Best Grab Adhesive for Skirting Boards: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Site Specialist
Fitting skirting boards might seem straightforward, but in York's older properties, it is rarely a simple case of 'cut and stick'. Walls are often bowed, plaster is uneven, and corners are never truly square. This puts immense strain on the adhesive you choose.
Many DIY enthusiasts struggle because they rely on cheap adhesives that 'slump' or fail to grab instantly. When you offer a straight piece of timber to a curved Victorian wall, the timber will always try to spring back. If your adhesive isn't up to the task, you'll end up with unsightly gaps along the top edge or skirting that comes away from the wall entirely.
In this review, I'll walk you through three grab adhesives I've used extensively on site. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly trade staple or a premium clear adhesive for a delicate finish, these options will ensure your skirting stays exactly where you put it.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'Instant Grab' Claims"
"Marketing suggests the adhesive holds the timber instantly without any support."
On a perfectly flat wall, perhaps. But on bowed walls, the timber acts like a spring. Even the best 'instant grab' adhesive usually requires temporary propping or a few mechanical fixings (pins) whilst it cures.
The Spec: "Gap Filling Properties"
"Adhesive bridges gaps between the board and the wall perfectly."
Whilst high-viscosity adhesives fill gaps well, they shrink slightly as they cure. For large voids behind skirting in older properties, you may need to pack the wall out with timber slivers first to ensure a solid fixing.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Sika Pinkgrip Instant Grab Adhesive – Slump Resistant
Everbuild
This is the classic 'pink stuff' you will find in almost every joiner's van in the UK. It is incredibly cost-effective and offers reliable grip on rough surfaces like brick and plaster. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done reliably for a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
The Good
- Excellent value for money – ideal for large skirting jobs
- Distinctive pink colour lets you see exactly where you've applied it
- Good slump resistance; it stays where you put it on the wall
The Bad
- The pink colour is a nightmare if it gets on finished white woodwork
- Solvent-based smell can be strong in unventilated rooms
Installer Tip:
Because this adhesive is pink, be extremely careful not to get it on the face of the skirting or the carpet. If you do, clean it immediately with a solvent cleaner before it cures. I often leave a 10mm gap from the top edge of the skirting to ensure it doesn't squeeze out when pressed against the wall.
Priced at £3.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonGorilla 2044400 Heavy Duty Grab Adhesive Crystal Clear
Gorilla
If you are fitting pre-finished oak skirting or working in a bathroom where moisture is a concern, this crystal clear option is superior. It costs more, but the clear formula means any slight squeeze-out is virtually invisible, saving you cleanup time and potential damage to expensive timber.
The Good
- Dries crystal clear – forgiving if you make a small mess
- 100% waterproof, making it excellent for bathrooms or kitchens
- Flexible bond accommodates slight movement in timber
The Bad
- Significantly more expensive per tube than standard trade adhesives
- Can be harder to gun out in very cold weather
Installer Tip:
Apply this in a sine wave (zigzag) pattern on the back of the skirting rather than just blobs. This increases the surface area for the grab. Since it's clear, it's perfect for sealing the bottom of the skirting in bathrooms to prevent water ingress without leaving a visible coloured line.
Priced at £10.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonGorilla Heavy Duty White Grab Adhesive 200ml Tube
Gorilla
Not everyone owns a heavy-duty caulking gun, and sometimes you just need to fix a single loose board or a short return. This squeeze tube is the problem-solver for small repairs or tight spaces where a large gun won't fit. It offers the same high strength without the need for extra tools.
The Good
- No mastic gun required – great for one-off jobs
- Compact size fits into tight alcoves or behind radiators
- Gap filling formula works well on uneven plaster
The Bad
- More expensive per litre than cartridge options
- Harder to apply a consistent bead thickness by hand squeezing
Installer Tip:
If you are working in a cold house in winter, keep this tube in a warm pocket or a bucket of warm water (not boiling) for 10 minutes before use. It will make squeezing the adhesive out by hand significantly easier and give you a smoother flow.
Priced at £7.97 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use screws or nails as well as adhesive?
Can I stick skirting boards directly to wallpaper?
How much adhesive do I need for a room?
How do I remove old grab adhesive from the wall?
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