Chemicals & Adhesives

Choose the right building adhesive

From instant-bond hybrids to solvent-free interior options, our range of building adhesives covers grab, panel and multi-purpose grades for timber, MDF, skirtings, plasterboard and metals. If you’re fixing in damp or exterior conditions, look for polymer-based building adhesives with high initial tack and weather resistance. For sanitary areas and glazing, pair a suitable sealant with your adhesive for a long-lasting finish.

What makes the best building adhesive?

High initial tack, strong final bond strength, and good adhesion to mixed substrates are key. Low-odour, solvent-free formulations help indoors; flexible polymers cope with movement outdoors. For speed, choose products that can be painted over or that skin quickly to reduce dust pick-up.

Builders sealant for interior and exterior use

Our builders sealant selection includes sanitary silicone, low-modulus frame sealant, exterior weatherproof sealant and decorators’ caulk for internal joints and gaps. Use sanitary silicone around baths and showers, LM frames for UPVC doors and windows, and flexible exterior sealants for cladding and trims. Colour-matched options and paintable caulks help you finish neatly across kitchens, bathrooms and façades.

Tiling and specialist sealing

For tiled areas, choose a mould-resistant sanitary grade; for movement joints, a low-modulus silicone maintains elasticity. Where priming is advised, follow the manufacturer’s guidance to maximise adhesion and service life.

Construction chemicals for concrete, render and mortar

Under our construction chemicals lines you’ll find cement and render additives such as plasticisers for improved workability, SBR for adhesion and abrasion resistance, waterproofers and damp-proofers, plus curing agents and frost-proofers for cold-weather working. Admixtures help control set, reduce shrinkage and enhance durability in screeds, renders and site concrete. For repairs, select polymer-modified repair mortars and bonding agents that key new work to old substrates.

Surface prep and ancillary chemical building products

Cleaners, primers and degreasers improve adhesion on dusty or contaminated surfaces; release agents aid formwork; hardeners and sealers protect finished concrete. Select products that match the substrate and exposure class on your drawings and data sheets.

Brands and formats you can trust

We stock recognised names across building adhesives, builders sealant and building chemicals with cartridge, foil and tub formats to suit different tasks, from site-speed applications to fine finishing. If you’re unsure which product fits your job, our team can help you compare open time, cure profile and substrate compatibility.

Buying tips

• Match the adhesive to the heaviest/least porous substrate in the bond line
• Use sanitary or mould-resistant grades in wet rooms and kitchens
• In cold weather, consider winter admixtures and observe minimum application temperatures
• Always check data sheets for primer requirements and paint compatibility

FAQs

What’s the difference between a building adhesive and a builders sealant?

A building adhesive bonds two materials together (e.g., skirting to plaster), while a builders sealant fills and seals joints or gaps to keep out air and moisture. Many hybrids do both—check the label for “adhesive & sealant”.

Which construction chemicals improve mortar workability?

Plasticisers reduce water demand and make mortar creamier and easier to lay. SBR can boost adhesion and durability in render and screed; waterproofers limit water ingress in exposed areas.

Can I paint over sealant and adhesive?

Decorators’ caulk is paintable; most silicones are not unless specifically “paintable silicone”. Many grab adhesives accept paint once cured—confirm on the product data.

How do I choose the best building adhesive for exterior panels?

Look for a polymer or hybrid building adhesive with high initial grab, UV and weather resistance, and compatibility with both substrates (e.g., metal to masonry). Clean and prime surfaces as directed for a secure, long-term bond.