Acrylic Adhesives

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Surface Preparation

For high strength structural bonds, paint, oxide films, oils, dust, mold release agents

and all other surface contaminants must be completely removed. The amount of

surface preparation depends on the required bond strength, environmental aging

resistance desired by the user.

The following cleaning methods are suggested for common surfaces:

Steel:

1. Wipe free of dust with oil-free solvents such as acetone or isopropyl alcohol

solvents.*

2. Sandblast or abrade using clean fine grit abrasives.

3. Wipe again with solvent to remove loose particles.*

4. If a primer is used, it should be applied within 4 hours after surface preparation.

Aluminum:

1. Alkaline Degrease: Oakite 164 solution (9-11 oz./gallon water) at 190°F ± 10°F

(88°C ± 5°C) for 10-20 minutes. Rinse immediately in large quantities of cold

running water.

2. Acid Etch: Place panels in the following solution for 10 minutes at 150°F ± 5°F

(66°C ± 2°C).

Sodium Dichromate

4.1 - 4.9 oz./gallon

Sulfuric Acid, 66°Be

38.5 o 41.5 oz./gallon

2024-T3 aluminum (dissolved)

0.2 oz./gallon minimum

Tap water as needed for balance

3. Rinse: Rinse panels in clear running tap water.

4. Dry: Air dry 15 minutes; forced air dry 10 minutes at 190°F ± 10°F (88°C ± 5°C).

5. If primer is to be used, it should be applied within 4 hours after surface preparation

(or see instruction pertaining to a specific primer).

Plastics/Rubber:

1. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol.*

2. Abrade using fine grit abrasives.

3. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol.*

Glass:

1. Solvent wipe surface using acetone or MEK.*

2. Apply a thin coating (0.0001 in. or less) of 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Metal Primer

EC3901 to the glass surfaces to be bonded and allow the primer to dry before

bonding.

*Note: When using solvents, extinguish all ignition sources, including pilot lights,

and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use.