Handy Trade Tips

Spacers
Spacers are placed between substrates to ensure that the desired adhesive thickness is achieved. The hardness of the spacers should be the same or less than the Shore A hardness of the adhesive. Never use cyanoacrylates based materials in conjunction with Sikaflex adhesives as they can greatly reduce adhesion and lead to corrosion.

Supports
Supports are often required to position the substrate after the adhesive has been applied and the two surfaces have been put together. Supports stop the substrate from sliding off during the hardening process. The supports are removed as soon as the adhesive has reached a sufficient strength level. Supports are generally made of hard materials such as wood or plastics.

Tooling Agents
Tooling agents such as soap solutions and detergents can dissolve adhesives and may lead to permanent paint staining. Aggressive products may also attack freshly applied or water based paints. Therefore, if you are going to use a tooling agent check with Sika's Technical Department first.

Cleaning/Activation Cloths
Not changing cloths or paper towels during surface preparation may result in dirt being redistributed to surface areas to be bonded. Therefore clean, fluff-free paper towels or clean cotton cloths should always be used and be replaced regularly. Some tissues contain wax-type softeners and should be avoided as cleaning/activating cloth.

Masking Tapes
Masking Tapes are an easy and effective method for ensuring a clean and straight bond line. Care should be taken to ensure that the masking tapes used do not release products which may negatively influence the adhesion system.

Backing Rods
Backing rods are normally made of closed cell polyethylene foam. Backing rods are used to ensure the Sikaflex is applied at the correct bond line thickness. The backing rod should never be encapsulated between the joint and adhesive. If used in the joint area, it is possible that a water channel can develop along the joint which would reduce or destroy the Sikaflex's adhesion within the joint.

Click below to view Information on
- Bond Line Dimensioning
- Corrosion Prevention.
- Handy Trade Tips
- Joint Design for Direct Glazing Applications.