Spray adhesive: the perfect solution for a quick fix

Need to make some quick fixes around the house? Spray adhesive is the answer! If you need to fix paper, wood, metal, acrylic, foam, fabric, polyethylene and polypropylene, PVC, cardboard, leather, felt, carpet, cork, glass, foil, rubber or plastics, spray glue is the right glue for you.

• What is spray glue?
• What is spray adhesive used for?
• How to apply spray adhesive

What is spray glue?

Spray glue is a strong adhesive that is dispensed in droplet form directly from a spray can. It tacks onto a range of different materials very quickly and forms strong bonds in seconds. There are different types of spray glue, including high-tack, which fixes materials quickly and permanently and low-tack, which gives time to reposition.

What is spray adhesive used for?

Spray glues are often used for arts and crafts projects, and there are special low-tack adhesives for this purpose. These are designed for fixing lightweight materials and giving time to reposition and explore your options. This type of spray glue is mostly used for collages, or mounting photos and displays where you don’t need permanent bonds.

Need a spray glue with a bit more hold? High-tack spray glues like Loctite’s High-Performance Spray Adhesive can be used to repair furniture, appliances and car interiors. It forms strong, invisible bonds between both porous and non-porous materials, and it can be used for mending wood, metal, acrylic, foam, fabric, polyethylene and polypropylene, PVC, cardboard, leather, felt, carpet, cork, glass, rubber and plastics. It can also be used just like low-tack spray glue if you apply a small amount. We’ll tell you how later on.

How to apply spray adhesive

Spray glues are designed to be quick and easy to use. If you’ve never used it before, here are some tips for using Loctite spray adhesive to make repairs around the house.

1. Safety first. Make sure that you have a well-ventilated area that has enough work surface for you to do the job properly. Applying spray glue can be messy, so we also recommend covering any tables or benches with a plastic sheet or tablecloth. Always use a mask to avoid inhaling fumes. Wear latex or nitrile gloves (not PVC, nylon, or cotton).
2. Prepare the surfaces. The surfaces that you need to bond together must be clean, dry and free from any oil, wax, paint, or dirt. You can use a damp cloth to quickly wipe away any unwanted residue. Look at the parts that need to be joined and make sure they overlap and create a good bond area. 
3. Apply the spray adhesive. Hold the can in a vertical position and point the valve towards the surface. Then, spray the adhesive onto the surface from a distance of 20 to 25 cm. Move the can across the surface to create an even coat and avoid any build-up forming on the surface. For best results, start and stop spraying just off the edges to prevent runs and sags.
   
   For repositionable/temporary bonds: Apply a very light coat to one surface. After 15 seconds, join the surfaces together with light pressure.
   
   For a permanent bond: Apply a medium coat to one of the surfaces. Allow the surfaces to dry and then press the surfaces together gently but firmly. 
   
   For stronger permanent bonds: Apply a medium coat to both surfaces. Allow the surfaces to dry and stick them together gently but firmly (1 to 10 minutes). If you’re using spray glue on porous surfaces then you might need more than one coat.
4. Leave the glue to dry. Spray glues dry very quickly; the bond should form in just a few minutes. For best results, leave it to dry overnight.
5. Tidy up. After using the spray glue, turn the can upside down and give it a quick spray to clear the valve and spray tip. Then clean off any leftover residue or build-up with nail varnish remover that has acetone in it, or Loctite’s Glue Remover, before wiping everything down thoroughly and replacing the cap. Wash your hands. Store the can in a dry area at room temperature.