Adhesive question: glazed tile to PVC trim

RobA · Nov 16, 2014

I want to glue glazed tile address numbers to a piece of Versatex cellular PVC trim board (similar to Azek). Any thoughts on what adhesive to use?

ThomasH · Nov 16, 2014

if you have a way to temporarily pin them in place, I have used silicone based glue for similar things before. It is typically in a smaller tube, and says something like china repair. It will be important to wipe down the trim with some alcohol to get it clean. I have stuck stuff to PVC trim in the past by drawing an outline around the item, and either lightly sanding with 150 or wiping some xylene or MEK where it will be glued, to provide some 'tooth'.

SPIKER · Nov 16, 2014

ThomasH said:
if you have a way to temporarily pin them in place, I have used silicone based glue for similar things before. It is typically in a smaller tube, and says something like china repair. It will be important to wipe down the trim with some alcohol to get it clean. I have stuck stuff to PVC trim in the past by drawing an outline around the item, and either lightly sanding with 150 or wiping some xylene or MEK where it will be glued, to provide some 'tooth'.

Heating the PVC with a torch works as well to OPEN the pores of the plastic, it HAS to be done on most PE plastics and works in many others. Not enough to melt it but enough to bring the surface temps up quickly without effecting base of it.

I agree Silicone caulking can work as well as many epoxies, if you can't lay it flat for a period of time to dry, or use some tape to set/seal the par tin place until it drys.

As for the tile the glazing must be knocked down for the glue to stick use wire brush, muratic acid or some heavy sand paper so it has something to bite into.

Mark

Threepoint · Nov 16, 2014

I think I'd use one of the polyurethane glues, like the original Gorilla Glue (not their wood glue), or Titebond Polyurethane Glue (not Titebond's wood glue). The polyurethanes are waterproof, and very permanent. They expand as they cure, so clamping may be necessary.