The best adhesive applicators for different glues and surfaces

PVA, resin and water based adhesives

A glue roller like the Pfohl uses a hopper and roller so you can apply the adhesive to flat substrates quickly, effectively and consistently. Improved glue coverage also reduces adhesive consumption. The adhesive roller washes easily with warm water.

You can also apply these adhesives using more basic methods including a brush and hand foam roller, but a glue roller is the most effective method.

The Glue boy system allows you to dispense adhesive using a brush but keeps a small quantity of adhesive fresh and ready for the next use. Quick and simple this is a great system for workshops and factories doing repeat application of adhesive in small works.

The Metal Drum Tipper allows you to decant PVA adhesive more easily into equipment or empty bottles, without having to keep lifting a heavy weight. It can be mounted to the wall, floor or work bench.

Polyurethane (PU) based adhesive

You can apply liquid type PU adhesive with a glue roller but you’ll need to clean the roller regularly using solvent cleaners. For this reason long open time PU adhesives are more suitable for this type of applicator.

For gel based PU adhesives use a sealant gun type applicator or foil applicator. These allow for accurate, rapid and controlled dispensing of the adhesive and are excellent for repeat tasks.

Sprayable PU adhesive comes in two forms:

• bulk containers – apply through a spray gun suitable for PU based products
• pre-pressurised containers such as the Tytex PU spray adhesive that use a gun and hose to dispense

Solvent based contact adhesives

Most solvent based contact adhesives come in bulk containers. The adhesives are either liquid hand applied, thixotropic gel or sprayable neoprene based adhesives.

For liquid contact adhesives such as A26 and CT704 a Klebo contact adhesive spreader is best. This applies the adhesive in a thin, consistent film on any flat surface. Fast to use it reduces waste and is cleaner than other methods. You can apply liquid adhesive using a single use or reusable hand held spreader or with disposable brushes.

Gel based contact adhesives such as TX613 are best applied using a hand held spreader. You can apply these adhesives with a brush but for flat surfaces a spreader is best.

Sprayable Neoprene – apply Timbond neoprene adhesive using a spray gun which either takes adhesive directly from the bulk container or through a spray pot. This allows most of the solvent to atomise before hitting the substrate.

Spray contact adhesives

Spray contact adhesives come in pre-pressurised containers such as portable canisters or aerosols. With canister systems apply using a gun and hose.

The hand held gun/hose system is quick and accurate, fully sealed and airtight so you can leave it attached ready for the next time you need it.

Hotmelt adhesives

Hotmelt adhesives come in many forms including pellets and slugs.

Sprayable hotmelts such as H509 allow rapid bulk application and are suitable for a wide array of applications including case making, insulation and plastic bonding.

Edgebanding hotmelt adhesives should be applied using an edgebanding machine and come in various types. The machines apply the adhesive in line with the edging, creating a seamless automatic application.