Glued up and stuck? Here’s what you need to know

By Franklin International.

From batch codes to bonded fingers, these FAQs clear up the stickiest situations.

Ever tried to decode a product label and felt like you needed a secret decoder ring? Or glued your fingers together on a Sunday project and wondered if your skin would ever be free again? Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a DIY newcomer, navigating adhesives like Titebond from Franklin International can raise some oddly specific questions. What happens when you glue wet wood? How do you get glue out of your shirt — or off your hands? And why won’t that Instant Bond glue actually bond? Don’t worry — Titebond answers the most common and useful questions straight from the source. Here's what you need to know before your next glue-up goes sideways.

How do I read the lot numbers?

Current format for product made after 1/1/2019: Ayymmddbbb

The first letter is A for made in America, the first two digits after the A is the last two digits of the year of manufacture, the fourth and fifth digits represent the month, the sixth and seventh digits represent the day of the month and the last three digits represent the batch number for that day.

Example: A190615023 – This material was manufactured on June 15, 2019

Format for product made prior to 1/1/2019: Aymmddbbbb

The first letter is A for made in America, the first digit after the A is the last digit of the year of manufacture, the third and fourth digits represent the month, the fifth and sixth digits represent the day of the month and the last four digits represent the batch number.  

Example: A604270023 – This material was manufactured on April 27, 2016

How do I remove Instant Bond from my skin or project?

Place a small amount of acetone on the affected area and rub until the adhesive has been removed. Please follow solvent vendor’s precautions. Nail polish remover can also be used to remove adhesive. Be cautious as these products are flammable and can irritate skin.

Will Titebond Wood Glues wash out of clothing?

If Titebond Wood Glues are accidentally spilled on clothing, it is important to immediately wet it with water and keep it wet until all adhesive is rubbed off of the clothing. Do not put the clothing item in the dryer until all adhesive is removed. Heat will melt the adhesive into the fabric and it will be permanent. Titebond II and Titebond III if allowed to dry will not release from fabric. A mixture of Acetone/Water/Vinegar will soften the adhesive but will not dissolve it. Scraping the softened adhesive should remove a majority of the adhesive.

What if Instant Bond doesn’t bond?

Ensure the surface is clean and dry. If dust or dirt is on the intended bonded surface, use a small amount of acetone until clean. Acidic surfaces (wood with dark tannic acids, some leathers and metals) can inhibit curing of the Instant Bond adhesive. Use the Titebond Activator to start the curing process or, spray one side with Titebond Activator and spread Titebond Instant bond on the other surface for an instant bond

Original article and photo source: Franklin International