What do I have to consider before bonding?

The right preparation is absolutely essential

We sometimes receive feedback that an adhesive “doesn’t stick” properly. But when we search for the reason, we quickly realise that either the wrong adhesive was selected for the specific application or common application mistakes have been made. One of these common mistakes is that there was no pre-treatment of the surface or it was carried out inadequately. To prevent this from happening, here are our tips for preparing a bond.

1. Tip

Gloves

Gloves should be worn when working with adhesives.

First and foremost, it is about protecting our largest organ – the skin – from chemicals. But our skin’s surface is also covered with contaminations and greases. And these can contaminate the bonding surfaces. So always put on gloves before bonding!

2. Tip

Cleaning

Almost no adhesive bond can succeed unless you clean the surfaces before bonding.

This is because the adhesive’s strength is extremely affected by grease, oil, dust, dirt or silicone spray. Any grease or dirt particles that remain on the surface become part of the adhesive bond and separate the bonded material from the adhesive. The best way to clean the surfaces properly is with a special cleaning spray. Depending on how sensitive the surface is or how coarse the dirt is, we recommend a gentle or powerful cleaning agent.

Figure 2 shows a contaminated surface. Any grease or dirt particles that remain on the surface become part of the adhesive bond.

Our Cleaning Agent Overview

Our Cleaning Agent Overview is very useful for choosing the right cleaner.

Learn more

3. Tip

Roughening

A rough surface is ideal for adhesive bonding.

There are countless different materials in the world that are bonded with each other. All these materials have different surface structures. A rough surface is ideal for adhesive bonding. It enables the interlocking of the materials. That is why roughening the surface before bonding is often very helpful. Depending on the size or surface of the component, a wire brush or sandpaper is recommended. The sandblasting technique is often used in industrial applications. This means that materials are treated with a special abrasive combined with compressed air. After roughening, the surface must be cleaned again to remove the dust particles from the surface.

4. Tip

Primer

250 ml, colourless, transparent

Primer M 100

bonding agent for non-absorbent metal surfaces

€35.37* (incl. VAT)

(€14.15* / 100 ml)

Details

250 ml

Primer K 200

bonding agent for non-absorbent plastic surfaces

€35.37* (incl. VAT)

(€14.15* / 100 ml)

Details

250 ml, pale yellow, transparent

Primer S 300

bonding agent for porous and absorbent surfaces

€43.98* (incl. VAT)

(€17.59* / 100 ml)

Details

250 ml

Primer P 400

bonding agent for low surface energy plastics

€35.37* (incl. VAT)

(€14.15* / 100 ml)

Details

250 ml

Primer E 500

bonding agent for non-absorbent metal surfaces, especially for silicones

€60.98* (incl. VAT)

(€24.39* / 100 ml)

Details

10 ml

CA Primer for Polyolefines

bonding agent for low surface energy plastics

€22.49* (incl. VAT)

(€224.90* / 100 ml)

Details

50 g, pale yellow, transparent

Primer G

bonding agent for polyurethane adhesives

€61.23* (incl. VAT)

(€122.46* / 100 g)

Details

How to make passive surfaces bondable.

In some cases, roughening the surface is not possible or the surface needs to be protected. To make such a passive surface bondable, we recommend using a bonding agent, also known as a primer. A primer works like an adaptor. It provides better wettability of the surface and enables chemical reactions between the adhesive and the material that is to be bonded.

5. Tip

Fun at work

Our adhesives are great everyday helpers.

They are designed to hold the world together, repair things sustainably and make work easier. So make sure you select a suitable adhesive, prepare the surfaces thoroughly, get started and have fun with our products!

To our products

With these five tips, you can make sure that you achieve successful adhesive bonds. If you prefer a more visual explanation, we recommend watching our WE explain video “It’s not the adhesive’s fault”.