Self-Adhesive Tape Surface Preparation And Application Guide

Surface contact is fundamental to adhesive performance when bonding pressure-sensitive adhesives, and so it is imperative that surfaces are prepared before hand and that the adhesive being used is applied in the correct manner. Please remember that the adhesion you are trying to achieve is simply the molecular force of attraction between two unlike materials. The cleaner and purer the surfaces of these materials are, the greater the adhesive bond will be.

Surface Preparation

All surfaces need to be completely dry and clean, which requires the removal of any moisture, grease, or dust. The only exception to this rule comes when using some cold start adhesive products such as the double sided foam tapes. Such products carry a patented special formula that allows the adhesive to form good bonds even when applied to surfaces where moisture vapor is present.

If there is any contamination on the surface at point of contact, then the adhesive will quite simply form its bond with this and not the original surface. It is strongly recommended that IPA (isopropynol alcohol) be used as a cleaning agent, due to its ability to evaporate quickly and without leaving greasy residues. Using tissue paper or lint free cloth, wipe the surfaces in one direction only to avoid re-contamination.

Always form your bond at ambient temperatures to avoid condensation problems unless using our cold start technology range, as moisture must be considered a form of contamination and will ultimately weaken the adhesion.

Ensure that any molded components are free from the presence of release agents such as silicone or vegetable oil etc.

Application

When applying your tape it is imperative that pressure is applied to secure the required bond. This ensures maximum surface contact and molecular attraction. Time and Temperature also increase molecular attraction and so will increase the adhesion. When the adhesive makes contact we call the molecular reaction the 'wetting out' process, and the longer the adhesive is left to 'wet out' the stronger the bond will be. Depending on the adhesive technology being used, it is recommended that the 'wetting out' period be between 8 and 24 hours.

Elevated temperatures will enable the adhesive to flow more easily and so this will ultimately speed up the 'wetting out' process.