Spray Adhesives

How To Use Spray Adhesives More Effectively?

Spray adhesives are available for various materials these days, so they have many applications in crafting. If you are new to the use of spray adhesives, it is not that uncommon for mistakes to happen or for the adhesive to be less effective. To help you avoid those problems, we have jotted down our top tips to the use of spray adhesives below.

Does The Type Of Spray Adhesive Matter?

Before the use of spray adhesive, you should always check the type you have obtained. Even if you have obtained a spray adhesive for the material you are using, its effectiveness can be subject to its strength. For example, if you have a wood adhesive with only minor strength, then you may not get the durability you are after if you are using it on a heavy wooden board.

Should I Prepare The Material Before I Add Adhesive?

No matter which surface you use, you must always ensure the surface is prepared first. There are some things that can influence the effectiveness of your spray adhesive. Some of the most dominant include water, dust, debris, oil, and grease. So, before the application of your adhesive, always ensure there are no such substances or compounds on the surface of your material.

How Do I Protect My Work Surface Against Spray Adhesive?

Whether you are using the adhesive outside or on your workbench, you should always protect the environment you are in. Adhesive such as these can also have a considerable spraying distance, so it can be a good idea to add surface protection in a larger area than you estimate the adhesive can reach.

There are various things you can use to protect a surface against spray adhesive and most of them are relatively inexpensive. Most crafters will use some old fabric or newspapers, but a tarp will do just fine too.

Can I Use Spray Adhesives Indoors?

You can use spray adhesives indoors, but you must consider some of the fumes and smells that can be released when you use this product. As such, you should only use spray adhesives in a well-ventilated room. Also, if you are prone to respiratory problems such as asthma, added protection will be required when you use the product inside. Special ventilator masks are available for this purpose. You should also open windows and doors before using the product, this ensures that all the fumes and smells can dissipate from the room.

Is It Necessary To Test Spray Adhesive?

Even though you will have little problems with spray adhesive in most cases, it is always a good idea to test it. If you have switch spray adhesive brands recently, this is especially a good idea, since you do not know if the different brand will influence how thick you must apply it or its drying time.

To test a spray adhesive, it can be useful to apply a thin layer to a test material. If you are working with wood, try a bit on a piece of similar wood beforehand and note down how the product reacts, this includes drying time as well as application thickness.

Where Should I Store Spray Adhesive When I Am Not Using It?

As is the case with most types of adhesives, you should store it in a cool and dry location. Many adhesives are flammable, so keeping them in warmer environments could pose a potential danger. Moisture in the air could also influence the product inside.

To protect the nozzle of your spray adhesive, it is wise to remove any remaining residue. If not removed, it could clog the nozzle and render your spray applicator useless. If your nozzle should clog, you can always attempt to correct the problem with some store-bought turpentine.

How Much Should I Apply?

Even though this can be subject to the manufacturer of your spray adhesive, most spray adhesives should be applied in a thin and even coat. To ensure even application, always make sure the nozzle is properly aligned and read the instructions provided by the spray adhesive manufacturer. Also, never apply a heavier amount of adhesive in a small area, as this can cause the formation of abnormalities on your material that remain visible to the naked eye.