7 top tips for winter gluing
As temperatures drop, adhesives become much more prone to performance issues. Whether you’re working with PVA, hotmelt, edgebanding, cannister systems or water, resin and solvent-based glues, cold weather can lead to weaker bonds, application failures and costly consequences.
In fact, did you know that for every 5°C drop below 20°C, cure times increase significantly? Once the temperature falls below 5°C, your curing time is virtually at a standstill.
Low temperatures can affect adhesives, causing thickening or changes in appearance. Here are some common signs that your adhesive may be underperforming in cold weather:
- Inconsistent spray pattern
- Spitting or foaming
- Increased flash-off times
- Solution separation
- Higher consumption of adhesive
- Curing issues caused by frozen moisture in substrates
- Longer press times
7 top tips to make sure your adhesives don’t go to waste
Proper storage and handling can prevent waste and ensure your adhesives perform at their best. Here are our top recommendations:
- Maintain the right temperature
Store adhesives in a warm environment, ideally between 15°C and 20°C, and never below 10°C. - Avoid cold floors and walls
Concrete floors and exterior walls can get close to freezing. Store adhesives off the ground ideally on shelves or pallets, away from doors and windows, and ideally in the middle of the building. - Use heated storage
Consider a drum heater or heated cabinet to keep adhesives within the recommended temperature range. - Condition timber before bonding
Ensure timber or board is conditioned for at least 12 hours before use. - Plan bonding times carefully
Aim to carry out most of your bonding late morning or midday when workshop temperatures are stable. Avoid bonding on Friday afternoons if heating will be turned off over the weekend. - Select the right hardener
When using UF resin, opt for a fast hardener during colder periods. - Order adhesives early in the week
Place orders Monday–Thursday to prevent adhesives being left in transit over the weekend in low temperatures.
What to do if your adhesive gets too cold
PVA, PU, and solvent-based glues: If these have been exposed to low temperatures, do not use them. Dispose of them safely and in line with regulations.
Hotmelt and edgebanding adhesives: These can still be used but you may need to consider running the application equipment 5–10°C hotter than usual.
Taking a few simple precautions can protect your adhesives from cold weather damage, reduce waste, and prevent costly application failures. Always follow storage guidelines, keep an eye on workshop conditions, and refer to the technical data sheets for storage recommendations.
If you’re experiencing issues with bonding, we can help.
Contact one of our experts today – we’ll be happy to share our expertise.
