FAQ
Browse among the most frequently asked questions and answers.
How best to prepare surfaces for adhesion?
- Surfaces for adhesion must be clean, free of dust, grease or old adhesive residues.
- Sand very smooth surfaces with sandpaper.
- Before applying the adhesive, it is recommended to clean the surface with acetone or alcohol and wait for the surface to dry.
- Do not touch surfaces that are ready for adhesion with your fingers.
- Apply the adhesive in a thin and even layer.
- Before pressing the glued surface together, make sure that no dust or other dirt falls on the applied adhesive.
Which surfaces are porous or absorbent?
Porous or absorbent surfaces are surfaces that have pores. These pores allow air, water or any other liquid to penetrate the material. Examples of porous surfaces are wood, paper, cardboard and textiles. For certain adhesives (e.g. FIX 14) it is necessary that at least one of the glued surfaces is absorbent. Non-porous or non-absorbent surfaces are surfaces without pores that would allow air, water or any other liquid to penetrate the material. Examples of non-porous surfaces are glass and metals. With FIX 11 or FIX 61 adhesives, two non-porous surfaces can also be glued together.
What does 'open time' mean for an adhesive?
Open time is the maximum time between applying the adhesive and pressing the glued surfaces together. Open time can be very different: with FIX 31 instantaneous adhesive, the open time is a few seconds, with FIX D2 high-speed adhesive for wood, the open time is 7 minutes, with FIX 41 contact adhesive, the open time is relatively long (10 to 20 minutes). The open time is used to evaporate the dispersant or solvent from the glued surface.
What are the most common adhesion errors?
- poor preparation of the glued surface
- Incorrect choice of adhesive
- Improper application of adhesive
- failure to observe the open time of the adhesive
- inappropriate conditions for the use of an adhesive
- loading objects before reaching the final strength of the adhesive
In which cases is it necessary to use D3 or D4 waterproof adhesive for wood?
D3 waterproof adhesive is used when gluing an object that:
- is used indoors and is exposed to short-term exposure to water or higher humidity, e.g. kitchen or bathroom furniture;
- used outside, but the object is protected from the weather (under the roof), e.g. garden furniture.
D4 waterproof adhesive is used when gluing an object that:
- is used indoors and is regularly exposed to water or high humidity, e.g. kitchen work surfaces;
- used outside and exposed to various weather conditions, e.g. carpentry.
Why are wood adhesives an ecologically good choice for the user and the environment?
Wood adhesives are dispersion adhesives made on a water basis without organic solvents and represent an ecologically good choice for humans and the environment. They contain polymer particles dispersed in water and when the adhesive hardens, the water evaporates and the polymer particles form an adhesive film.
What form of application of prefabricated adhesive is most suitable?
In the case of gluing larger surfaces with prefabricated adhesive, the most suitable form of application is in the form of vertical lines with a distance of about 10 cm between the lines. This adhesion method allows air to circulate between the lines, ensuring even hardening. In the case of applying mounting adhesive in the form of winding lines, moisture can accumulate in the so-called pockets, which causes uneven hardening of the adhesive. In the case of spot application, the adhesive will harden at the edges of the bonded material and create a barrier, which means that the adhesive in the central part of the bonded material can no longer harden.
What are the differences between the different types of FIX 11, FIX 12, FIX 13 and FIX 14 construction adhesives?
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Which FIX adhesive achieves maximum final strength?
The maximum final strength is achieved with FIX 11, namely 350kg/cm².
In which cases to use liquid super glue and in which FIX 32 gel super glue?
FIX 32 gel super glue is ideal for gluing on vertical surfaces, as it does not drip and remains on the spot of application. The gel super glue also has a longer open time, which allows for a few seconds of additional adjustment of the glued surfaces. In other cases, use FIX 31 liquid super glue. Liquid super glue is also used when you want to glue certain cracks, as the super glue reaches even the smallest corners and cracks.
Why is FIX 41 universal adhesive called contact adhesive?
Contact adhesives are made of artificial rubber – neoprene, which is well soluble in organic solvents. Due to the evaporation of the majority of the solvent, the binder reaction takes place over a relatively long open time (10 – 20 minutes). Apply the adhesive with a brush or spatula, evenly on both glued surfaces. When the solvents almost completely evaporate or when the adhesive layers are almost dry to the touch, press together the surfaces with the applied adhesive, i.e. make a contact between the glued surfaces. The time required for pressing the glued surfaces is short, and strong pressure is required during this time.
Which FIX adhesive is the most suitable if we need a flexible joint?
The best solution is the universal contact adhesive FIX 41, which is prepared on the basis of artificial rubber, i.e. neoprene.
What are the advantages of the FIX 51 hot melt glue gun and the FIX 52 hot melt glue sticks?
The advantages of the FIX 51 hot melt glue gun are:
- thermally insulated nozzle,
- built-in valve that prevents uncontrolled dripping of glue,
- built-in stand,
- ergonomic use.
With the FIX 51hot melt glue gun, 6 FIX 52 hot melt glue sticks are included. Hot melt glue sticks FIX 52 are characterized by fast hardening (the joint hardens in 2 minutes) and an extremely elastic and strong joint
In which cases is spray adhesive the best solution for gluing?
Is it possible to use FIX 62 two-component epoxy putty even on wet and damp surfaces?
Yes, the FIX 62 two-component epoxy putty has a very good adhesion to wet surfaces, even under water, so it can be used for leaks on water installations, tanks and central heating. It is important to cut off the required amount of mass and knead it well (for at least two minutes) until you get a uniform colour mixture. In places of leaks that are under pressure, plug the hole with a wooden plug. Spread the mass over the plug and hold it with your fingers or tape for a few minutes. At a temperature of 20 ˚C, the sealant hardens in 15 minutes, and under water in 20 minutes.
Is there an adhesive for PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide or nylon) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon)?
No, there is no adhesive for the listed materials. These materials are interconnected in industrial processes at high temperatures.