How to Properly Use Silicone Glue on Wood

Silicone glue being spread of a piece of wood trim.
  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-50
What You'll Need
Sander
Wood
Tack cloth
Paint or stain
Silicone tube
Caulk gun or silicone gun
Weights or clamps
Supports
What You'll Need
Sander
Wood
Tack cloth
Paint or stain
Silicone tube
Caulk gun or silicone gun
Weights or clamps
Supports

Silicone glue, otherwise known as silicone adhesive, is one of the strongest and most versatile adhesive products available on the market. It not only provides a firm, durable hold, but it's also flexible and allows great sealing facility while attaching pieces together. It's also highly resistant to heat and cold, water, and UV-rays, but only when it is properly applied. Follow the steps below when using this substance for wood pieces.

Step 1 – Prepare

When it comes to using silicone glue, it is important to remember that wood surfaces should be clean, as smooth as possible, and dry. Use a sander to smooth the surface and to remove an minor imperfections while you're at it. Then, dust the wood pieces with a tack cloth to remove debris. If you're planning to add any paint or stain as well, allow it all to dry properly, according to packaging instructions, before continuing.

Step 2 – Apply Silicone Glue

Silicone glue comes in different sized tubes and can be applied directly to the wood. Bigger sized tubes fit perfectly in caulk guns to better facilitate the process, especially if you are working on a large area.

To apply the adhesive, get hold of the tube, or gun and tube, and start adding it around the edges. There is no need to completely cover the wood because this adhesive is very strong; if you are working on small pieces of wood (10 by 10 inch or smaller) you only need to apply a small lining around the edges. If you fear that applying glue to the edges is not enough, you should then work in a zigzag or crossing fashion to create better working space for adherence. You should still take care not to use a huge amount even with more glue because too much will result in an overflow when placing pieces together. Once you have applied the glue, you can attach the wood.

Step 3 – Allow for Proper Dry Time

Although silicone glue dries up to a very durable and strong adhesive, it takes a very long time to do so, at times even up to three days. So it is very important to let it dry properly.

If you are attaching small pieces of wood, you should put on a bit of weight on them or clamp them together while they dry. On the other hand, if you are working on large areas remember to always add a support and a weight to keep the wood pieces in place and pressed together. When gluing something more like shelves, it is also important to create a sort of support while the glue is drying the piece doesn't fall off before the adhesive can cure.

Silicone adhesive is the best kind of glue that you can use, especially when attaching wood pieces that will be constantly under pressure. So long as you make sure to apply it properly and let it dry, its hold should have no problems lasting for a long time.