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Technical Bulletin May, 2003

VHB

™

Tape Primers

Primers Suggested for Use with 3M

VHB

Tapes

This Technical Service Bulletin discusses the suggested primers for use in special situations with 3M™ VHB™ Acrylic

Foam and Adhesive Transfer Tapes. Generally, primers are not needed to achieve high bond strength with VHB tapes,

but some surfaces require additional treatment to bring the level of adhesion up to the capability of VHB tapes.

Reference to Other

VHB Tape Bulletins

Additional information on surface preparation and primers is provided in bulletins

entitled “Surface Preparation for VHB Tape Applications” (70-0704-8701-5), “Glass

Bonding: VHB Tape and Silane Coupling Agents” (70-0702-9983-2) and “3M™ Tape

Primer 94” (70-0709-3853-8).

When to Use a Primer

with VHB Tape

Use of a primer is not necessary in most applications. However, if you have evaluated the

full VHB tape product line and have not achieved desired adhesion level, a primer may

help improve bond strength. The list of surfaces on the back should provide a guideline to

help anticipate difficult applications and offer suggestions on primers to try.

• Rough, porous, or fibered surfaces may require priming. Contact adhesives such as

3M™ Rubber and Vinyl Spray 80 Adhesive or other hard surface coatings such as

paints or urethanes will serve to help unify the surface and improve bonds.

• Glass, stone and ceramic tile are usually excellent surfaces for VHB tapes. In extreme

humidity or exposure to water, however, the bond strength may decrease with long

term, continuous exposure. Silane adhesion promoters can be added to the typical

isopropyl alcohol-water cleaning solution to enhance the long term bonds to these

siliceous materials.

• Plastics can sometimes be difficult to bond to because of low surface energy or the

additives they may contain. Where a typical VHB tape acrylic adhesive yields low

adhesion to a plastic, we would suggest that 3M™ VHB™ Tapes 4952 or 4932 be

evaluated. If these also yield low levels of adhesion, it may be necessary to use a primer

with other VHB tapes. Note that primers will usually work best with acrylic VHB tape

adhesives, and not with the synthetic adhesives on VHB tapes 4952 or 4932.

• Paints often yield similar results to plastics, and the guideline above should also apply.

In addition to the VHB tape 4952, 3M™ VHB™ Tapes 4941 and 4945 would also be

suggested for evaluation. Abrasion with a fine grit material such as 3M™ Scotch-

Brite™ 7447 Pads will also enhance adhesion to most paints.

Carefully Evaluate

Use of Primers

It is very important for the user of the VHB tape and any primers to determine the

suitability of the VHB tape, the primer, and the application process. Because of all the

variables with these surfaces, it is important to run tests to ensure that all use requirements

and expectations are met.

Summary of content (3 pages)

PAGE 1
3 VHB™ Tape Primers Technical Bulletin May, 2003 TM TM Primers Suggested for Use with 3M VHB Tapes This Technical Service Bulletin discusses the suggested primers for use in special situations with 3M™ VHB™ Acrylic Foam and Adhesive Transfer Tapes. Generally, primers are not needed to achieve high bond strength with VHB tapes, but some surfaces require additional treatment to bring the level of adhesion up to the capability of VHB tapes.
PAGE 2
Technical Bulletin VHB Tape Primers TM Primers for 3M™ VHB™ Tapes Surface Steel or Aluminum Concern surface must be clean Suggested Primer VOC (g/l) none suggested See primer label Alternatives abrasion may clean surface Copper, Brass, Bronze oxidation after bonding lacquer or varnish See primer label architectural grade coatings Concrete rough surface, moisture 3M™ Rubber and Vinyl Spray 80 Adhesive See note below Concrete sealer, paint Brick rough surface 3M Rubber and Vinyl Spray 80 A
PAGE 3
Technical Bulletin VHB Tape Primers TM Precautionary Information Refer to manufacturers product label and Material Safety Data Sheet for safety and health information before using any solvents, primers, or other chemicals. For additional health and safety information, call 1-800-364-3577 or (651) 737-6501. For Additional Information To request additional product information or to arrange for sales assistance, call toll free 1-800-362-3550 or visit www.3M.com/adhesives.