the job, you may wonder how to apply Liquid Nails.
How Do I Use Liquid Nails on Metal?
For the best chance of successfully adhering metal to another item, you should first prepare your materials and then follow the ideal application procedures.
Product Preparation
To prepare surfaces before applying an adhesive:
- Scrape or sand off any dirt or rust. For items with a smooth finish, lightly sand the surface to be bonded.
- Remove any loose particles with a dry cloth.
- For a superior clean, consider using rubbing alcohol OR mineral spirits on the surfaces of the items.
NOTE: Unless the product package states otherwise, ensure both surfaces are dry before proceeding.
Product Application
Liquid Nails products come packaged in either a squeeze tube or a caulk-like tube. After prepping the surfaces:
- Open the squeeze tube or unscrew the nozzle of the caulk container (if a caulk container, cut off the cartridge tip to the required bead size – ensure you leave the thread intact).
- Add the tube to a caulk gun, if necessary.
- Gently squeeze the tube (or pull the caulk gun trigger) to apply Liquid Nails® in a zigzag pattern to one of the items to be bonded.
- Press the two materials you want to adhere together.
- Wipe away any adhesive that escapes out the side with a clean rag.
- Clamp or brace the items together.
- Allow the items to set for the recommended drying period.
For product-specific instructions and dry-time, reference the detailed instructions on each product package or the MSDS tech datasheets available above.
Conclusion
When looking to bond something metal with another item made of metal, wood, or concrete, a Liquid Nails product will work. Choose the Liquid Nails® formula based on your project and material type. Before you get started, ensure you read the instructions, prep your materials, and use a clamp or brace after application for the best results!
