Thread: Aquadhere v Titebond

I use Aquadhere Exterior for all my joints, but if there are some gaps in the joint or if the timber is particularly oily, use Techniglue epoxy. Tried the Titebond, but the yellow glue shows up against dark timber and is pain to remove. I believe Titebond 3 has some water resistant properties. Also tried the polyurethane glue, but it was uncontrollable as it expanded in a foam

I think aquadhere exterior is equivalent to titebond 2 which produces water resistant joints. Titebond 3 on the other hand is water "proof"

Titebond III also has a longer open time than Titebond II which can be handy on a complex assembly. Don't know how it compares to Aquadhere's open time.

Aquadhere and Titebond II are both what's known a D2 adhesives. They are not suitable for exterior use if they are likely to get wet.
Aquadhere exterior and Titebond III are classed as D3 adhesives. They are suitable for exterior use, but not suitable for water immersion. The testing of them all is regulated by an ISO standard. If I can find it when I get back to work on Monday, I'll post the test requirements here.

BTW they are all PVA based (Polyvinyl acetate).

cheers,
peter

Thanks Peter

I don't go through gallons of the stuff, but it appears to me normal Aquadhere has a longer shelf life that Titebond.

Titebond 2 is definitely suitable for exterior use from my own experience as well as from the company's website. Type 2 is excellent for exterior furniture where it will be exposed to the elements. Type 3 is even more water resistant, being able to be exposed constantly to the elements. I used titebond 3 for my chopping board glue up and the board has been washed in the sink many times without any sign of the glue coming off.
According the titebond's website. Titebond 2 passes the HPVA/ANSI Type II water-resistance specification while type 3 passes the Type I water resistance specification. Aquadhere exterior is a cross-linked PVA but there is no mention of its ANSI water resistance specification. My best guess is that Aquadhere is equivalent to titebond original, Aquadhere exterior is eqivalent to titebond 2 and there is no equivalence in the aquadhere PVA line up that is equivalent to titebond 3.

I use Titebond II for most of my work, but I also use Titebond Original, and have used Aquadhere and Aquadhere Exterior, and AV Syntec's AVXL Plus. Each has advantages and disadvantages due to their various formulations. All are non-reactive curing glues - that is they cure by evaporation of the solvent - water; and do not (see post below) rely upon a chemical reaction to work like polyurethane, CA and epoxy glues. Having water as the solvent makes them pretty user friendly.

Titebond II is a one-part wood glue that passes the ANSI Type II water-resistance specification, which is why I choose to use it over Titebond Original, just in case someone is silly enough to fill one of my linear laminated goblets with water.

Titebond III is a one pack PVA waterproof formula that passes the ANSI/HPVA Type I water-resistance specification.

Some PVA's have strong initial tack time which may be advantageous, AV Syntec's AVXL Plus is great for segmented turnings if you want to use the slip and grab method of glue up but has a fast grab time in tight close fitting joints.

I prefer the Titebond glues as I have found some variability in the viscosity of Aquadhere products but I know other outstanding craftsman who swear by Aquadhere products. Franklin state a 12 month shelf life on their products but I have found two years is realistic if stored in a cool area in our dry tropics. Interesting that AV Syntec state "Do not store directly on concrete."

If you are considering an epoxy have a look at the Techniglue range.

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

All are non-reactive curing glues - that is they cure by evaporation of the solvent - water; and do rely upon a chemical reaction to work like polyurethane, CA and epoxy glues.

Did you mean to say don't?

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Did you mean to say don't?

Yup, sort of a typo, not requiring the mixing of a hardener and a base which is what I should say (or requiring the presence of water for polyurethanes to work well) - there still is a crosslinking process happening with most PVA's which is a chemical reaction.

Thanks for everyone's input re my question. It seems there are no alarm bells ringing with Aquadhere so I shall use the exterior one I just bought. Should suit my fairly simple needs just fine. Once it runs out I'll go to Carbatec and try the Titebond II.

Hi Chris

both aquahere and Titebond are PVAs. Essentially they are the same.

differences in shelf life, open time, clamp time, etc are relevant to what you build and how you work, but differences in strength are irrelevant.

Thanks Ian.

as a retired industrial chemist I would just add that AV Syntec are a very successful local company that were bought by Bostik. They are very active in all adhesive segments and have significant business with Australian industry which enables them to customise products for local needs. Kitchen cabinet makers often use the AV crosslinking acrylic for melamine faced wood bonding which is a local development. I also use reasonable quantities of Titebond 3 due to its excellent performance together with price and good availability. However now that Masters has gone it will be interesting to see if the USA imported Titebond products revert back to the original high prices. It should also be noted that using an imported PVA adhesive will involve a longer supply chain and shelf life would be shorter than local made products.
Paintman