CT1 Sealant Adhesive
What is Better than CT1 Sealant Adhesive? Adiseal vs CT1
While CT1 sealant adhesive is a popular hybrid polymer Adiseal adhesive sealant is better than CT1 in numerous ways.
Here is a direct, data-backed comparison of how Adiseal adhesive sealant outperforms CT1.
- Initial Grab: Adiseal provides a heavier initial grab than CT1, reducing the need for temporary bracing or support during application.
- Underwater Clarity: When submerged, clear CT1 sealant turns white and opaque over time. Clear Adiseal retains its total optical clarity.
- Mould Prevention: In sanitary and wet environments, Adiseal resists fungal and mould growth significantly longer than CT1.
- Faster Curing: The coloured variants of Adiseal (including white, black, grey, and brown) cure faster than the equivalent CT1 formulas.
- Superior Bond Strength: Adiseal was independently proven to be the strongest adhesive on the market, resisting breakout forces over 3123 psi.
- Cost Efficiency: Despite outperforming CT1 in physical tests, Adiseal maintains a lower trade price point per tube.
Are CT1 Claims Backed by Proof or Marketing Hype?
Many manufacturers make bold claims about their products like being “360% stronger” or inherently superior without publishing verification. Adiseal relies on third-party verification and repeatable field tests rather than marketing copy. If you are looking for a reliable CT1 alternative, the empirical data shows Adiseal delivers higher performance at a lower cost.
Quick links
- Which sealant has the highest mould resistance? CT1 vs Adiseal
- Which sealant has stronger colour protection? CT1 vs Adiseal
- Which adhesive has the strongest grab? CT1 vs Adiseal
- What cures quicker CT1 or Adiseal?
- CT1 sealant adhesive vs Adiseal adhesive sealant price comparison
- What is the strongest adhesive? Independent adhesive bond strength test results
- What materials does CT1 work on?
Which sealant has the highest mould resistance? CT1 vs Adiseal
As demonstrated in the image above, Adiseal sealant exhibits stronger mould resistance than CT1 sealant. After being submerged in identical water for 24 days, the CT1 sealant discoloured below the water line due to mould growth, whereas the Adiseal sealant remained mould-free.
Test Procedure & Batch Data
To ensure a completely fair evaluation, we executed the following controlled environment test:
- Application: Both products were applied inside new, clean plastic cups.
- Submersion: The cups were filled halfway with standard UK tap water.
- Sealing: Both cups were tightly covered with plastic wrap to ensure a completely sealed environment.
- Environment: Both cups were stored directly next to each other in a dark, cool location at room temperature.
- Test Start Date: 13/07/2023
- Test End Date (Image Taken): 06/08/2023 (Water removed after 24 days)
- CT1 Sealant White Data: Lot number `3941754` (Confirmed by C-Tec as manufactured in February 2023).
- Adiseal Sealant White Data: Batch number `3250560`.
Verification of test result
These are our internal test results. Because we are completely confident in these claims, we will provide a free tube of Adiseal adhesive sealant to any verified tradesperson in the UK for their own testing. Visit our Offer Page to claim yours.
Note: In a historical 2019 test, Adiseal was also proven to have stronger mould resistance than C-Tec’s premium BT1 sealant formula. Images of this test are available upon request.
Which sealant has stronger colour protection? CT1 vs Adiseal
Adiseal showed vastly superior performance compared to CT1 in the water-clear sealant test. While the C-Tec product turned white and cloudy both above and below the water line, Adiseal Ultra Clear sealant stayed completely transparent.
Test Procedure & Batch Data
To ensure a completely fair evaluation, we executed the following controlled environment test:
- Application: Both products were applied inside new, clean plastic cups.
- Submersion: The cups were filled halfway with standard UK tap water.
- Sealing: Both cups were tightly covered with plastic wrap to ensure a completely sealed environment.
- Environment: Both cups were stored directly next to each other in a dark, cool location at room temperature.
- Test Start Date: 13/07/2023
- Test End Date (Image Taken): 06/08/2023 (Water removed after 24 days)
- CT1 Sealant Clear Data: Lot number `3843320` (Confirmed by C-Tec as manufactured in April 2023).
- Adiseal Ultra Clear Data: Batch number `2253-0927`.
Verification of test result
These are our internal test results. Because we are completely confident in these claims, we will provide a free tube of Adiseal adhesive sealant to any verified tradesperson in the UK for their own testing. Visit our Offer Page to claim yours.
In a historical clear-water test conducted on May 5th, 2020, data revealed that the older formula of CT1 clear sealant actually outperformed their newer formula.
In the image above, the CT1 clear sealant old formula is on the far right, and their new formula is the second from the right. It’s evident that their new formula turned white both below and above the water line, while their old formula clear sealant only turned white below the water line.
Which adhesive has the strongest grab? CT1 vs Adiseal
Adiseal coloured adhesives demonstrate a visibly stronger immediate grab compared to CT1.
Grab Test Procedure & Product Age Advantage
To verify initial grab strength, we devised a strict gravity-drop test:
- A black tile and several 100g weights were meticulously cleaned using a professional solvent cleaner.
- A controlled, equal bead of CT1 white adhesive and Adiseal white adhesive was applied to the tile.
- The 100g weights were firmly pressed into each adhesive while the tile lay flat on a workbench.
- The tile was then flipped completely vertical, allowing gravity to pull down on the weights.
- Test Date: 13/07/2023
- CT1 White Adhesive Data: Lot `3941754` (5 months old at test time).
- Adiseal White Adhesive Data: Batch `3250560` (1 month old at test time).
Why this test favoured CT1
Over time, unopened adhesive cartridges naturally thicken, which mechanically increases the product’s instant grab. To ensure fairness, we tested a 5-month-old CT1 cartridge against a fresh 1-month-old Adiseal cartridge—giving C-Tec a distinct structural advantage. Despite this edge, Adiseal successfully held the weight while CT1 experienced slippage.
Transparency Statement on Clear Formulas
We executed this exact initial grab test multiple times on CT1 Clear vs Adiseal Ultra Clear. While Adiseal Ultra Clear won the vast majority of the rounds, there was one instance where it did not. Because we value transparency over marketing hype, we officially claim that Adiseal coloured variants (white, black, grey, brown) have a stronger grab than CT1 coloured variants, even though our clear formula generally outpaces theirs.
Verification of test result
These are our internal test results. Because we are completely confident in these claims, we will provide a free tube of Adiseal adhesive sealant to any verified tradesperson in the UK for their own testing. Visit our Offer Page to claim yours.
Heavy-Duty Alternatives: CT1 Power Grab n Bond vs Adiseal Hi-Grab adhesive
For specialist, ultra-heavy applications, C-Tec offers Power Grab n Bond (PGNB), while we manufacture Adiseal Hi-Grab adhesive.
Rather than claiming outright performance superiority over PGNB, our field tests show that both products deliver highly comparable, exceptional instant-grab performance on heavy vertical surfaces. However, Adiseal Hi-Grab achieves this elite level of performance at a significantly lower, trade-friendly price point per tube.
What cures quicker CT1 or Adiseal?
How long does CT1 take to cure? The curing time for CT1 can vary depending on a number factors like moisture in the air and temperature. In our tests we found the Adiseal colours (white, black, grey and brown) to cure quicker than the CT1 equivalent product.
C-Tec Superfast Plus Glue vs Adiglue
The Adiseal alternative to C-Tec Superfast Plus glue is Adiglue. Adiglue has a thicker gel formulation, allowing higher gap fill and higher initial grab than the C-Tec Superfast Plus glue. As well as Adiglue being better than the C-Tec glue, C-Tec Superfast Plus glue, Adiglue is also lower priced than the C-Tec alternative superglue.
CT1 sealant adhesive vs Adiseal adhesive sealant price comparison
As well as Adiseal adhesive sealant being better than CT1 sealant adhesive in numerous ways, Adiseal products are also lower priced than C-Tec products.
| C-Tec product | Adiseal product |
| CT1 sealant adhesive white 290ml : £11.35 + VAT | Adiseal adhesive sealant white 290ml : £9.49 + VAT |
| CT1 sealant adhesive black 290ml : £11.35 + VAT | Adiseal adhesive sealant black 290ml : £9.49 + VAT |
| CT1 sealant adhesive grey 290ml : £11.25 + VAT | Adiseal adhesive sealant grey 290ml : £9.49 + VAT |
| CT1 sealant adhesive brown 290ml : £11.35 + VAT | Adiseal adhesive sealant brown 290ml : £9.49 + VAT |
| CT1 sealant adhesive clear 290ml : £12.35 + VAT | Adiseal adhesive sealant ultra clear 290ml : £10.49 + VAT |
| CT1 Power Grab n Bond 290ml : £12.95 + VAT | Adiseal Hi-Grab 290ml : £10.19 + VAT |
These prices were taken from the C-Tec official online shop shop.ct1.com and the Adiseal official online shop https://guglue.com on 1st August 2026.
Why pay more for a product that doesn’t perform as well as Adiseal products.
What is the strongest adhesive? Independent adhesive bond strength test results
In an independent adhesive strength test conducted by Ultimate Handyman, Adiseal emerged as the strongest adhesive, displaying an impressive strength over three times greater than its closest competitor. Its performance was so robust that the screws securing the test rig began to tear out under the pressure of the hydraulic ram, forcing the test on Adiseal to be concluded prematurely.
Test results
When testing the bond strength between hardwood and metal, Adiseal withstood an astounding pressure of over 3123+ psi without breaking. In contrast, all other tested brands failed at 1115 psi or lower.
Strongest adhesive strength test results table
| Product Name | Max Pressure Before Bond Failure (psi) | Test Result |
|---|---|---|
| Adiseal | 3123+ psi | Bond Unbroken (Test Abandoned) |
| SupaBond | 1115 psi | Bond Failed |
| Tec 7 | 1016 psi | Bond Failed |
| HB42 | 942 psi | Bond Failed |
| Loctite PL Premium | 873 psi | Bond Failed |
| Gorilla Grab | 862 psi | Bond Failed |
| Bond It PU18 | 582 psi | Bond Failed |
| Bond It Save Nails | 411 psi | Bond Failed |
CT1 adhesive vs Adiseal adhesive strength test
Although Ultimate Handyman did not include CT1 in this specific round of testing, historical data from their prior independent evaluations directly compared the two brands
In a previous metal-to-metal tensile test, the original formula of CT1 broke at 148 psi, while Adiseal’s original formula reached 201 psi before failure. Following further chemical development, Adiseal’s current formula increased its performance to 245 psi in that exact same metal-to-metal configuration.
Is CT1 adhesive actually 360% stronger?
How strong is CT1 really? C-Tec marketing campaigns frequently highlight assertions that their product is “360% stronger”. However, the manufacturer does not publish or link to any independent, repeatable test data to substantiate this claim. Without transparent evidence, such figures remain unverified marketing copy. Adiseal’s position as the strongest adhesive is proven by independent testing. In contrast, the claim of CT1 being “360% stronger” lacks any substantiating evidence from the manufacturer.
CT1 & Power Grab ‘n’ Bond are registered trademarks of CTEC (NI) Limited
What materials does CT1 work on?
| Surface Category | Compatible Materials | Professional Application |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry & Stone | Concrete, Brick, Granite, Marble, Slate, Limestone, Travertine | Ideal for paving, wall capping, and non-staining stone cladding. |
| Metals | Steel, Aluminum, Lead, Copper, Iron, Zinc | Perfect for gutter repairs, flashing, and structural metal-to-concrete bonding. |
| Plastics & Synthetics | PVC, ABS, Polycarbonate, Fiberglass, GRP, Polystyrene | Used for roofing sheets, window frames, and plumbing fixtures. |
| Wood & Timber | Hardwood, Softwood, MDF, Plywood, Chipboard | Provides a waterproof bond that won’t rot or weaken in damp environments. |
| Glass & Ceramics | Clear Glass, Mirrors, Porcelain, Tiles, Quartz | Securely bonds mirrors (non-corrosive) and kitchen/bathroom tiles. |
| Roofing Materials | Felt, Asphalt, EPDM, Bitumen, Shingles, Rubber (natural) | Instant emergency leak repair on major roofing substrates. |
Why Adiseal Bonds Better to Different Materials:
- Non-Porous Excellence: Unlike water-based adhesives, Adiseal cures via atmospheric moisture, allowing it to bond two non-porous surfaces (like metal to glass) effectively.
- Anti-Stain Technology: Many adhesives “bleed” oils into stone or marble. Adiseal’s chemically inert formula ensures zero migration into porous materials.
- Vibration Resistance: On materials prone to movement (like metal roofing or wood floors), Adiseal acts as a shock absorber, maintaining the bond during thermal expansion.
While Adiseal can bond to Bakelite, its smooth surface may require sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to create a mechanical “key” for the adhesive. This is recommended for all smooth surface materials.
What materials does it not work on?
While Adiseal adhesive sealant is highly versatile, it does not adhere well to low surface energy (LSE) plastics like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon).
Key Materials to Avoid:
- LSE Plastics: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Nylon (Polyamide) and Polythene.
- Non-Stick Surfaces: PTFE (Teflon).
- Contaminants: Asphalt, oils, and existing silicone residue.
- Incompatible Adhesives: Uncured polyurethane or silicone-based products.
High-Performance Features
While the record-breaking strength is undisputed, Adiseal is engineered for professional environments where conditions are rarely perfect:
Environmental & Weather Resistance
| Feature | Professional Benefit |
|---|---|
| All-Weather Use | Weatherproof adhesive sealant works in dry, wet, and even fully submerged underwater conditions. |
| 100% Waterproof | Provides a total waterproof bond and water-resistant seal. |
| Extreme Temperature | Remains stable and effective from -40°C to +100°C. |
| UV Resistance | High resistance to UV rays, making it ideal for all outdoor applications. |
| Resists Mould | Resists mould and prevents fungal and bacteria growth over time. |
| Chemical Resistance | Offers good resistance to chemicals and environmental stressors. |
Advanced Bonding & Application Mechanics
| Feature | Professional Benefit |
|---|---|
| High Initial Grab | Powerful suction on contact (for even more grab, use Adiseal Hi-Grab). |
| High Gap-Fill | Acts as an excellent gap filler sealant for uneven or irregular surfaces. |
| Permanent Flexibility | Non-brittle formula remains flexible to accommodate movement. |
| Zero Shrinkage | Does not shrink or crack, ensuring a better, longer-lasting seal. |
| Primer-Free Bonding | Eliminates the need for primers on clean, dust-free surfaces. |
| Zero Staining | Advanced formula will not bleed into porous stone, marble, or masonry. |
| Indoor Or Outdoor Use | Provides high quality bonds or seals in interior or exterior applications. Ideal for use as an exterior masonry adhesive. |
| Industrial Strength | Heavy-duty performance for both indoor and outdoor construction. |
Safety, Certifications & Finishing
| Feature | Professional Benefit |
|---|---|
| Over-Paintable | Can be painted over with most (non-oil based) paints. Mix paint into Adiseal Ultra Clear for custom colours. |
| Safety-First Formula | Isocyanate-free and solvent-free; safe for use on sensitive materials. |
| Low Odour | Virtually odourless formula for a more pleasant application experience. |
| EC1 Plus Certified | Rated for very low emissions (No VOCs) for indoor air quality. |
| ISEGA Certified | Safety certification for use in food preparation areas. |
Colours
The adhesive and sealant is available in the following colours:
- White adhesive and white sealant
- Black adhesive and black sealant
- Grey adhesive and grey sealant
- Clear adhesive and clear sealant
- Brown adhesive and brown sealant
Where to buy
Buy the strongest concrete glue adhesive from our official shop www.guglue.com
To buy our products in the UK, contact us for details of your local stockist.
Frequently asked questions
Adiseal has been shown to outperform CT1 in numerous performance metrics. It delivers a stronger initial grab, faster curing times, superior mould resistance, and enhanced colour protection. In independent trade testing, Adiseal also demonstrated the strongest adhesive bond. Despite out performing CT1, Adiseal also maintains a lower price point than CT1.
CT1 is an effective trade product, but its premium pricing makes it less cost-effective than modern alternatives. Adiseal adhesive and sealant provides higher independently verified performance metrics while being priced lower than CT1, offering better overall value.
Yes, CT1 is a hybrid polymer, making it significantly stronger and more flexible than traditional silicone. For applications requiring maximum load-bearing capacity, however, Adiseal has been shown to be the strongest adhesive in independent testing, withstanding over 3123 psi without breaking.
Yes, CT1 can develop mould over time when subjected to constant moisture. In a controlled 24-day water submersion test, CT1 showed visible mould growth and discolouration below the waterline, whereas Adiseal remained entirely mould-free.
CT1 can be used in bathrooms, but it is prone to discolouration and fungal growth when exposed to standing water. For high-humidity sanitary areas, Adiseal provides a more reliable barrier due to its enhanced, independently verified anti-mould properties.
While CT1 is a market leader, comparison tests show it is no longer the top performer. Adiseal has proven superior by maintaining complete transparency in underwater testing, whereas clear CT1 can turn cloudy over time.
Adiseal has been shown to be better than CT1 sealant adhesive in numerous way. Adiseal has been shown to have stronger grab, strong mould resistance, strong clarity retention in water and lower priced than CT1.
The best alternative is Adiseal adhesive sealant. It matches or exceeds CT1’s flexibility while delivering a higher initial tack, faster skin-over times, stronger mould resistance, stronger colour protection and a lower cost per tube for trade professionals.
CT1 bond strength is OK for standard trade applications, but limited compared to heavy-duty alternatives. In independent trials, standard hybrid adhesives broke at 1,115 psi or lower, while Adiseal reached 3,123 psi without breaking.
CT1 typically skins over in 10–20 minutes and takes 24 hours to fully cure for every 2–3 mm of thickness. If you need a faster turnaround, the coloured versions of Adiseal (white, black, grey, and brown) achieve a complete cure much quicker.
No. While CT1 offers a strong bond, independent laboratory testing proved Adiseal to be significantly stronger. During metal-to-metal testing, competitor adhesives broke at 1,115 psi or lower, while strong Adiseal withstood 3,123 psi without a break in the bond.
CT1 is expensive due to its premium brand positioning and marketing costs. You can get superior performance—including better initial grab and underwater clarity—for a lower price by switching to Adiseal.
Suhail Matadar
Suhail Matadar has extensive experience in the construction industry as an electrician, involved in installing, inspecting, and testing electrical systems in various projects. He excelled in sales, working for a major UK wholesaler, selling construction products to professionals and the DIY market. Suhail's background includes working at a leading home emergency repair company dealing with trades people. With a BEng (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering, Suhail has worked with PLCs in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry. During his studies, he gained practical experience at a chemical manufacturing company known for producing award-winning cleaning, hygiene, and livestock protection products for over a century. Currently, Suhail runs a global business specialising in supplying, researching, testing, and distributing construction products like adhesives, sealants and drill bits.