Technical Specification · Free Download

PVA Type II and Type III Wood Glue

Technical specification for PVA (polyvinyl acetate) wood glues, covering Type II (water-resistant, interior) and Type III (waterproof, exterior) grades. Includes properties, sizing, application guidelines, defect modes, and storage protocols for Canadian fabrication and woodworking shops.

Material Overview & Common Uses

PVA (polyvinyl acetate) wood glue is the standard adhesive for interior and exterior wood joinery in Canadian fabrication and woodworking shops. Type II (water-resistant) is used for interior furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and non-structural assemblies where occasional moisture exposure may occur. Type III (waterproof) meets ANSI/HPVA Type I and ASTM D-4317 requirements for exterior applications such as outdoor furniture, marine trim, deck components, and glue-laminated beams. Both types are thermoplastic emulsions that cure by water evaporation and absorption into the wood substrate. Type III formulations include cross-linking agents that provide superior water and heat resistance. Common Canadian brands include Titebond II/III, Lee Valley, and LePage. Typical open times range from 3–10 minutes depending on temperature and humidity; clamp times vary from 30 minutes to 24 hours.

Core Technical Properties & Sizing

Parameter	Value / Specification
Viscosity	2,000–6,000 cP (Brookfield, 25°C) for Type II; 3,000–8,000 cP for Type III.
Solids content	45–55% by weight for Type II; 50–60% for Type III.
pH	4.5–6.0 (acidic).
Density	1.05–1.15 g/mL at 20°C.
Minimum film formation temperature (MFFT)	5–10°C for Type II; 10–15°C for Type III.
Service temperature range	-30°C to +70°C (Type II); -40°C to +100°C (Type III).
Water resistance	Type II passes 4-cycle soak test (ANSI/HPVA Type II); Type III passes 24-hour boil test (ANSI/HPVA Type I).
Shear strength (wood-to-wood, maple)	8–12 MPa (Type II); 10–15 MPa (Type III) after 7-day cure at 20°C/50% RH.
Open time	3–5 minutes (Type II); 5–10 minutes (Type III) at 20°C/50% RH.
Clamp time	30–60 minutes (Type II); 60–120 minutes (Type III) at 20°C/50% RH.
Full cure	24 hours (both types).
Shelf life	12–18 months unopened (store at 5–30°C); 6 months after opening if kept sealed and clean.
Freeze-thaw stability	Type II – 5 cycles max (do not freeze); Type III – 3 cycles max (do not freeze).
Common container sizes	237 mL (8 oz), 473 mL (16 oz), 946 mL (32 oz), 3.78 L (1 gal), 18.9 L (5 gal) pails, 208 L (55 gal) drums.
Canadian stock sizing	1 L and 4 L jugs are most common for shop use; 18.9 L pails for production lines.

Machinability, Tooling & Feeds

Parameter	Guideline / Specification
Application Method	Brush, roller, squeeze bottle, or glue spreader.
Application Rate (Flat Lamination)	150–200 g/m² (approx. 0.015–0.020 lb/ft²) per glue line.
Application Rate (Edge Gluing)	200–250 g/m².
Joint Condition	Avoid starved joints (too little glue) or over-saturated joints (excess glue causes squeeze-out and weak bond).
Clamp Pressure	0.7–1.4 MPa (100–200 psi) for softwoods; 1.0–2.0 MPa (150–300 psi) for hardwoods. Use cauls to distribute pressure evenly.
Open Assembly Time	5–10 minutes at 20°C; reduce to 3–5 minutes at 30°C.
Closed Assembly Time	Up to 20 minutes.
Minimum Application Temperature	Do not apply glue below 10°C (Type II) or 15°C (Type III).
CNC/Automated Application	Use positive displacement pumps with Teflon or stainless steel wetted parts.
Cleanup	Clean tools and squeeze-out with water before glue dries. Dried glue must be mechanically removed (scraping, sanding). Do not use solvents for cleanup.
RF Curing	For high-frequency (RF) curing, Type III glues require special formulations; consult manufacturer.
Metal Contact	Avoid contact with metal ions (iron, copper) which can discolour the glue line.

Common Defects & Quality Control

Defect / Parameter	Description / Control Method
Starved joint	Insufficient glue or excessive pressure; results in low bond strength.
Over-saturated joint	Excess glue causes squeeze-out and weak bond due to trapped water.
Delamination	Caused by moisture cycling, poor clamping, or incompatible wood species (e.g., oily woods like teak).
Foaming	Occurs if glue is stirred vigorously or if air is entrained during application; reduces bond strength.
Freeze damage	Irreversible thickening or curdling if glue freezes; discard if separation or graininess is visible.
Skin formation	Occurs in partially used containers; remove skin before use.
Discolouration	Dark glue line due to iron contamination or excessive heat.
Quality Control	Perform daily bond tests (shear or peel) on representative samples. Check viscosity with a Zahn cup or Brookfield viscometer. Monitor glue temperature and humidity. For Type III, conduct a boil test (ASTM D-4317) on a sample joint. Reject any glue that has been frozen, is older than 6 months after opening, or shows visible separation that does not re-disperse with gentle stirring.

Storage, Handling & Racking Guidelines

Parameter	Guideline
Storage Environment	Clean, dry area at 5–30°C. Do not freeze. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent skinning and evaporation.
Bulk Containers	Use a pump or siphon to dispense; do not dip tools into the container to avoid contamination.
Stock Rotation	Rotate stock on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
Labelling	Label each container with the date of receipt and date of opening.
Shelf Life (Unopened)	12–18 months.
Shelf Life (Opened)	6 months.
Discard Criteria	Off odour, visible mold, or separation that does not re-disperse. If glue freezes, do not use; discard.
Canadian Winter Shipping	Use heated trucks or insulated containers.
Racking	Small containers (up to 4 L) on standard shelving; larger pails on pallet racking with spill containment.
Sunlight/Heat	Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use secondary containment for bulk drums.
Disposal	Dispose of unused glue according to local regulations (non-hazardous solid waste after curing; liquid glue may be classified as hazardous if pH < 2 or > 12.5).