The application of UF resins for gluing purposes is based on the excellent control that can be exercised on the condensation reaction by varying the pH, a procedure easily applicable to a production scale. A small amount of an acid as hardener is added at ambient temperature. This produces no visible change at first, or possibly for a few hours; finally, thickening sets in, and the resins gels and hardens into an insoluble material. While the adhesive is still in liquid form, it can be spread on the wood surfaces which have to be glued and joined under pressure. These have to be cured either at room temperature for a few days or at elevated temperature for a few minutes. Solutions of ammonium salts, usually ammonium chloride or ammonium sulfate, or mixtures of ammonium chloride with urea, are generally used as resin hardeners. Often, ammonia solution is added to lengthen the usable life of the glue mix. Hydraulic presses with multiple openings are generally used for the production of plywood or flat veneer work. They can operate at pressures of 10 to 16 kg/cm2, but mostly operate in the range 12 to 14 kg/cm2, according to the wood species, to avoid destruction of the porous structure of the wood.