Adhesives, Silicones & Sealants. The How to Guide.

Adhesives, Silicones & Sealants - The How-To Guide

Tips & Tricks Using Adhesives, Silicones & Sealants.

Over the years, most of us have probably used some kind of adhesive or sealant. Today, let’s dive into some useful tips and tricks when working with these essential materials. There’s a vast array of adhesives, sealants, and silicones available on the market, providing simple solutions for countless applications in construction and industrial manufacturing. In many cases, these non-metallic substances have become the go-to choice for joining two surfaces or sealing joints. Whether it’s adhesives, glues, or joint sealants, they can bind different materials together while distributing stress evenly. Plus, they’re cost-effective and often provide a more aesthetically pleasing result compared to metal fasteners like Huck rivets.

This beginner’s guide will cover the dos and don’ts of adhesives, silicones, and caulk sealants. We’ll touch on a comprehensive A to Z list of common terms related to sealants and highlight some key points. The golden rule is always to read and understand the technical sheets provided by the product manufacturers, as there can be significant differences between products and brands. Renowned adhesive, silicone, and sealant manufacturers like Bostik®, Soudal®, Sika®, and Shelleys® offer extensive online resources with detailed technical and safety data.

Cleaning the Surface.

Before applying any adhesive or sealant, it’s crucial to remove dirt, grease, oil, and other residues from the surface. Without a clean base, achieving a strong bond becomes nearly impossible. Here’s how to properly clean a surface for adhesives and sealants:

  1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need items such as isopropyl alcohol or a suitable cleaning solvent, clean lint-free cloths, and possibly clean water (as specified by the adhesive/sealant instructions). Avoid using petroleum-based products like white spirit or turpentine. Aerobolt’s “surface cleaner” effectively removes grease and improves the gluing process.

  2. Test the cleaning solvent: Before applying the solvent to the entire surface, try it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.

  3. Apply the cleaning solvent: Moisten a clean cloth with the chosen solvent (isopropyl alcohol or the specific adhesive/sealant cleaner). Avoid dipping the cloth directly into the solvent. Wipe gently in one direction, then use another cloth to wipe off in the opposite direction—this is known as the “two-rag method.” Regularly change cloths to avoid contamination. Scrubbing too hard can damage the surface.

  4. Even plastic-coated metal sheets require thorough cleaning, even if they appear pristine. Chemicals from the protective coatings can interfere with certain adhesives.

  5. Refer to the adhesive or sealant manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended cleaning procedure. Different products may have unique requirements, and following their guidelines ensures optimal bonding or sealing results.

Curing.

Curing refers to the drying process, which most sealants and adhesives achieve by absorbing moisture from the air. Many adhesives and sealants are formulated with moisture-curing technology, meaning they react with atmospheric moisture to initiate chemical cross-linking of their ingredients, allowing them to set. As the ingredients cross-link, they gain internal strength and form the necessary chemical bonds for these products to function effectively.

For moisture-curing adhesives like MS Polymer Bond Flex or Polyurethane Matrix FC, it’s important that air can access the adhesive once the job is complete. These products usually take around 24 hours to cure, though this can vary depending on the thickness and width of the application. When bonding two large surfaces, apply the adhesive in multiple thin beads instead of a single thick bead to allow air to penetrate the product.

Fast Track Curing.

Speeding up the curing process of sealants and adhesives can be accomplished through various methods. Here are a few techniques that can help reduce curing time:

  1. Improve air circulation: Enhanced airflow can help speed up the curing process. Use fans or air blowers to maintain consistent airflow.

  2. Utilize curing agents or accelerators: Some adhesives come with specific curing agents or accelerators provided by the manufacturer. These substances are designed to quicken the curing process when added to the adhesive. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the correct amount and application method.

  3. Increase humidity: Higher humidity levels can slow down the curing process. To speed things up, work in a well-ventilated area or increase the moisture levels in the air by lightly misting with water. Cooler months typically have lower humidity levels.

  4. Keep in mind that while these methods can accelerate curing, they may also impact the final strength and performance of the adhesive. Always refer to the product’s instructions and consult the manufacturer or supplier for specific guidance on speeding up the curing time of a particular sealant or adhesive.

Follow Instructions.

This is critical. There are many types of sealants and adhesives, each with slightly different usage instructions, especially regarding drying times. Always read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly.

Prepare Your Workspace.

Optimize surface preparation: Proper surface preparation ensures better adhesion and faster curing. Clean the surfaces thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants that could interfere with the bonding process. Be fully prepared before starting to apply these products. Adhesives and sealants have a limited work time, so you’ll need to work efficiently before skin formation occurs.

Primers and Surface Activators.

Primers and surface activators are invaluable because they enhance adhesion. These products can improve bonding strength by over 20%.

Safety.

Always follow safety sheet recommendations and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Selecting Adhesive, Glue, or Caulk Sealant.

What’s your application? Are you sealing a joint or joining two items? This is a vital question to ensure you choose the right product. An adhesive is a high-strength material used to join two pieces of material together. Aerobolt’s top adhesive is Bond Flex. On the other hand, a sealant or joint sealant is a low-strength caulking product ideal for filling and sealing gaps between different materials. Sealants prevent air and water from entering openings. Our top sealant is Seal Flex. While this is a basic distinction, you’ll find many adhesives work well as sealants and vice versa. Understanding your application and desired outcome is key to selecting the right product.

Skin Time.

Once exposed to atmospheric moisture, adhesives and sealants begin curing from the outside in. “Skin time” refers to the period between application and the formation of the skin as the outermost layer dries. As the skin forms, the adhesive or sealant quickly loses its ability to bond with secondary substrates and becomes harder to shape.

Shelf Life.

Most sealants and adhesives cure at a rate of 2-3mm per 24 hours, so they won’t last indefinitely in the tube. Their shelf life is even shorter in hot and humid conditions. Storing them in a cool, dry place can help prolong their shelf life. Keeping the nozzle attached slows the curing process. Avoid opening the tubes until you’re ready to use them.

Can I use a sealant or adhesive past its expiration date?

While using a sealant or adhesive past its expiration date isn’t ideal, a product stored under ideal conditions can still be effective for months afterward. Conversely, storing sealants in excessively hot environments can cause them to expire before the stated date.

Storage.

Store in a cool, dry location, off the ground.

Temperature Range.

Ensure you’re working within the recommended temperature range when applying these products.

Use Masking Tape for Straight Caulking Applications.

Apply professional masking tape to cover both sides of the line to be sealed. Apply the sealant across the area, then remove the tape before the sealant dries. This is similar to taping edges when painting and helps create a clean finish immediately.

Using Pressure.

Gluing two pieces of metal together differs from using glue on paper and letting it dry on its own. Pressure must be applied to ensure the strongest possible bond. A vise or clamp can hold the pieces together firmly so the adhesive can bond to the prepared metal surfaces. Allow the adhesive ample time to dry before removing the clamp—don’t rush the process, or you’ll encounter issues.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re ready to order your adhesive or have questions you’d like to discuss with a product specialist, contact us. Aerobolt makes selecting and installing the right product easy. We offer a variety of proven solutions for most applications, from attaching a sign to a truck door to specialized panel bonding with our renowned Bond Flex. All our sealants and adhesives provide top-tier performance in adhesion, weatherability, and durability. Our expert team is here to assist you with any current or upcoming projects.

Copyright © 2024 Aerobolt Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

LED Desk Lamp

LED lamp is a light emitting diode (LED) as the light source of the lamp, with high efficiency, energy saving, environmental protection, long life and so on. ‌ LED table lamp uses LED as light source, soft light, no glare, suitable for long-term reading and work. Compared with ordinary desk lamps, LED desk lamps have higher energy efficiency, power consumption is only 20% to 30% of ordinary desk lamps, and the service life is far longer than ordinary desk lamps, up to 50,000 hours ‌ under normal use.
The advantages of LED table lamps include high efficiency and energy saving, environmental protection, long life, no strobe, and high color rendering index. It uses blue light isolation technology, which can effectively prevent myopia and protect eye health. In addition, the LED table lamp also has a multi-level dimming function, which can adjust the brightness according to different environments and needs, and improve the comfort of use ‌.
When purchasing LED table lamps, it is recommended to choose products with soft light and high color rendering index according to the use scenario to protect eye health. At the same time, pay attention to the selection of well-known brands and products through national certification to ensure safety and quality. In addition, you can also pay attention to the dimming function, material and design of the lamp to ensure that it is coordinated with the home style and increase the beauty ‌.

Led Desk Lamp for Kids,Led Desk Lamp Touch Control,Led Reading Book Light

Guangdong Dp Co., Ltd. , https://www.dp-light.com