Adhesive Tape & Label Application Recommendations
A smooth, dry, and clean surface is critical for adhesive bonding.

Clean Surface Thoroughly

It is very important that the surface the adhesive tape is being adhered to is free from all contamination, such as dirt, dust, grease and oil. A combination of 50/50 alcohol and water solution is usually adequate for removing most contamination. The wiper/cloth should be changed frequently (white cloth recommended). Heavy accumulation may require more aggressive cleaning techniques.  Many household-type cleaners on the market will leave a surface residue that can impede adhesion, consider cleaners used for paint surface preparation. 

Adhesion Promoters For Difficult Applications

Some very difficult surfaces may require the use of adhesion promoters to aid in proper bonding. This would be true for low surface energy materials and very porous surfaces. Promoters should be applied per the manufacturer's instructions and must be allowed to fully dry prior to tape application. For porous concrete surfaces, you may want to try a Dap® Weldwood® type product for aiding in bonding. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions and SDS sheet for proper handling.

Room Temperature

Temperature is a critical factor in adhesive bonding often overlooked. All our adhesive tape products are intended for application in temperatures between 50°F - 100°F (10°C - 38°C) and are not to be applied in direct sunlight. In general the closer to room temperature the better the bonding.

Apply Firm Pressure

Adhesive tape and label products should be smoothed down with a firm, 15 psi of pressure or more. This will aid in adhesive "wet out" and result in better bonding. Good firm pressure during application is key to good bonding.

Allow Time For Bonding

After application, the adhesive bond with the surface will continue to increase. The ambient temperature will affect this bonding time (the colder the slower), As a general rule, good bonding will not be fully achieved for 24 - 48 hours after the application. Full bond strength will be reached after 72 hours at 70°F (21°C).

Test Prior To Use

As with most products we highly recommend that you test a small sample of the product in it's intended use prior to complete installation. Some applications prove to be more difficult and require additional steps to achieve the desired results.  Freshly painted, stained or coated surfaces can prove challenging due to agents in the coating that can impact adhesive and special care should be taken in testing on those surfaces prior to use.

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