Enhancing the Life of your Adhesive: Primers and Adhesion Promoters
It could seem like a hassle to add another step to the adhering process, in addition to cleaning, applying and then waiting, but certain applications and surfaces should include priming or promoting in order to achieve a lasting and durable bond. Primers, which are usually made with latex, can be spread onto substrates and allowed to dry before applying the adhesive, thus increasing the strength and effectiveness of the adhesive. Applying primer is especially necessary with porous surfaces, which can tend to absorb adhesives and, in turn, weaken them over time. Below we’ve highlighted a few “top shelf” primers and promoters to help you choose the best product for your project’s needs.
Lord’s 459T Adhesion Adhancer/Surface Modifier can be used in tandem with Lord structural acrylics, urethane adhesives, and epoxy structural adhesives, plus a variety of double-sided tapes. This formula is specifically designed for promoting a lasting bond to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO). The 459T is set apart from most other adhesion promoters due to its convenience and versatility. The easy to apply liquid has very low dry film weights, thus amplifying its adhesion to coatings and tapes, and allowing it to adhere to difficult-to-bond elastomers.
The Chemlok AP-134 is another versatile and convenient promoter/enhancer from Lord that specializes in promoting adhesion to polar substrates. These can and will include architectural or automotive glass, steel, aluminum, brass, clay piping, ceramic tile, etc. What’s also advantageous about the AP-134 is that no more than a single coat of primer is required on most substrates, greatly limiting time and energy.
Adhesives Systems Quick Tac II
Quick Tac, from Adhesive Systems. Inc. is an acetone based activator developed to treat and promote faster curing with cyanoacrylates. Quick Tac II is conveniently available in a 10 oz. aerosol can and along with its catalytic properties with curing it can also strengthen bonds on porous surfaces like wood or fabric. In addition to spraying, as distributed by an aerosol can, Quick Tac II and Quick Tac III and IV, can be brushed or applied in drop form, depending on the surface and application in question.
Sika’s 206 G+P primers are moisture-curing liquids designed to prime surfaces ahead of direct glazing work. These primers can be sprayed from a 250ml can or applied by way of an exceptionally convenient single use applicator stick. The 206 is a single component, quickly drying formula that can withstand a wide range of working temperatures.
Where to use it
Sika 206 should be used as a corrosion inhibitor on metals, and can easily double as a touch-up on pinchweld scratches. In addition, it can be used with effectiveness as a general purpose primer in promoting bonds on surfaces like glass, ABS, FRP, Plastics, aluminum and steel.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns. We’re more than happy to hear from you!
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