4 Tips for Using Contact Adhesive in Cool Weather 4 Tips for Using Contact Adhesive in Cool Weather
Industrial contact adhesive is a type of sealant. Sealants come in a variety of types; some are composed of organic or inorganic components; all of which come in various adhesion capabilities and chemical compositions. Some of the popular types of sealants include acrylic adhesives, cyanoacrylates, expoxy adhesives, phenolic, silicone, polyurethane, rubber adhesives, and contact adhesives.
Temperature and humidity can affect the adhesive property of a sealant. In areas where the weather changes constantly occur, it is important to pick the right type of adhesive. Some types of adhesive work better in cooler temperatures, but may not be efficient when the weather gets warm.
There are types of adhesives that can endure high temperatures. These types of adhesives, known as thermosetting adhesives and can maintain their strength despite the warm weather. On the other hand, thermoplastic adhesives cannot withstand the heat. Contact adhesive falls under the category of thermoplastic adhesives. This type of sealant may not work best during hot weather, but it is the perfect adhesive to use during the colder months.
Here are four different tips in using contact adhesive in cool weather.
Tip #1 - Apply Enough Adhesive for Porous Materials
Problems usually occur if you fail to apply enough contact adhesive to certain types of materials such as porous surfaces. Porous and even semi-porous materials such as wood usually require an initial coat of contact adhesive in order to seal the surfaces tightly. This will allow a strong bond later on when the second coating is applied. Just make sure not to apply too much.
Tip #2 - Don't Wait Too Long before Bonding
Waiting too long before bonding the materials may result to a weak bond. This is especially true if the work environment is quite dusty. If you wait too long, dust particles and other minute objects can attach to the adhesive which could affect the strength of the bond. You may notice the instructions saying that you have to wait for 10 to 24 hours before bonding. But the truth is you can bond materials approximately 2 hours after you applied contact adhesive.
Tip #3 - Avoid Bonding the Materials too Soon
You don't have to wait too long, but you can't bond the materials together too soon. Patience is needed when applying contact adhesive. Most people tend to bond the materials too soon especially if they are in a hurry. This usually results to a weak bond. Keep in mind that the instructions on the product are not always right. You may have to wait a little bit longer even if it says you can bond the materials after only a few minutes. The best way to find out if the materials are ready for bonding is by touching the adhesive. If the adhesive sticks to your finger, you may need to wait a little bit more. When you think it is dry enough, then it should be ready for bonding.
Tip #4 - Use a Paint Roller for an Even Coat
For an even application of contact adhesive, a small paint roller would be the ideal thing to use. Just make sure to throw it out after use.