Impact & Timebond Adhesive

About Impact & Timebond Adhesive

Impact and Timebond adhesives are specialist contact adhesives engineered to create exceptionally strong, instant bonds between diverse materials including laminates, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, and leather. Unlike standard PVA glues, these adhesives are applied to both surfaces and allowed to become touch-dry before pressing firmly together for an immediate, permanent bond that cannot be repositioned. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks premium products from trusted manufacturers including Evo-Stik, Araldite, Everbuild, and Bostik – brands renowned throughout the UK for delivering professional-grade bonding solutions.

From fast-setting contact adhesives ideal for kitchen worktop installation to thixotropic formulations like Evo-Stik TX528 that won't run on vertical surfaces, and two-component epoxy systems offering exceptional structural strength, this category provides versatile bonding solutions for professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts. Whether fitting laminates, installing floor coverings, or requiring maximum-strength structural repairs, MyToolShed.co.uk offers the right adhesive for your project.

Applications

Impact and Timebond adhesives are essential across numerous trades and projects:

• Kitchen Fitters: Bonding worktop joints, laminate surfaces, edging strips, and splashback installation
• Carpenters and Joiners: Laminate bonding, veneer work, and furniture assembly requiring instant adhesion
• Carpet and Flooring Installers: Securing carpets, vinyl, and floor coverings to various substrates
• Shopfitters: Bonding display panels, signage materials, and decorative laminates
• Vehicle Trimmers and Upholsterers: Bonding fabrics, foams, and trim materials in automotive applications
• Boat Builders: Waterproof bonding of marine materials and structural repairs
• General Maintenance: On-site repairs, installations, and bonding diverse materials
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including worktop installation and laminate repairs

Choosing The Right Impact & Timebond Adhesive

Material Compatibility: Contact adhesives like Evo-Stik Impact excel at bonding laminates, rubber, and leather, whilst two-component epoxies such as Araldite products provide superior performance for metal, ceramics, and rigid plastics. Always verify material suitability before purchase.

Application Type: Standard impact adhesives suit large surface areas like worktops and flooring. For vertical or overhead applications, thixotropic formulations like Evo-Stik TX528 prevent running and dripping. Structural repairs requiring maximum strength benefit from two-component epoxy systems.

Setting Time: Contact adhesives require 15-20 minutes drying time before surfaces are joined, creating an instant bond with no repositioning possible. Two-component epoxies offer varying pot lives and longer working times but superior final strength.

Container Format: Small tubes suit minor repairs, whilst larger tins prove economical for extensive projects. Syringe formats like Araldite syringes ensure accurate mixing ratios for two-component systems.

Safety Information

Ventilation: Always ensure adequate ventilation when using solvent-based contact adhesives. Open windows and doors, particularly in confined spaces where fumes can accumulate.

Flammability: Many contact adhesives are highly flammable. Keep away from naked flames, sparks, heat sources, and avoid smoking during application and drying.

Personal Protection: Wear nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact and safety glasses when working overhead. For prolonged exposure, consult product safety data sheets regarding respiratory protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between impact adhesive and contact adhesive?

Impact adhesive is a type of contact adhesive formulated for particularly strong, instant bonding upon contact. Both are applied to each surface and allowed to become touch-dry before joining, but impact adhesives typically offer stronger initial grab, making them ideal for large laminate surfaces and worktops.

Can I reposition surfaces after they've made contact?

No – once two prepared surfaces touch, they bond almost instantly and cannot be repositioned. This makes careful alignment essential before bringing surfaces together. For applications requiring adjustment, consider using the slip sheet technique or alternative adhesives.

How long should I wait before pressing surfaces together?

Wait until both coated surfaces are touch-dry but still tacky – typically 15-20 minutes depending on temperature and humidity. The surface should not feel wet, but light finger pressure should reveal slight tackiness. Pressing too early creates weak bonds, whilst waiting too long prevents proper adhesion.