Spray Adhesives

About Spray Adhesives

Spray adhesives are versatile bonding solutions that deliver fast, uniform coverage across a wide range of materials and surfaces. Unlike traditional liquid adhesives that require brushing or spreading, these aerosol-based products dispense a fine, even mist that creates reliable bonds with minimal mess and waste. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional spray adhesives from trusted brands including Everbuild, Bostik, Evo-stik, and Faithfull, suitable for both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

The range includes contact adhesives for permanent bonding, repositionable tack sprays for temporary fixing, and specialist mitre bonding systems with activator sprays. Contact adhesives like Bostik Fast Tak and Everbuild Stick 2 create instant bonds when applied to both surfaces, whilst repositionable options such as Everbuild Smart Tack allow for adjustment before final placement. Many formulations offer heat resistance, water resistance, and compatibility with challenging materials including polystyrene insulation, making them invaluable across multiple trades and applications.

Applications

Spray adhesives are essential tools across numerous professional trades and projects:

• Carpet Fitters and Flooring Specialists: Bonding carpet tiles, underlay, vinyl flooring, and edge trims
• Joiners and Chippies: Veneer application, laminate bonding, and rapid mitre fixing without pinning
• Shop Fitters: Mounting displays, signage, and decorative panels
• Upholsterers: Fabric bonding, foam attachment, and trim work
• Insulation Installers: Fixing polystyrene boards, foam insulation, and reflective materials
• Sign Makers and Graphics Professionals: Mounting vinyl, securing stencils, and temporary positioning
• Cabinet Makers: Edge banding, veneer work, and laminate application
• DIY Enthusiasts: Craft projects, home repairs, and general bonding tasks

Choosing The Right Spray Adhesives

Selecting the appropriate spray adhesive from MyToolShed.co.uk depends on several key factors:

Bond Type: Determine whether you need permanent contact adhesive for structural applications or repositionable tack spray for temporary fixing. Contact adhesives create immediate, permanent bonds, whilst Smart Tack products allow adjustment and repositioning.

Material Compatibility: Consider the substrates you're bonding. Some spray adhesives can damage polystyrene or sensitive plastics, whilst others are specifically formulated for compatibility with foam materials, fabrics, wood, metal, and laminates. Always verify the manufacturer's compatibility guidance.

Working Time Requirements: For precise alignment work, choose products with longer open times. For rapid installation, activator-based systems like Everbuild Mitre Fast or Evo-stik Rapid Mitre Fix offer near-instantaneous bonding without clamps or pins.

Environmental Conditions: For applications exposed to heat, moisture, or outdoor conditions, select spray adhesives with appropriate resistance properties for demanding environments.

Safety Information

Spray adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and require proper safety precautions. Always work in well-ventilated areas, as aerosol adhesives release fumes that can cause respiratory irritation in confined spaces. Use appropriate respiratory protection when working in enclosed environments, in accordance with COSHH regulations.

These products are highly flammable and must be kept away from heat sources, naked flames, and sparks. Store canisters in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight. Wear protective gloves and eye protection during application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spray adhesive take to dry?

Drying time varies by product type. Contact adhesives typically require 1-5 minutes of open time before surfaces are brought together, creating an instant bond on contact. Repositionable tack sprays may remain workable for 10-30 minutes. Activator-based systems create near-instantaneous bonds within seconds.

Can spray adhesive be used on polystyrene insulation?

Some spray adhesives contain solvents that will melt or damage polystyrene foam. Always choose products specifically labelled as safe for polystyrene applications, such as certain Everbuild formulations designed for insulation work. Testing on a small area before full application is recommended.

What's the difference between standard spray adhesive and mitre bonding systems?

Standard spray adhesives create bonds that develop strength over several minutes to hours. Mitre bonding systems combine adhesive spray with a separate activator spray that triggers instant curing, creating bonds strong enough to eliminate pinning or clamping—ideal for fitting skirting boards, architrave, and coving where immediate fixing is required.