Surface prep is required to ensure a solid adhesive bond onto most surfaces. Any type of contaminants can inhibit a secure bond between the surface and adhesive. Whether you have a simple surface that requires general cleaning or a heavily saturated surface that requires a heavy-duty solvent based cleaner, a clean surface will always help you to achieve the ultimate bond between the surface and the pressure sensitive adhesive system.

THREE IMPORTANT STEPS TO ENSURE A SECURE BOND

SURFACE PREP

As a general practice, wiping the surface with water or isopropyl alcohol and/or a mixture of the two will remove any excess dirt, oil or debris from the surface. It is important to use a cleaner that will not leave any residue behind. In some cases, surfaces are coated with heavy oils, grease or adhesive residue which may require heavy duty cleaners such as; Citrus based cleaners for surfaces that require cleaning, but are sensitive to heavy duty solvent based solutions or Mineral Spirits which is a solvent based liquid, derived from petroleum, normally used as paint thinner for surfaces that can handle a more abrasive cleaning solution.

ADHESIVE BOND PROMOTION

Adhesive bond promotion is required to ensure a solid adhesive bond onto surfaces that have a heavy recycled content, heavy duty plasticizers, uneven, slippery, textured and LSE surfaces. There are two reasons you would use a priming agent; the first is provide a layer that an adhesive system can grab onto if you are bonding to LSE substrates, the second is to seal the surface and ensure proper containment of any type of contaminants leaching out of the substrate that could diminish the adhesive bond over time. When a priming agent is applied it will seep into the pores of the substrate and therefore create a layer in which an adhesive system can bond to. Products most commonly used for adhesive promotion are Primers, Varnish and Paints.

SURFACE TEXTURING

Surface texturing is required on Plastics, LSE, Painted, Smooth, Slippery and uneven surfaces that you are bonding an adhesive system to. The texturing of the surface can be accomplished by scratching the surface with steel wool, sand paper or scouring pads. This manner of texturing the surface will provide your adhesive system with something to “grab.” As a general practice, wiping the surface with water or isopropyl alcohol and/or a mixture of the two will remove any excess dirt, oil or debris from the surface after texturing.

DIFFERENT SURFACES REQUIRE A DIFFERENT PREP

Surfaces that require minimal surface prep

• Uncoated Metals
• Steel
• Aluminum

Surfaces that require heavy duty surface prep

• Painted/Coated Metals
• Coiled Metals

Surfaces that require adhesive bond promotion

• Concrete, Brick
• Glass
• Stone
• Ceramic
• Tile
• Wood
• Particle Board
• Plastics Polyolefin and Non-olefin
• ABS
• PVC
• Polyurethane
• EPDM
• Silicone
• Neoprene
• Santoprene TM
• Painted Metals
• Coiled Metals
• Fabric
• Sponge Rubber

Surfaces that require texturing for adhesive bond promotion

• Plastics Polyolefin and Non-olefin
• ABS
• Polyurethane
• Painted/Coated Metals
• Coiled Metals

Surfaces that require sealing for adhesive bond promotion

• Copper
• Brass
• Bronze
• Concrete, Brick
• Glass
• Stone
• Ceramic
• Tile
• Wood
• Particle Board
• PVC

Once the surface is prepared for adhesive bonding, always remember pressure-sensitive adhesives require pressure to be applied and ample dwell time to achieve your best permanent bond. Most adhesive systems are recommended for application at room temperature 65F-85F, but fluctuate with different adhesive formulations.

If you have any questions about a particular surface or adhesive system, be sure to call Elite Tape’s Technical Support Team for further assistance. 1-800-855-TAPE (8273)

At Elite Tape, “We Make It Easy.”