Which glue is better for the floor plinth and step-by-step installation instructions
There are several types of glues for skirting boards, which differ in their composition and application. At the same time, liquid nails, regardless of the type of base, not only provide reliable fixation of products on the surface, but also seal cracks. The growing popularity of these products is also due to the fact that these adhesives greatly simplify the installation of skirting boards.
Advantages and disadvantages of fixing the plinth to the floor with glue
When fixing plastic skirting boards to the floor, it is better to use adhesives. This choice is due to the fact that liquid nails:
- not to mechanically damage the base, the walls and the floor;
- provide fast and reliable fastening;
- they have universal properties (they can adhere to almost any surface);
- create an elastic and elastic connection that does not let moisture through.
The main disadvantage of liquid nails is that the surfaces must be leveled before gluing the baseboards. Without it, the structure will not be fixed to the wall or floor.
Certain types of adhesives are used to cover the joint between the individual elements. A number of these products can be painted after drying.
Preparation for work
It is recommended to select tools and adhesive composition taking into account the type of material from which the decorative element is made. You can also use all-purpose liquid nail polish.
Tools required
The installation of skirting boards is carried out using the following tools:
- measuring tape (three meters is enough);
- grinder (hacksaw for metal);
- 4 centimeters wide silicone spatula;
- hammer;
- cutter;
- construction gun for liquid nails.
Due to the fact that the plinths are attached to each other at an angle, a miter box is used for cutting.
Choose liquid nails
Basically, acrylic and neoprene liquid nails are used to fix the floor plinths. But in some cases, other types of glue will be needed. The latter include assembly liquid nails (universal). This type of glue is used both for fixing polyurethane skirting boards and for sealing joints. This type of assembly nails is characterized by a dense consistency and high consumption. Universal adhesive does not provide a tight seal, so it is not used in rooms where water leaks are possible. When choosing the mounting of liquid nails, you should pay attention to the materials for which the product is suitable.
The second type of adhesives is docking. This type of liquid nails contains components that melt polyurethane, thereby ensuring strong and tight fastening of the baseboard in the corners. Docking glue dries quickly, so no more than half an hour is allowed for correction. The resulting seam is not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet rays, temperature changes and slight shrinkage of the walls.
Mooring nails are characterized by a liquid consistency, but lower consumption compared to assembly nails.
To determine the amount of glue needed to fix the baseboards, you need to measure the total length of the perimeter of future work. That is, you need to know the length and width of the room. Each box with an adhesive composition indicates the material consumption in running meters. It should be remembered that liquid nails are applied along the entire length of the baseboard. To avoid installation problems, it is recommended to purchase 5-10% more glue than necessary.
Acrylic
Acrylic liquid nails have the following characteristics:
- water-based (found in most types of adhesives);
- lack of smell;
- full drying time - 24-48 hours;
- increased elasticity.
Acrylic glue is mainly used for fixing skirting boards and other similar products. Less commonly, compounds of this type are used for grouting seams and joints. Despite the long drying time, it is possible to level the structure attached to acrylic liquid nails in 20-30 minutes.
These adhesives are classified into the following types:
- Ordinary. They are applied to leveled walls and are characterized by the properties described.
- With hydrophobic substances. They are used in conditions of high humidity.
- Strong hold. Recommended for bonding solid objects. This type of acrylic adhesive hardens quickly and therefore the material can be used for fixing on uneven surfaces.
The main disadvantage of acrylic compounds is that the glue does not tolerate prolonged contact with moisture (unless liquid nails with hydrophobic additives are used). It is better to use such adhesives when installing skirting boards.This is because acrylic has a coefficient of expansion similar to polyurethane. That is, both materials react equally to temperature changes and other environmental influences.
Neoprene
Neoprene adhesives have the following characteristics:
- base - synthetic rubber and chloroprene;
- impermeability;
- increased elasticity;
- viscous consistency.
Neoprene adhesives provide a stronger bond than acrylic adhesives. In addition, compared to the latter, these liquid nails set faster (obtaining sufficient strength takes no more than five minutes). Although neoprene compounds are more often used for fixing rubber, this product can also be chosen for the installation of baseboards.
Instructions for installing skirting boards
Universal adhesive is considered optimal for installing baseboards on the floor. This option is preferable, since it requires only cleaning the working surface from dirt. In some cases, the walls and floor will need to be wiped down with alcohol or another degreaser. The surface must be leveled before starting work.
Drink
Installation of wooden plinths is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The length of the walls is measured in places where the installation of skirting boards is planned.
- The plinth is cut according to the dimensions obtained.
- The plinth pieces that are mounted at the joints of the walls are cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
- The adhesive is applied to the baseboard in waves. If a compact product is used, several drops should be squeezed onto the surface at a distance of 5 centimeters from each other.
- First, the longest element is glued from the far corner.The plinth should be pressed firmly to the surface, keeping for 2-3 minutes.
The other wooden elements are glued in the same way. Remaining glue should be removed immediately with a cloth or rubber spatula. Seams in the corners and seams should be wiped with putty or liquid nails.
Plastic
The main difficulty in working with plastic decorative elements is that it is necessary to adjust the length not with a tape measure, but by applying each panel to the wall and applying the appropriate marks.This approach can significantly save labor. materials.
Installation of plastic skirting boards is carried out according to the algorithm described above. It is important that the adhesive is applied in waves. Otherwise, the decorative panel will not stick firmly to the wall, and a noticeable gap will remain between the material and the surface. Joints are closed not with sealant, but with special devices, also made of plastic. The same approach applies to angles.
If the panel provides a compartment for the wires, the glue is applied only to the large part, which is fixed to the wall. At the end of the work, the plastic should be wiped over the entire surface with a damp cloth, removing the remaining glue.
Self-adhesive, self-adhesive
The self-adhesive skirting boards have the following characteristics:
- flexible aluminum or PVC;
- are attached to almost any surface, including those with irregularities;
- are available in several colors, including those that imitate wood;
- provide a snug fit.
Self-adhesive baseboards, like other similar decorative elements, tolerate contact with water well.In this case, the surface of the first is additionally covered with an oxide film, which saves the material from mechanical damage. Among the advantages of this product is the fact that there is little waste left during installation.
The installation of adhesive tapes is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The area along which the plinth will be laid is wiped with a damp cloth. Then the same area, after drying, is treated from grease (alcohol or a specialized solvent is recommended).
- The protective layer is removed from the back of the tape.
- The tape is applied to the corner, then, moving your hand along the plinth, you will need to press it simultaneously to the floor and the wall.
Before starting work, it is recommended to apply the tape with a protective layer to the wall and apply marks on the surface. The latter facilitate the laying of the decorative element and avoid errors when fixing the material. At the end of the work, the remnants of the tape are cut off with a clerical knife.
Possible errors
Errors mainly come from non-compliance with installation rules. The baseboard will not hold securely if:
- the walls are not leveled or cleaned of dirt and grease;
- the wrong adhesive composition was selected;
- the glue is applied in drops, not in waves;
- the decorative element has not been pushed in during assembly over its entire length.
These errors cannot be corrected. The decorative element in each of the above cases will have to be torn off and replaced with a new one.