D2 / D3 / D4 PVAc Adhesives

What is the difference between D2, D3 and D4 wood glue?

D2, D3 and D4 are water resistance classes under the EN 204 standard. D2 is for interior use with only occasional contact with moisture. D3 is for interiors with frequent short-term exposure to water or high humidity, and for exterior work that is sheltered from the weather. D4 is for interiors with frequent long-term exposure to water, and for exterior work exposed to the weather when protected with a suitable surface coating.

Which is the best all-round PVA wood glue?

For most joinery and furniture work we recommend ProWood D3. It is a water resistant PVA wood adhesive, made in Britain, and can be ordered online in a range of pack sizes. If the job will see regular moisture or sit outdoors, step up to ProWood D4.

Should I use D3 or D4 wood glue?

Use D3, such as ProWood D3, for interior joinery, furniture, doors, kitchens and bathrooms. Use D4, such as ProWood D4, for windows, external doors, garden joinery and anything exposed to the weather or to long periods of damp. If you are unsure, D4 gives you the higher level of water resistance.

Is D4 wood glue waterproof?

D4 is the highest water resistance class under EN 204. It is designed for frequent long-term exposure to water and for exterior use, but exterior joints should still be protected with a paint, varnish or other surface coating. ProWood D4 is our own D4 grade for this type of work.

Can I use D3 wood glue outside?

Only where the work is sheltered from direct weather, such as under a canopy or porch. For anything fully exposed to rain, use a D4 adhesive such as ProWood D4.

Is there a one-component D4 PVA that needs no catalyst or cross-linker?

Yes. Henkel Aquence DL 1040 is a one-component D4 PVA for windows, window scantlings and composite window elements. It is ready to use, with no mixing required.

Can I upgrade a D3 PVA to D4?

Yes, with certain grades. Henkel Aquence KL 071/2 and Henkel Aquence KL 072 can both be upgraded to D4 under EN 204 by adding Aquence Catalyst R 397 cross-linker. For KL 071/2 the addition rate is 5%.

Is there a formaldehyde-free D3 PVA adhesive?

Yes. Henkel Aquence KL 071/2 is a formaldehyde-free D3 PVA. It is also pH neutral, which improves adhesion on difficult timbers such as oak and larch and avoids discolouration of the glue line when pressing with heat.

Which PVA should I use for dowelling?

Henkel Aquence WL 2002 is a low viscosity dowelling adhesive for automatic dowel insertion and knot plugging. If you need a thicker grade, use Henkel Aquence DD 063/3.

Which PVA is best for laminating HPL, CPL and veneers?

Kenyon D3 PVA. It is formulated for surface bonding of HPL, CPL and veneers to MDF, plywood, chipboard and blockboard in short cycle presses, including door and fire door production. It contains a UV tracer so you can check the adhesive coverage, and it is available from 1 kilo pails up to 1100 kilo IBCs.

Which D2 PVA should I use for assembly and carcass gluing?

Henkel Aquence WL 041/1 is a fast-setting, filled D2 PVA for assembly and carcass gluing. Being a filled adhesive, it offers good gap filling.

Why buy from gluegunsdirect.com?

With over 40 years of gluing knowledge and experience we are challenged on a daily basis to find the answer to various adhesive problems and new applications. You will be amazed at what we have been asked to bond and the majority of the time we have surprised ourselves by providing the answer to some very difficult adhesive problems. Gluegunsdirect.com offer a comprehensive range of market-leading adhesives technologies, technical support and training, UK stock holding across three warehouses and delivery when the customer needs it. We are the complete adhesive package!

What can you glue with our range of adhesives? Have a gluing problem, don’t come unstuck, challenge our glue experts and call 0161 627 1001 – Keeping Britain Bonded Since 1979!

We supply an extensive range of D2, D3 and D4 PVAc adhesives formulated for window manufacturing, flat lamination, furniture production and frame assembly, parquet flooring, door production, doweling, general joinery, bonding HPL/CPL, multi-layer bonding, block gluing of softwoods/chipboardsd/hardwood, veneering, carcase & solid wood bonding, EDPM roofing.