Fevicol Marine: Uses, Price & Application Guide

Quick Answer

Fevicol Marine is a waterproof synthetic resin adhesive from Pidilite, specifically engineered for woodworking applications where moisture resistance is critical. Formulated for woodwork where high water resistance is crucial, it's the go-to adhesive for kitchen cabinets, bathroom furniture, marine plywood bonding, and outdoor wooden fixtures across India. It offers water resistance up to 5 days, boiling water resistance up to 5 hours, and a setting time of 5 hours.

At a Glance

• 7 Hours Boiling Waterproof, 7 Days Normal Waterproof, 4 hrs setting time
• Coverage: 34–38 sft/kg for both side application
• Better coverage: 5kg bonds 7 laminate sheets
• Available in packs of 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg, and 50 kg
• Solvent free, Non-hazardous, Non-flammable, No fire hazards
• Price range: Typically ₹230–280 per kg for 1 kg pack, lower per-kg rates in bulk sizes

What Is Fevicol Marine? Technical Explanation

Fevicol Marine is a synthetic resin adhesive specially tailored for woodworking applications. It stands out as a technologically advanced product within its category, offering exceptional water resistance and outstanding bonding capabilities. Unlike standard wood adhesives that may fail when exposed to prolonged moisture, Fevicol Marine is formulated with advanced resin technology that creates bonds capable of surviving water immersion and high humidity environments.

This waterproof adhesive is specially designed for applications in environments exposed to moisture, such as boats, marine structures, bathrooms, and kitchens. This waterproof adhesive ensures a strong, durable bond that withstands water exposure, humidity, and fluctuating weather conditions.

Chemical Composition and Properties

Made with premium-grade synthetic resins, Fevicol Marine is particularly suited for wood bonding in marine, boat building, and furniture applications where resistance to water, salt, and other environmental factors is essential. The adhesive appears as a milky white emulsion in its container and dries to form a strong, water-resistant film that penetrates wood fibres.

The adhesive is solvent free, non-hazardous, non-flammable with no fire hazards. It's free from offensive smell, and if required it can be diluted with clean water till applicability is achieved. This makes it safer for use in enclosed spaces like modular kitchens and bathroom interiors—critical for Indian homes where ventilation during carpentry work can be limited.

Why It Matters for Indian Conditions

It offers exceptional water resistance and outstanding bonding capabilities, especially when used with marine-grade plywood. It significantly enhances the longevity of furniture utilized in regions with elevated humidity levels. This is particularly relevant across coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi where humidity regularly exceeds 80%, as well as during monsoon season across all of India when even inland cities experience sustained moisture exposure.

Weather change and continuous exposure to water and moisture expose furniture to stress. This could result in opening of joints and de-bonding of laminates in-spite of using good quality material. Fevicol Marine is a specialised waterproof adhesive that protects furniture from de-bonding even when exposed to water.

Fevicol Marine Uses and Applications

Fevicol Marine is especially recommended for use in water-prone areas like the bathroom, kitchen units, and wall units. In practical Indian market terms, this translates to specific furniture categories where water exposure is either constant or likely.

Primary Application Areas

Kitchen and bathroom repairs: Used for bonding materials in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and washrooms, where other adhesives might fail. For woodworking projects: Fevicol Marine is great for indoor and outdoor wooden furniture projects, as it provides a waterproof bond that prevents the wood from separating in humid or wet environments.

• Modular Kitchen Cabinets: Especially units below sinks, near dishwashers, and adjacent to cooktops where steam exposure is common
• Bathroom Vanities and Wall Units: So, do not worry about your terrace chairs or bathroom cupboards, anymore
• Balcony and Terrace Furniture: Exposed to rain during monsoons
• Marine Applications: Ideal for bonding wooden parts and fixtures in boats and ships, as well as in other marine applications where exposure to moisture is significant

Materials Compatible with Fevicol Marine

Suitable for bonding various surfaces including wood, plywood, laminate, plastic, and metal, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and on marine vessels.

Used for bonding plywood, wood, particleboard, hardboard, laminates, veneers, and medium-density fiberboard with each other. Also efficient for sticking a porous material like cardboard, paper, or particleboard with any other material.

Industrial Applications

Applicable in industries related to pencil manufacturing, paper tube, wallpaper, sports products, paper labeling, and carpet manufacturing. In India, you'll find Fevicol Marine commonly used in cricket bat manufacturing units where moisture resistance is important for long-term product durability.

Fevicol Marine Application Guide: Step-by-Step Method

Proper application technique is critical for achieving the full waterproofing potential of Fevicol Marine. Carpenters across India often rush the process, leading to premature bond failure that gets blamed on the adhesive rather than technique.

Surface Preparation

Surfaces to be bonded should be free from oil, grease, dust and dirt and should be dry and properly leveled. For best results, roughen the surfaces to be bonded. Stir content of container before use.

Application Technique

Apply even coats of Fevicol Marine first on comparatively non-porous surface, and then on porous surface for e.g. apply first on laminate and then on plywood. If possible, application should be such that, it should be lengthwise on one surface and breadth-wise on other surface. This will help in proper and uniform spreading of adhesive while pressing.

Pressing and Curing

Apply masking tape on the edges and keep the bonded substrates under pressure. Handling strength achieved in 4hrs after that one can start trimming work. Press firmly and clamp for 6-8 hours for best results.

The bond strength is obtained within 4-6 hrs. Full strength will be developed after 24 Hrs at room temperature.

Application Methods

Can be applied by brush, roller, spreader or any suitable applicator. For laminate pasting, a notched spreader ensures uniform adhesive distribution—this is particularly important for large sheet laminations common in modular kitchen manufacturing.

Dealing with Porous Surfaces

For porous surfaces, a thin coat of Fevicol Marine is applied by pressure on the surface and allowed to dry. This will fill the pores of the surface. After drying, light sanding is to be done for getting smooth leveled surface and then this surface is bonded as per the method shown above.

Fevicol Marine vs Fevicol SH: Comparison Table

This is the most common comparison question Indian carpenters and homeowners ask. Understanding when to use which adhesive can save both money and prevent furniture failures.

Parameter	Fevicol Marine	Fevicol SH	Practical Implication
Water Resistance	Water resistance up to 5 days	Provides good resistance to moisture, although it is not as specialized as Fevicol Marine for marine environments	Choose Marine for any water exposure risk
Boiling Water Test	7 Hours Boiling Waterproof	Not specified for boiling water	Marine mandatory for kitchen near heat sources
Setting Time	4 hrs setting time	Fevicol SH dries in 8 to 10 hours. For best results, wait up to 24 hours	Marine faster for time-sensitive projects
Primary Use	Fevicol Marine is engineered for moisture-heavy environments	Fevicol SH is ideal for interior wooden work where water exposure is minimal	SH for bedroom furniture, Marine for kitchen/bath
Market Position	Specialized waterproof adhesive	Being the largest selling adhesive in India, Fevicol SH is a multi-purpose Synthetic Resin Adhesive known for its strong bond	SH is more common at dealers, Marine needs specific ask
Coverage	34–38 sft/kg for both side application	Similar coverage range	Both economical for laminate work
Price Premium	15-25% higher than SH	Base price reference	Worth the premium for water-prone areas
Availability	Available at most plywood dealers	Universal availability across India	SH easier to find in Tier-3 cities

When to Choose Marine Over SH

If your project involves any possibility of water contact, Fevicol Marine is the safer and longer-lasting option. In Indian homes, this specifically means: kitchen cabinets (especially sink units), bathroom vanities, pooja room cabinets near water features, balcony storage, and any furniture in coastal cities.

How to Choose the Right Fevicol Adhesive

Fevicol, a leading brand in adhesives, offers a range of products designed to meet different bonding needs in woodworking, construction, and various other applications. Among its popular products are Fevicol Marine, Fevicol Hiper, and Fevicol SH. Each of these adhesives serves distinct purposes and comes with unique features suited to specific applications.

Decision Framework

1. Assess Water Exposure: Any direct water contact or high humidity = Marine. Interior dry locations = SH is sufficient.
2. Check Plywood Grade: Whenever you use waterproof Plywood, you need to use Waterproof Adhesive also otherwise the laminate starts de-bonding after some time. Waterproof Ply or Adhesive, both are not only waterproof and stronger than standard Ply or adhesive but costlier too.
3. Consider Regional Climate: Coastal cities, high-humidity zones, and flood-prone areas need Marine even for seemingly dry applications.
4. Factor in Monsoon Exposure: Furniture near windows or balconies should use Marine regardless of city.

Buyer Checklist

• Verify pack is sealed and within manufacturing date (check for 12-month shelf life typically)
• Confirm pack size matches your project requirement (1kg covers approximately 34-38 sq ft)
• Check consistency after purchase—should be uniform milky white, not separated or lumpy
• Stir content of container before use
• Ensure surface preparation materials are available (sandpaper, cleaning cloth, clamps)
• Plan for adequate curing time before moving furniture

When NOT to Choose Fevicol Marine

Fevicol Marine is not the right choice in these scenarios:

• PVC/Acrylic Sheet Bonding: Use Fevicol ProBond instead, which is specifically designed for non-porous surfaces
• High-Heat Applications: Near tandoors, commercial kitchen ranges—use Fevicol HeatX with heat resistance up to 170°C
• Large Sheet Laminations with Bubble Risk: Fevicol Hi-Per is the first ever Indian product that helps in reducing bubble formation. The product offers high performance along with being quick and time-saving
• Budget Interior Furniture: If furniture is in dry bedrooms or study rooms, Fevicol SH offers similar bond strength at lower cost

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Across Indian carpentry workshops and home projects, these are the recurring errors that lead to adhesive failures—often mistakenly attributed to product quality rather than application technique.

Mistake 1: Skipping Surface Preparation

Dust, sawdust, and oily residues from handling plywood prevent proper adhesive penetration. Even a thin layer of dust creates weak points in the bond. Always wipe surfaces with a clean dry cloth before application.

Mistake 2: Insufficient Clamping Time

The bond strength is obtained within 4-6 hrs. Full strength will be developed after 24 Hrs at room temperature. Removing clamps or moving furniture before 4 hours compromises the entire bond.

Mistake 3: Uneven Application

Thick globs in some areas and thin coverage in others leads to weak spots. If possible, application should be such that it should be lengthwise on one surface and breadth-wise on other surface. This will help in proper and uniform spreading of adhesive while pressing.

Mistake 4: Using Marine Adhesive on Wet Surfaces

Despite being waterproof after curing, Fevicol Marine requires dry surfaces during application. Surfaces to be bonded should be free from oil, grease, dust and dirt and should be dry and properly leveled.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Temperature Conditions

Application in extremely cold conditions (below 10°C) slows curing significantly. In hill stations during winter, allow extra curing time or use heating to maintain room temperature.

Mistake 6: Not Stirring Before Use

The adhesive components can settle during storage. Stir content of container before use to ensure consistent resin distribution.

Quick Inspection Checks

• Tap Test: After 24 hours, tap laminated surfaces—hollow sounds indicate weak bonds
• Edge Check: Look for visible gaps at laminate edges within first week
• Water Spray Test: After 48 hours, lightly spray water on joints—immediate absorption indicates incomplete sealing
• Flex Test: Gentle flexing of thin laminated panels should not cause crackling sounds

Fevicol Marine Price Guide

Fevicol Marine pricing varies based on pack size, purchase location (dealer vs online), and city tier. Bulk purchases offer better per-kg rates, making it economical for modular kitchen factories and large projects.

Current Price Ranges (Typical Indian Market)

Pack Size	Typical Price Range (₹)	Price Per Kg	Best For
500g	₹120–160	₹240–320/kg	Small repairs, DIY projects
1 kg	Price from Rs.230/unit onwards	₹230–280/kg	Single furniture piece, bathroom vanity
2 kg	Price from Rs.450/unit onwards	₹225–260/kg	Small kitchen project
5 kg	₹1,589 (MRP ₹1,750, 9% off)	₹280–350/kg	Complete modular kitchen
20 kg	₹5,603 (Base price ₹4,748, GST 18% ₹855)	₹235–280/kg	Carpenter workshops, factories
50 kg	Rs. 12,500 in Bangalore	₹240–260/kg	Commercial projects, bulk use

Factors Affecting Price

• GST Impact: GST (18%) adds ₹855 on a 20kg pack with base price ₹4,748
• Metro vs Tier-2 Cities: Prices typically 5-10% higher in metros due to dealer margins
• Online vs Dealer: Online may offer discounts but dealers provide immediate availability
• Bulk Purchase: Per-kg cost drops significantly with 20kg and 50kg packs
• Seasonal Variation: Slight price increases before monsoon season when demand peaks

Coverage Economics

5 kg can bond 7 laminate sheets, high surface coverage. For a standard modular kitchen with approximately 200-250 sq ft of laminate work, you would need roughly 6-8 kg of adhesive (accounting for both-side application). This works out to approximately ₹1,800-2,500 for adhesive costs in a typical kitchen project—a relatively small percentage of total project cost.

Regional Considerations for Indian Buyers

Coastal Cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Visakhapatnam)

The combination of high humidity year-round plus salt-laden air makes Fevicol Marine essential even for interior furniture. Standard adhesives fail within 2-3 years in these conditions. BWP/BWR plywood paired with Marine adhesive is the baseline specification.

Monsoon-Heavy Regions (Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, Northeast)

Prolonged monsoons mean extended exposure to 90%+ humidity. Weather change and continuous exposure to water and moisture expose furniture to stress. This could result in opening of joints and de-bonding of laminates in-spite of using good quality material. Fevicol Marine is a specialised waterproof adhesive that protects furniture from de-bonding even when exposed to water.

Dry/Arid Regions (Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, interior Maharashtra)

Fevicol Marine is overkill for most applications here. Fevicol SH provides adequate performance at lower cost. Reserve Marine only for kitchen and bathroom installations.

Hill Stations (Shimla, Ooty, Darjeeling)

Cold temperatures slow curing—allow 36-48 hours before moving furniture. Mist and fog exposure makes Marine a good choice for any furniture near windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of Fevicol Marine?

Fevicol Marine doesn't have a full form as such—"Fevicol" is the brand name from Pidilite Industries, and "Marine" indicates its primary application for marine-grade and waterproof bonding. Fevicol is owned by Pidilite Industries, a leading Indian adhesive manufacturer. The product was named to indicate its suitability for marine plywood and boat-building applications, which require the highest standards of water resistance in adhesives.

Which is better Fevicol Marine or Fevicol SH?

Fevicol SH is ideal for interior wooden work where water exposure is minimal. Fevicol Marine is engineered for moisture-heavy environments. Neither is universally "better"—the choice depends on your application. For dry interior furniture like bedroom wardrobes and study tables, SH offers excellent bonding at lower cost. If your project involves any possibility of water contact, Fevicol Marine is the safer and longer-lasting option. Using Marine for all applications is wasteful, while using SH in wet areas risks premature failure.

Is Fevicol Marine good for kitchen cabinets?

Fevicol Marine is ideal for moisture-heavy areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility spaces common in Indian homes due to its water-resistant bonding strength and marine-grade formulation. Kitchens experience constant steam from cooking, water splashes near sinks, and humidity from dishwashing. It is especially recommended for use in water-prone areas like the bathroom, kitchen units, and wall units. For under-sink cabinets specifically, Marine adhesive is practically mandatory.

How long does Fevicol Marine take to dry?

Fevicol Marine has very quick setting time. Handling strength is achieved within 4–6 hrs of application. The bond strength is obtained within 4-6 hrs. Full strength will be developed after 24 Hrs at room temperature. While you can handle the furniture after 4 hours, avoid any water exposure or stress on joints for at least 24 hours. In cold weather or high humidity during monsoons, extend the curing time to 36 hours for complete bond development.

What is Fevicol Marine coverage per kg?

Coverage: 34–38 sft/kg for both side application. Better coverage: 5kg bonds 7 laminate sheets. Standard laminate sheets are 8x4 feet (32 sq ft), so 5 kg covering 7 sheets means approximately 0.7 kg per sheet for double-side application. Actual coverage depends on surface porosity—MDF absorbs more adhesive than dense plywood, and the first coat on porous blockboard requires more adhesive to fill surface pores.

Can Fevicol Marine be used on MDF and particle board?

Fevicol Marine is used for bonding plywood, wood, particleboard, hardboard, laminates, veneers, and medium-density fiberboard with each other. It works excellently for MDF, blockboard, hardboard, and composite boards. For MDF specifically, apply a thin sealing coat first on cut edges before the bonding coat—MDF edges are highly porous and absorb significant adhesive. This technique reduces wastage and creates stronger bonds.

Is Fevicol Marine waterproof or water-resistant?

Fevicol Marine offers water resistance up to 5 days and boiling water resistance up to 5 hours. This is genuinely waterproof performance—far beyond simple water resistance. However, "waterproof" refers to the adhesive bond, not the wood itself. If the plywood or substrate isn't also waterproof grade (BWP), moisture will damage the wood even if the adhesive joints hold. Always pair Marine adhesive with BWP/Marine-grade plywood for complete water protection in wet areas.

What is the price of Fevicol Marine 5 kg in India?

Fevicol Marine 5 kg typically costs between ₹1,400 and ₹1,750 depending on location and dealer. One retail listing shows ₹1,589 with MRP ₹1,750 at 9% off, with base price ₹1,347 plus GST 18% ₹242. Prices are slightly lower at wholesale hardware markets compared to retail shops. Online platforms may offer discounts but factor in delivery charges. For bulk requirements (multiple 5kg packs), negotiate directly with local Pidilite distributors for better rates.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes based on industry practices and publicly available information. Product specifications, standards, prices, and availability may vary by manufacturer, region, and time. Readers should independently verify details with manufacturers, dealers, or qualified professionals before making purchase or construction decisions.