Here at Tensor Adhesives, we firmly believe that your bonding task should represent one of the easiest parts of the working day. That’s why we’ve harnessed research, development, and decades of industry experience to offer a revolutionary canister-based system, providing better coverage and better bonds in a reduced time frame. Now you’ve got yours - ever wondered how to web spray like a pro?

This week, Tensor Tips shows you how it's done. We are masters of spray-based adhesives, and first things first - you have to identify the type of spray you’re working with. This represents our first step in spraying like a pro. 

You can find out what spray pattern your adhesive system is distributed by checking the relevant label on your canister or aerosol spray can. This is a crucial step, as failing to identify your spray pattern can lead to improper applications and undesired results. This week, we’re looking at web sprays and how to get them right.

Tensor Tip: The easiest visual comparison that can be made to a Web spray is that of a web, hence the name!

How to Web Spray Like a Pro

Here are some start-off tips on ensuring a consistent and even spread with your web spray pattern: 

1. Prepare the surface to be bonded; ensuring both faces are clean, free of dust, dirt, and grease. If necessary wipe clean with a proprietary solvent-based cleaner. DO NOT USE MINERAL SPIRITS OR CITRUS-BASED CLEANERS.

2. Hold the spray gun at a constant distance of between 4-6” from the surface, allowing the adhesive to web across the surface with approximately 50-75% overlap to successive passes for thin laminates to reduce the risk of telegraphing (note — correct coat weight must be achieved).

3. Maintain a constant speed of application during spraying, applying a consistent and thorough coating without allowing the adhesive to puddle or heavily ‘wet’ the surface. Maximum bond strength is achieved with coverage of between 80-100%, and a recommended minimum coat weight of 20 dry grams per M2.

4. Maximum adhesion will be obtained by spraying opposing faces at 90° to each other, i.e. one face vertically, the other face horizontally. A double coating perimeter of the face and edges is recommended, including areas around subsequent cutting positions.

Web Spray Bonding Techniques

- Do not angle spray gun or move in an arc while spraying. Hold the gun at 90° to the surface while spraying. Release trigger at end of each pass to optimize coverage.

- Many man-made boards such as plywood and especially bender board and MDF are very absorbent and will need a primer coat (shown in ‘COVERAGE TOO LIGHT’ picture). Allow to dry, then apply the normal ‘CORRECT APPLICATION’, as shown, over top of the primer coat.

- Many substrates should be regarded as difficult to bond, e.g. metal-faced HPL, Colorcore, etc., or products with memory (also soft and thick materials may require a 2nd or 3rd coat). 

- Best results are obtained by multiple coats rather than one heavy coat which may result in heavy wetting of the surface and extended drying times. Always test before using in production – see disclaimer.

- Allow adhesive to dry (see product datasheets for appropriate drying times). Test for dryness using back of hand only; the surface should be tacky but adhesive should not transfer to the skin. Position substrates correctly and press together working from the center outwards. Apply adequate pressure using a nip roller or 3” hand roller and body weight as a minimum in order to achieve at least 35psi at the glue line. 

- Immediate trimming/routing is possible. Full strength is achieved after 24-48 hours depending on temperature and humidity.

*Note: repositioning is not possible after contact has been made.*

In a rush? Don’t have time to read our Tensor Tips? It’s okay - don’t get stuck. Check out our video below which sums it all up in less than two minutes. Thank us later!

Stuck? You Can Call on Tensor

Here at Tensor Adhesives, we’re proud to support our thousands of customers around the world with industry-leading advice, tips, tutorials, and how-to guides. To get some guidance around your product, access our bank of helpful videos & resources. Alternatively, reach out to a member of our expert team who will be happy to help.