Best Grab Adhesive for Kitchen Fitting: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Kitchen Specialist
A kitchen installation is only as good as the fixings that hold it together. Whilst heavy cabinets rely on sturdy wall plugs and screws, the finishing touches—upstands, architraves, cornices, and splashbacks—rely heavily on the best grab adhesive available.
Working in York's Victorian terraces, I deal with walls that are rarely plumb or square. A quality 'gap-filling' adhesive isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity to bridge the undulations in old plasterwork and ensure a solid bond for skirting and trim.
The market is flooded with tubes claiming 'instant grab', but many fail under real site conditions. In this review, I'm comparing three options I keep in the van: a budget solvent-free gripper, a reliable heavy-duty bulk option for full fit-outs, and a waterproof problem-solver for damp areas.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'Instant Grab' Claims"
"Marketing often claims the adhesive holds items instantly with zero support required."
On site, gravity always wins. Even with high-tack glues, heavy items like tall skirting or splashbacks will slip without temporary props or pins whilst the adhesive cures.
The Spec: "Gap Filling Properties"
"Adhesives claim to bridge gaps perfectly between uneven surfaces."
Whilst good adhesives do fill gaps, relying on glue alone to bridge large voids (over 5-10mm) in York's old walls results in a weak bond. Always use packers for structural stability first.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Sika Pinkgrip Solvent Free Grab Adhesive – Overpaintable – Ideal for Interior Use – White – 380ml
Sika
Sika Pinkgrip is a staple in the trade, and this solvent-free, white version is excellent for finish work where you might need to paint over the join. It offers fantastic value for money, making it ideal for large runs of skirting or architrave where material costs can add up.
The Good
- Excellent price point for trade use
- Solvent-free means low odour (great for occupied homes)
- Overpaintable once dry
The Bad
- Curing time is slower in cold, damp conditions compared to solvent options
- Not suitable for heavy load-bearing without mechanical fixings
Installer Tip:
Because this is solvent-free, it cleans up easily with water before it cures. Keep a damp rag handy to wipe off excess immediately when fitting skirting—it saves hours of sanding later.
Priced at £2.82 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonUniBond No More Nails Original, Heavy-Duty Mounting Adhesive, Pack of 3 (3 x 365g Cartridges)
Unibond
This multipack is the bread and butter for a full kitchen installation. The 'Original' formula provides a reliable, strong bond for most porous surfaces like wood, plaster, and brick. Buying the pack of three ensures you don't run out halfway through fitting the cornice.
The Good
- Consistent, reliable bonding strength
- Good initial 'grab' reduces the need for constant propping
- Solvent-free and safe for indoor use
The Bad
- Strictly for interior use only
- Requires at least one surface to be porous (absorbent) to cure properly
Installer Tip:
When fitting kitchen cornices or pelmets, apply the adhesive in a zig-zag pattern rather than dots. This increases surface area contact and suction, preventing the trim from drooping whilst it sets.
Priced at £16.98 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonUniBond No More Nails Waterproof White High Strength Grab Adhesive, 206 ml Tube
Unibond
Kitchens are wet environments, especially around sinks and hobs. This waterproof version uses Flextec-Polymer technology, meaning it adheres even to damp surfaces. The squeeze tube format is perfect for smaller snagging jobs where getting a large gun in tight spaces is difficult.
The Good
- Truly waterproof—essential for splashbacks near sinks
- Can bond to damp surfaces (common in older York properties)
- Flexible bond withstands vibrations (e.g., near washing machines)
The Bad
- More expensive per ml than standard cartridges
- Squeeze tubes can be harder to control for long, continuous beads
Installer Tip:
Use this specific adhesive for fixing glass or acrylic splashbacks. Unlike standard adhesives which rely on evaporation through porous materials, this polymer adhesive cures chemically, meaning it will actually dry even when sandwiched between glass and tiles.
Priced at £8.54 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use grab adhesive to hang kitchen wall cabinets?
How do I remove old grab adhesive from a wall?
Should I choose solvent-based or solvent-free adhesive?
Does grab adhesive work on damp walls?
Can I tile directly over grab adhesive?
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