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Surface Prep For The Ultimate Adhesion

Surface Prep For The Ultimate Adhesion

Having a clean surface to adhere to is a crucial part in ensuring the adhesive’s performance. In most cases, an IPA/Water mixture will be sufficient to clean the surface unless there are heavy oils, grease, heavy dirt, release agents or oxidation present. IPA/Water is a 70:30 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water. The isopropyl alcohol dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds and evaporates quickly leaving zero oil traces. The majority of adhesion failures are a result of improper surface preparation and not the actual adhesive.

If the IPA mixture doesn’t work because of heavy oils, grease, heavy dirt, release agents or oxidation, you can use a degreaser or solvent-based cleaner. In some cases, using an abrading process to fully remove the affected area can not only clean situs slot gacor the surface but increase the bond strength. To achieve the right level of surface abrasion, you can use a scrub pad, fine steel wool, sandpaper or even a palm sander depending on the substrate.

In order for the adhesive to bond fully to a substrate, there are 3 things that need to be present:

  1. Temperature and Humidity – 65ºF – 75ºF (18ºC – 24ºC) with relative humidity of 40% – 60%
  2. Clean Surface – Free of Grease, Oils, Dust, Release Agents or Oxidation
  3. Cure Time
Rubber AdhesiveAcrylic Adhesive
Cure Time12 Hours48 Hours


5 Steps To Correctly Apply Adhesives.

Dwell Time or what’s also known as ‘Cure Time’ is important. This allows the adhesive to fully bond to the surface. In the images below, you can see how over time the adhesive adheres and the way the adhesion will increase over time.

Initial Contact

After Rubdown

After Dwell Time

Rubber Adhesive vs. Acrylic Adhesive

Whilst Rubber Adhesives have a much higher initial tack and fully bond in only a few hours, Acrylic Adhesives are the opposite. Acrylic has a lower initial tack and takes longer to fully bond. Once fully cured, Acrylic exhibits a much longer-lasting bond strength than Rubber. Learn more about choosing the right adhesive.

Learn more about surface preparation – 3M Surface Prep

If you are needing a durable cleaning wipe for your substrate, look no further than the Halco Isopropolyn Wipe. Item#: 218-H – contact us for free samples.

Halco Wipes

Contact a Halco representative to learn more.