Faster, Easier, and Less Mess the Correct Application and Uses of Armaflex LOW VOC Spray Contact Adhesive

By Mark Hayes - Armacell Insulation Application Manager

Low VOC Spray Adhesive was developed for use with Armaflex sheet and roll insulation and can be used to bond duct liner, vessels, tanks, mechanical equipment, and exterior duct wrap applications. The adhesive should be applied when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F using the appropriate spray gun and hose. The spray adhesive has a shelf life of one year.

Application of low voc spray adhesive:

1. Be sure there is proper ventilation

2. Surface Preparation: Surfaces to be bonded should be clean, dry and free of any dust, loose paint, wax, moisture, dirt, grease, oil, rust or other contaminants. Clean the surfaces if necessary with denatured alcohol. 

3. Adhesive Preparation: The recommended installation temperature should be between 60° to 80°F. Securely attach spray gun (SG200) to hose (MH973) then hose to canister, be certain that all fitting connections are tightened properly. Use Teflon® tape on threads as needed. Fully open the valve on the canister, Do not close until canister is empty. Remove the dry adhesive from the orifice of the spray gun in between use.

4. Adhesive Application: Before operating the spray adhesive, be sure to protect all surrounding areas against overspray of the adhesive, use cardboard, or poly sheeting, and tape off areas to be protected. Hold spray gun approximately 8 to 12 inches from the substrate, allow a uniform coat of adhesive to both surfaces. Adjust the numerical knob on the spray gun behind the trigger for desired width of spray pattern. Use Armaflex 520 adhesive with compression fit method for sealing all seams, and in areas where spraying adhesive is not possible. Do not allow the adhesive to puddle, a thin, uniform coat is required. Do not apply adhesive in direct sunlight. Spray and dry the adhesive in an area with approved and adequate ventilation to exhaust the solvent vapor. Do not breathe dust, vapors or spray mist. See MSDS for further safety information. Prevent static buildup. Properly bond and ground all containers and components. Do not smoke. Extinguish all flames and pilot lights, and turn off stoves, heaters, electric motors and other sources of ignition during use and until all vapors are gone. Use precaution when using adhesive in windy conditions. 

5. Drying: Both surfaces must be allowed to be tacky to touch prior to bonding; tack is achieved when touched with your fingernails and no adhesive is lifted off the substrate. This will usually take from 2 to 5 minutes under normal conditions. Heat and humidity or cold weather can cause change in tack times. Cold temperature and higher humidity increases tack time, whereas higher temperature and low humidity decreases tack time.

6. Assembly: Align one edge of sprayed Armaflex insulation onto the other substrate carefully since no shifting is possible once contact is made. Apply even and uniform pressure until the entire section is installed. Apply uniform pressure over 100% of the bonded area. 

7. Handling and Storage: After initial assembly, leave the hose and spray gun attached to the canister with the valve open. Detach spray gun and hose from canister only when transferring to a new canister. Transfer spray gun and hose to a new canister immediately to keep the product from drying in the hose. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing canister directly on the floor or against an outside wall. Do not store at temperatures above 120° F.

8. Disposal: Observe all labeled hazard precautions. After all the material in the canister is used, close valve and remove hose and spray gun. Transfer spray gun and hose to a new canister immediately to keep the product from drying in the hose. Open the valve on the new canister. Open the valve on the old canister and leave the canister for a few hours to make sure residual vapors are dispersed. Remove the valve from the canister. Dispose of according to all federal, state and local regulations.

 

For more installation techniques see our downloadable North America Application Manual here.