Some might feel that choosing the proper adhesive for their project can quickly turn into a sticky situation.  Many different factors come into play when deciding which tape is going to be the most effective and economical for your job.

There are some general questions that must be answered before being able to determine which adhesive will best suit your specific application:

 

  • What is the function of the adhesive?
  • What type of material and surface will the adhesive be adhered to?
  • Will the surface be exposed to temperature, moisture, UV light or chemicals?
  • Is this to be a permanent or temporary bond?
  • Are there any specific release values that are needed?
  • What type and thickness of liner do you need?
  • How much weight will the adhesive be expected to bear?

 

Once you have answered these questions, it will be much easier to narrow down your search for the ideal adhesive for your project. There is a wide assortment of different adhesives out there, so we have listed three of the most common PSA’s (pressure sensitive adhesive), and what they are best used for:

Rubber Adhesive  

This is a thin, indoor, rubber-based adhesive that works well for general purpose bonding to foams, felts, cloths, primed wood, paper, metal, plastics, and most low or unplasticized substrates. The rubber adhesive is resistant to water, detergent and alcohol. This adhesive is the most economical choice, while still providing a strong bond.

Learn more about rubber adhesives.

Acrylic Adhesive 

This is a thin acrylic-based adhesive that is effective for both indoor and outdoor applications.  It is recommended for bonding to plastic and vinyl as well as, any job where you are looking for outstanding adhesion, high shear strength and good solvent resistance.  The acrylic adhesive also offers superior resistance to UV light, water, detergent, alcohol, aliphatic and some aromatic hydrocarbons.

Learn more about acrylic adhesives.

Foam Tapes

Foam tape is a great alternative if you are adhering to uneven surfaces, raw wood or anywhere you are looking for a thicker adhesive to fill in gaps. Foam tapes come in rubber and acrylic-based adhesives, in order to adhere to all different types of surfaces.

Learn more about foam tapes.

It is still always a good idea to seek the advice of a tape specialist if you are unsure what would be the best option for you.  Oftentimes, the best way to tell if an adhesive is the right one for the job is to simply test it out!  Getting free samples of different adhesives you are interested in is easy and allows you to see how they actually perform in your specific application before buying large quantities that may not be right for your project. To learn more about our types of adhesives and how they can work for your future project, contact us today!