Adhesive for drywall —the often forgotten secret

Learn which adhesive for drywall will hold up the best and get some tips on proper application. Then admire your job for years to come!

• Why use drywall adhesive?
• Gluing drywall to walls: A step-by-step guide
• Choosing the right glue for drywall
  

Why use drywall adhesive?

Hanging drywall is a tough job. Why not make it a little easier and have it last longer by using drywall adhesive? It’s a simple and inexpensive step to the installation. By applying glue for drywall to the studs or joists before installing the sheet, you cut down the need for screws in the field of the board. You’ll also have fewer nail pops and loose boards.

Gluing drywall to walls: A step-by-step guide

Using glue for drywall installation is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Have your glue and caulk gun at the ready. Cut the end of the glue tube off at a 45-degree angle, large enough to put out a ½ inch bead of caulk. Note that many glue tubes have a foil seal inside the plastic cone that will need to be punctured.
2. Measure your first piece of drywall and cut it to size. Also, mark the joists or studs that will be covered by that piece and apply a bead of glue to all of them except the ones that the board will end on. (Otherwise, you’ll have a mess when the glue squeezes out between that sheet and the next.)
3. As you apply glue, cover about ⅔ of the stud covered by that piece of drywall. It is not necessary to put glue all the way to the edges. Again, that would result in glue coming out between the pieces of drywall.
4. Install the board. A best practice is to nail or screw the edges of the board, but only use screws in the field. Using adhesive for drywall reduces the need for screws in the field or middle of the board but some are still needed. Please check with local codes on what is recommended in your area.

That’s it. You see, there is not much extra work involved, but the benefits are well worth it. Using fewer screws saves time and money. More importantly, using glue for drywall can reduce nail or screw pops by up to 50 percent!

Choosing the right glue for drywall 

You will definitely want to choose a product that is made for drywall. Loctite PL 200 Projects Construction Adhesive fits the bill. This premium-grade adhesive provides a super strong bond to most building materials including wood, metal, concrete, or block. It’s non-flammable, environmentally friendly, and cleans up easily with soap and water.

For an even more versatile adhesive, try Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive. This revolutionary polyurethane adhesive is three times stronger than ordinary construction adhesives and can stand up to moisture and cold temperatures. It has superior initial grab but is still repositionable for up to 45 minutes!