Contact Adhesive

SmartAdhesives contact adhesives are fast-acting and ideal for attaching large surfaces together, such as laminating wood and plastics, mounting panels, and installing flooring. An even coat of the adhesive is applied to each surface and then allowed to dry and become tacky before the two surfaces are joined together.

Our contact adhesives provide immediate bonding (auto-adhesion) and are great when it is impractical to clamp pieces together while a bond forms. SmartAdhesives contact adhesives come in neoprene and nitrile versions, for different performance and application requirements, and are offered in two viscosities.

The solvent-based neoprene versions (C1 & C2) deliver the highest strength. The solvent-based nitrile versions (C3 & C4) offer increased resistance to weather and chemicals.

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C1 Neoprene Contact Adhesive	Properties
C1 Contact Adhesive is a high-performance, neoprene contact adhesive for applying by spray, brush, or roller. 1 gallon can $119.95 See all sizes & prices...	High strength Optimized for spraying Good for large, flat surfaces

C2 Neoprene Contact Adhesive - Medium Viscosity	Properties
C2 Contact Adhesive is the higher viscosity version of our C1 neoprene contact adhesive, formulated for brush and roller application. 1 gallon can $119.95 See all sizes & prices...	High strength Optimized for brush or roller Good for large, flat surfaces

C3 Nitrile Contact Adhesive	Properties
C3 Contact Adhesive is a low VOC, all-weather, nitrile contact adhesive formulated for spray application. 1 gallon can $119.95 See all sizes & prices...	Weather & chemical resistant Optimized for spraying Good for plastic laminating

C4 Nitrile Contact Adhesive - Medium Viscosity	Properties
C4 Contact Adhesive is the higher viscosity version of C3 Nitrile Contact Adhesive, formulated for brush and roller application. 1 gallon can $119.95 See all sizes & prices...	Weather & chemical resistant Optimized for brush or roller Good for plastic laminating

Best substrates

Wood & Hardboard
Plastic laminates
Metals
Paper & Cardboard
Fabrics (water-based urethane)

Advantages

Instant holding power
Great for large surfaces
Water & temperature resistant
Water-based versions (no VOC)

Things to know about contact adhesives

About Contact Adhesives

Solvent-based contact adhesives were the workhorse of industry before epoxies were developed, because of their immediate adhesion power, and ability to provide water and heat resistant bonds. Today, they are generally used in manufacturing or construction for bonding large, flat surfaces together. Water-based contact adhesives are used as a non-VOC alternative or for bonding flexible materials that would otherwise be damaged by solvents.

How They Work

When the solvent or water begins to evaporate, the rubbers tackify and are available to form strong bond links, but this window closes shortly after all the solvent or water evaporates. With water-based versions, heat accelerates evaporation or, in the case of urethane, initiates the tackifying process.

Tips

Always use good ventilation, especially with solvent-based contact adhesives. The solvents are highly flammable and travel low to the ground. Follow directions carefully. Make sure the surfaces are very tacky before joining them together.

Common Application Methods

Spray, brush, and roller.

Did You Know?

Because they are made of rubber materials, solvent-based contact adhesives are perfect for fixing wetsuits and inflatable boats.

Contact Adhesive

Best substrates

Advantages

Things to know about contact adhesives

About Contact Adhesives

How They Work

Tips

Common Application Methods

Did You Know?

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