Adhesive Terms

Adhesive Terms

Term	Definition
Adhesion	The power of an adhesive layer to hold the parts of an assembly together.
Adhesive layer	The layer of adhesive between the parts to be stuck together.
Adhesive sealant	An adhesive that also acts as an elastic sealant.
Aerobic adhesive	Adhesive that sets on contact with the air.
Anaerobic adhesive	Adhesive that sets when air is excluded, by catalytic effect (of a metal).
Application	Coating the surfaces to be stuck together with the adhesive.
Base	The basic ingredient of an adhesive, on which its properties largely depend.
Binder	In multi-component reaction adhesives, components that form the basic part of the adhesive.
Bonding	The fixing of an adhesive (setting) by means of physical or chemical processes.
Bonding time	The period of time taken for the assembly to achieve sufficient firmness to bear the load exerted on it.
Catalyst	A substance that triggers a chemical reaction without itself being altered.
Cement	A paste-like sealant; depending on its composition, it may be either rigid or elastic once it has set, and may have adhesive properties in addition to its sealant properties.
Cohesion	The holding power within the layer of adhesive.
Cold adhesive	An adhesive that sets at room temperature (20°C).
Contact adhesion time	The period of time when using a contact adhesive during which the dry adhesive layers may still be bonded together (= open time).
Contact pressure	When using a contact adhesive, the pressure applied to the assembly to achieve a bond.
Creep	The effect of strain and/or time on the shape of polymer layers; even under little stress the adhesive layer changes shape. When stress is exerted, the adhesive layer gradually changes shape as a result of creep.
Dispersion	Solid particles suspended (not dissolved) in a liquid.
Evaporation time	When using a contact adhesive, the period of time necessary for the solvent to evaporate from the adhesive applied to both sides of the assembly, so that when the parts are placed together they bond immediately.
Final firmness	Maximum firmness after the adhesive has set; expressed in newtons per square centimetre (N/cm_). 10 N corresponds to 1 kg.
Fixing	Holding the parts to be assembled together (using clamps, collars, presses, etc) while the adhesive sets.
Flashpoint	The lowest temperature at which a substance (solvent) may evaporate and produce a flammable compound.

Glue	Originally an adhesive based on egg white. Now used indiscriminately to mean an adhesive, mainly in connection with woodworking. The word now includes adhesives on an animal, plant or synthetic base.
Hardener	Components that affect the hardening of multi-component reaction adhesives.
Indicator	A substance that indicates a chemical reaction by changing colour.
Initial bond	State of bonding achieved after a certain amount of time when the fixings holding the assembly together can be removed, although the final load cannot yet be exerted on the assembly.
Joint gap	The space between the parts to be assembled.
Joint thickness	The average distance between the parts to be stuck together (= thickness of the layer of adhesive).
Mixing ratio	The ratio in which the components of two- or multi-component adhesives and any fillers used must be mixed together in order to achieve the desired adhesive result.
Natural resin	Semi-liquid substance exuded by conifers, used as a basic ingredient in adhesives, paints and cements.
Open time	The period of time when using a contact adhesive during which the dry adhesive layers may still be bonded together.
Polymerisation	In polymerisation, small molecules (monomers) combine to create giant molecules (polymers), without changing their composition to any great extent.
Polymers	Macromolecules that affect cohesion; a basic ingredient of adhesives.
Resin	Base for adhesives.
Setting time	Period of time taken by a reaction adhesive to polymerise and form a completely set plastic layer. For single-component adhesives, the setting time starts when the adhesive is applied to the surfaces to be stuck together; for adhesives with two or more components, it starts when the components are mixed.
Shelf life	The period of time during which an adhesive stored according to the manufacturer's instructions (packaging, temperature, humidity) retains its expected properties.
Solvent	Volatile (i.e. evaporates readily) liquid added to adhesives to keep them in usable condition. Usually readily flammable. The adhesive bonds when the solvent evaporates.
Synthetic resin	A synthetic adhesive agent in adhesives and components of reaction adhesives (phenolic, epoxy and polyester resins).
Warm-setting	Setting at an (artificially) raised temperature.
Wet adhesion time	The period of time during which wet adhesion is possible
Working life	The period of time between the mixing and setting of two- or multi-component adhesives, i.e. the period of time during which the mixture can be worked. Most cold-setting adhesive systems have a short working life (minutes or hours), whereas most warm-setting systems have a long working life (hours or days)

UHU Adhesives

UHU Adhesives

All Purpose

Crystal clear, does not crinkle paper, remains elastic Materials: Porcelain, wood, metal, glass, ceramic, Plexiglas®, felt, leather, cork, fabric, cardboard, paper (not suitable for Styropor®).

Instructions: Thoroughly clean the surfaces to be stuck (dry and free of dust and grease).

For absorbent materials apply to one side only.

For non-absorbent materials (e.g. ceramic, coated papers), apply to both sides of the assembly, leave to dry, re-apply and press the parts together.

Creativ Foam Rubber

Special strong formula: colourless, low odour, does not become brittle, good immediate adhesion. For the perfect assembly of foam rubber and other flexible materials such as leather rubber and soft foam, and in conjunction with many other materials.

Creativ Metal & Glass

Special super-strong formula, fills gaps, quick to use, colourless, pack contains spatula and mixing container. For the perfect assembly of metal, glass, ceramics, stone, porcelain, clay, terracotta, Fimo, mother of pearl, etc., and also in combination with other materials. Ideal for items with uneven surfaces, such as beads, jewellery stones, shells, coral, sequins, etc

Creativ Plastic

Strong adhesion because of its special cold-welding formula, quick and easy to use, colourless. For the perfect assembly of many hard and soft plastics and miniatures made of various materials. Also for stick-on eyes, artificial flowers, buttons, picture-hooks and balloons.

Glitter Glue

Solvent free and water washable. Bring a glitter effect to Greetings cards and gift packaging, T-Shirts and many other types of fabric and accessories. The new soft tube with precision nozzle allows a clean and improved, precise application. No dripping. No stringing.

Glue Pen

Solvent free paper and card glue.

Plastic Adhesive

UHU universal plastic adhesive is a powerful adhesive that bonds both hard and soft plastics in minutes. Perfect for household repairs, craft work, model building and kitchen appliances as the adhesive is odourless and tasteless, dries transparent. UHU universal plastic adhesive also withstands temperatures from -30 degrees centigrade to +90 degrees centigrade and is resistant to water, alcohol, oil and petrol. UHU universal plastic adhesive is ideal for hard and soft plastics including rigid polystyrene, PVC, Plexiglas, Celluloid, Bakelite, Resopal. It can be used in combination with wood, metal, glass, paper, cardboard, ceramics and much more.

Super Glue Gel

Fast drying super glue in a gel formulation. Ideal for absorbent and vertical repairs. Universal Instant Glue. Non Toxic.

Fabric / Textile Glue

Suitable for most fabrics from cotton, blended and synthetic fibres, to leather and suede. Ideal for quick repairs; on trousers and skirts. Putting hems on curtains -No stitching No showing. Applying patches to clothes, making soft toys and collages.

Adhesive Tapes

Double-Sided Tape

A tough vinyl tape with double sided adhesive supplied on a liner.Suitable for general mounting, joining and holding applications.

Gaffer Tape/Duck Tape

A single sided cloth tape. Its waterproof, can be torn by hand, comes in various colours and has a high tack rubber adhesive.

Glue Dots

Poster Dots High tack & semi-permanent, great for displaying posters & pictures that need to be re-positioned. Come away cleanly, leaving no sticky residue on walls & surfaces.

Repro Dots Low tack and designed for repositioning. Ideal for holding cutting templates and collages, leaving no sticky residue.

Pop Up Dots These are thicker, permanent Glue Dots™, fantastic for creating incredible 3 dimensional effects on cards, etc

Memory Book Glue Dots are ultra thin double-sided, acid free super sticky 10mm diameter dots for permanently mounting photos, cards etc in Memory Books etc.

Gumstrip

For stretching watercolour paper and framing. Used to cover the framers points or flexipoints plus acts as a secure seal and protects the surface of the wall on which the frame is hung. A sponge and small plastic tray (containing water) is needed to dampen the gumstrip, this must be carefully applied.

Magic tape

Almost invisible. Unaffected by sunlight or moisture.
Can be written or typed on. Will not leave ghost mark when photocopied.
Will not yellow or dry out with age. A tape which holds firmly, yet removes cleanly and easily.

Masking Tape

A crepe paper tape, ideally suited to paint masking during spraying/painting.
Also handy for protecting and sealing applications. Low tack suitable for delicate surfaces.

Paper Tape

A utility grade tape for colour coding and sealing. Available in 10 colours.

PVC Tape

 A flame retardant, durable PVC electrical tape used to insulate wires and cables. Available in 10 colours.

Copydex Adhesive

Copydex

Safe, strong, multipurpose, water based latex adhesive. Ideal for paper, board, fabric, carpet, leather and upholstery.

Araldite Adhesives

Araldite Precision (Original)

Araldite is a strong adhesive which is solvent free, water resistant, and suitable for painting or sanding. It may be used to bond metal, wood, ceramics, masonry, glass, dry concrete, cardboard, leather, fabric, rubber, and most hard plastics. Apply to dry, clean surfaces. For better bonding, roughen surfaces as appropriate with sandpaper. Araldite Precision is slow- setting, oil resistant, and easy to apply. It features good chemical resistance and withstands temperatures from -50 C to 65 C. Note: this product should not be applied to vessels which will contain food or beverages. Araldite Precision comes as a kit containing two 15 ml. tubes, one a resin the other a hardener. After 45 seconds of mixing, it remains usable for two hours after mixing and sets rather slowly, allowing the user to adjust or align as needed. Should you need to remove any extra adhesive, carefully use a sharp knife to remove it before it completely sets. Support the joint for approximately six hours to allow it to set, and wait 16 hours before rough handling.

Araldite Rapid

Offers the same features as the Araldite Precision (above) but sets more quickly. Again sold as a two- part kit containing 15 ml. tubes of resin and hardener, Araldite Rapid should be mixed for about 45 seconds and then used within four minutes. While the joint sets in about ten minutes, it is suggested that an hour be allowed to pass before the item is handled roughly. Excess adhesive can be removed using a sharp knife before it sets completely.

Lazertran and Fabrics

Lazertran and fabric

LAZERTRAN IRONED ONTO FABRIC.

1. Copy your image in reverse then place the Lazertran face down on the cloth.

2. Set iron to hot and iron onto the cloth until it is well stuck.

3. Wet the backing paper and peel off. Wipe away gum from image and allow to dry.

4. Place baking parchment, not greaseproof paper, over image and iron. Allow to cool then peel off baking parchment and repeat until the image sinks into the cloth.

This method can be used for needlepoint canvas and tapestry canvas as a guide.

LAZERTRAN SILK

Have your own design, image from a book or even patterns from magazines copied, in reverse onto Lazertran paper. Then follow the instructions below.

Instructions for use.

1. Iron silk flat.

2. Set iron hot enough for the toners to stick to the silk.

3. Lay silk over your image and iron until the silk is stuck to the image.

4. Place the silk in clean warm water, paper down and leave until the paper falls off.

5. Lift the silk carefully from the water, lay the image face down and lightly iron with a cool iron till dry.

6. When dry, place a sheet of silicon baking parchment over the image.

7. Iron through the baking parchment then allow to cool. Peel off.

This method produces a beautiful result and can be rinsed in warm water but will not take a vigorous wash. Always iron with low setting through silicon baking parchment.

LAZERTRAN SILK NEW METHOD

Lazertran Silk can now be used to put images onto almost any surface using 3M Photo Mount Spray. Just copy your image onto lazertran Silk in reverse or mirror, cut to size and then spray an even coat of Photo mount onto the image. Press onto the surface and make sure it is well stuck. Iron with a medium heat iron if using on cloth. Wet backing paper, allow to soak for about one minute and slide off.

This method can be used on Voile, plastics, wood and in decoupage to put images down without thickness. It is also very good for interior decoration on walls etc.

FOR THICKER FABRICS LAZERTRAN CAN BE IRONED ON

This method can be used for cotton, needlepoint canvas and tapestry canvas as a guide.

1.Place Lazertran face down on the cloth.

2. Set iron to wool/cotton and iron onto the cloth until it is well stuck.

3. Wet the backing paper and peel off. Wipe off gum and allow to dry, or place, paper side down in a tray of water and allow the paper to fall off. Wash off any gum.

5. Place face down and iron lightly from the back until dry, lifting when cool each time to avoid the image sticking to your ironing surface.

4. Turn over and place silicon baking parchment over image and give it a good ironing. Allow to cool, peel off silicon sheet and repeat till the image sinks into the cloth.

Lazertran - difficult surfaces, curve, etch resist, metal foil.

PURE TURPENTINE METHOD.

TO FIX LAZERTRAN TO PAPER, WOOD, WAX, STONE, PLASTER, PVC, AND DIFFICULT SURFACES WITHOUT ACRYLIC.

1. Trim your image to size and lower, wide edge first, into clean water. Allow to soak for a minute or so.

2. Lift the Lazertran out of the water and make sure you have wiped away any excess moisture.

3. Soak your receiving surface with pure turpentine and slide the transfer onto the surface.

4. For paper, carefully roll flat with a soft roller moistened with pure turpentine and leave overnight. The transfer will melt and migrate into the surface. Do not over work the transfer, as it will smudge. Any bubbles will disappear overnight.

5. For surfaces other than paper, for instance rough wood, the melting of the image into nooks and crannies can be helped by brushing the image with pure turpentine. Do not force into holes or curves, as it will do this itself overnight.

6. For putting over existing oil paint, wipe the painting or brush over with pure turpentine. Then lay transfer onto the surface. If too much turpentine is used the image will break up. Always lay flat until dry. n.b. Turps substitute or white spirit will not work.

TO TRANSFER A STAMPED IMAGE ONTO A DIFFICULT SURFACE OR CURVE USING LAZERTRAN

Stamp your image directly onto a sheet of Lazertran using waterproof stamping ink. Dry using a heat gun or iron then apply to surfaces using craft glue or any of the above methods.
You can also use embossing powder with Lazertran. Use an iron through the backing paper or heat gun to set. When using embossed image you cannot use the pure turpentine method it is best to use craft glue to apply the stamped or embossed transfers.

LAZERTRAN ON METAL FOIL.

Simply iron onto the foil. Turn over and iron again to make sure it is well stuck. Immerse in water and remove backing sheet. When dry the foil can be reheated to make sure of full adhesion.

LAZERTRAN AS AN ETCH RESIST.

1. Copy image in black and white and negative using a colour photocopier onto a sheet of Lazertran.

(Now you should make sure the toners have been melted onto the Lazertran properly by putting the sheet into a hot oven In a short time the black toner will go shiny. This will avoid bubbles forming later in the process). Now cut to the size of your etching plate.

2. Soak in water for a minute or so, then place the transfer, image side down, onto the degreased plate, slide off the backing paper, then, using a soft rubber squeegee, expel all air bubbles, creases and moisture.

3. Put in a domestic oven and increase the temperature from zero as slowly as possible up to 170 degrees C until the transfer melts and becomes sticky, then allow to cool. This will take at least half an hour. The first 100 degrees are crucial and must not be rushed as this can cause bubbling.

4. Place the plate in a bath of pure turpentine and wash away the decal, leaving only the toners on the plate. All traces of the slimy decal must be removed. A soft brush can be used. This will take about 20 minutes.

5. Lift out and carefully wash off turpentine in warm soapy water.

An aqua tint can now be applied.

You are now ready to etch.

Before printing remove toners with solvent, nail polish remover or wintergreen oil or heat until melted and wipe off with rag and white spirits

Note. This method can also be used on glass and metal if you want a full colour image and wish to remove the decal.

Lazertran - How to use.

Lazertran

Lazertran is a water slide decal paper that allows you to transfer your own full colour images onto almost any surface including, paper, canvas, fabric, wax, ceramic tiles, glass, sheet metals and foils, plaster, wood and stone. It can also be used as an etch resist and to make stamped and embossed decals and as a way to put images on to vacuum forming plastic.

How to use Lazertran Inkjet

1.     Print your image on to the smooth, white, eggshell/chalky side of the paper. Do not use too much ink as this will cause the image to bleed. For Epson printers set to plain paper. Go into custom and then advanced and select a high DPI setting such as 1440 or as high as a quality as is available. Now click off high speed to avoid putting on too much ink. For basic HP's draft is a good setting.

2.     Allow the ink to dry for at least 30 minutes.

3.     Cut to size and soak in 3water until te decal releases from the backing sheet, about 60 seconds.

4.     For a smooth nonabsorbent surfaces such as glass, glazed ceramics and metal there will be enough gum on the back of the decal to fix the decal on to the surface. A good trick to get really good adhesion is to apply a little Methylated Spirits (Alcohol) to the surface and apply the wet decal onto this. The alcohol will stop any edges curling when drying and will make the decal soft enough to be stretched around any doubles curves. But be careful, not too much!

5.     For more absorbant surfaces such as wood or plaster extra glue will be required.

Advice on using Glue Guns

Glue Guns

Glue Guns ( Bostick)

Glue Gun hot melt handy size with trigger for light application. Has retractable stand, safety warning light and fitted plug. Constant thermostatic control.  Uses Bostick handy size hot melt glue sticks.

Glue Sticks handy size.

Strong odourless all purpose adhesive that dries clear.

Bonds plastics, fabric, metal, leather and ceramics.

Glue Gun cool melt

With trigger, safety warning light, retractable stand. Bonds polystyrene, delicate fabrics, rubber and dried flowers.

Advice on using Glue Guns

1. Before use, ALWAYS allow the applicator to warm up to operating temperature.

2. Most applicators are ready in 5-7 minutes.

3. Spray applicators should be allowed to heat up for at least 10 minutes.

4. NEVER lay the applicator on it's side.

5. ALWAYS use the gun stand supplied or an optional stand for suspension hook if available.

7. To AID EASIER START UP the next time the applicator is used, disconnect from the power supply when work is complete and while the tool is cooling extrude about half a cartridge / stick of molten glue through the applicator.

8. NEVER withdraw a part melted glue slug / stick through the back of the gun.

9. NEVER remove the nozzle from a cold applicator as thread damage could result. Remove when warm and always wear protective gloves.

10. ALWAYS wipe any excess molten glue from around the nozzle at the end of each work session. This will avoid build up of glue deposits which can char. This should be done while the applicator is still hot and always wear protective gloves. 

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