In construction and building work, the use of specific adhesives is essential to ensure lasting, high-quality results. Among these, tissue adhesive plays a key role in a variety of applications. Whether you’re a building professional or a DIY enthusiast, this article will help you understand what tissue adhesive is, its benefits, and how to use it effectively in your projects.
What is tissue adhesive?
Tissue adhesive is an adhesive specially designed for fixing textile or fibrous materials to various substrates in construction work. It is mainly used for applications that require a strong, durable bond while offering flexibility and resistance to moisture and structural movement. This type of adhesive is very popular in the building industry for tasks such as insulation, the installation of wall coverings, or for fixing materials such as glass cloth.
The different applications of tissue adhesive in the building industry
- Thermal and acoustic insulation
One of the main uses of tissue adhesive in the building industry is for insulation. Whether it’s for thermal or acoustic insulation, the adhesive can be used to attach textile fibre insulation panels effectively. These materials are often used to reinforce the insulation of walls, ceilings and floors in residential and commercial buildings. - Fixing wall coverings and glass fabrics
In renovation or new-build projects, glass fabrics are often used to reinforce walls or improve their appearance. Tissue adhesive is ideal for fixing these materials to surfaces such as concrete, plaster or wood. It creates a strong bond while remaining flexible enough to accommodate surface expansion. - Laying carpets and floor coverings
For the installation of textile coverings such as carpets, tissue adhesive provides fast, effective fixing. It is designed to offer optimum resistance even in high-traffic areas, while maintaining flexibility to keep pace with building movements. - Use in lightweight structures
Tissue adhesive is also suitable for lightweight structures, such as false ceilings, where it ensures good adhesion of textile or insulating panels without weighing down the structure.
Advantages of tissue adhesive for building professionals
- High moisture resistance
Tissue adhesive is often formulated to be moisture resistant, making it ideal for applications in environments where exposure to water is high, such as bathrooms or kitchens. - Quick and easy to apply
It is generally ready-to-use, which simplifies its use on building sites. What’s more, it can be applied with a variety of tools, such as brushes, rollers, spatulas or airless equipment, depending on the needs of the project. - Flexibility and strength
Another major advantage of tissue adhesive is its ability to remain flexible, allowing it to absorb material movements without deteriorating. This is particularly important in buildings subject to temperature changes or slight structural movements. - Adhesion to different materials
Tissue adhesive is versatile and can be used on a wide variety of building materials, including concrete, plaster, wood and insulation boards.
How do you apply tissue adhesive correctly?
Applying tissue adhesive is simple, but it must be done carefully to ensure good fixation.
- Preparing surfaces
Make sure surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust or grease before applying the adhesive. A well-prepared surface ensures better adhesion. - Even application
Use a brush, roller or sprayer to spread the adhesive evenly over the surface to be treated. Avoid overloading with adhesive, as this could compromise the effectiveness of the bond. - Drying times
Follow the drying times indicated by the manufacturer. Good adhesion requires sufficient setting time, generally a few hours depending on ambient conditions. - Pressure after application
Once the adhesive has been applied and the material fixed, apply slight pressure to ensure a good bond. This can be done with a roller or manually, depending on the surface.
Example of the application of a non-woven adhesive on a wall by Arte Wallcoverings
Applying tissue adhesive by airless spraying is an increasingly popular method in the construction industry. This technique saves time, improves precision and ensures even distribution of the adhesive over large surfaces. However, it does require a certain amount of preparation and the right equipment to achieve optimum results. Here are the detailed steps for applying tissue adhesive correctly using an airless spray system.
1. Preparing equipment and surfaces
Before starting the application, it is crucial to prepare both the surfaces and the equipment:
- Cleaning surfaces: Make sure that the surfaces to which you are going to apply the adhesive are clean, dry and free from dust, grease or any other impurities. A poorly prepared surface can compromise the adhesion of the adhesive.
- Protect adjacent areas: As airless spraying covers a large surface, it is important to protect areas that should not come into contact with the adhesive (skirting boards, windows, floors, etc.) using masking tape or protective tarpaulins.
- Choose the right nozzle: Select a nozzle that is suitable for applying tissue adhesive. In general, a medium nozzle (between 0.025 and 0.031 inches) is ideal for obtaining a thin, even layer without excess material.
2. Diluting and preparing the adhesive
Some tissue adhesives may need to be diluted for airless spraying. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dilution:
- Checking viscosity: The tissue adhesive must have adequate viscosity to pass easily through the sprayer. If necessary, use a specific product to dilute the glue, such as water or a recommended diluting agent.
- Filtering the glue: Before pouring it into the sprayer, ideally filter the glue using a sieve or suitable filter to remove any particles that could clog the nozzle.
3. Setting up airless spraying equipment
For optimum application, it is essential to adjust your airless sprayer correctly:
- Setting the pressure: Start with a low pressure (~ 80 bar) and adjust it gradually depending on the texture of the adhesive, the type of surface and the power of your airless machine. Too high a pressure can cause misting and excess product, while too low a pressure can result in uneven application and material that is not atomised correctly.
- Checking the spray pattern: Before starting to apply to the actual surface, carry out a test spray on a small area or piece of cardboard to check the width and evenness of the spray pattern. This will allow you to adjust the parameters if necessary (pressure and nozzle size).
4. Application of tissue adhesive by airless spraying
Once everything is prepared, you can start applying the tissue adhesive:
- Spray movement: Hold the sprayer at a distance of approximately 25 to 30 cm from the surface. Use regular movements, maintaining a constant speed to avoid glue overloads or unevenly covered areas. We recommend spraying in horizontal or vertical bands, overlapping each pass 50/50 for even coverage.
- Thin, even coats: Apply the adhesive in thin coats. It’s better to apply several thin coats than one thick one, which could lead to bubbles or poor drying. Airless technology ensures even application, ideal for avoiding overloading.
5. Drying time and adjustment of materials
After applying the adhesive, it is essential to respect the drying times recommended by the manufacturer to avoid any adhesion problems:
- Open time: The open time (the time the adhesive remains tacky before drying completely) varies from product to product, but is often around 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, you can adjust the textile or insulating materials to be laid over the adhesive.
- Completely dry: Allow the adhesive to dry completely before applying any further treatment or handling the surface. Depending on the ambient temperature and humidity, it may take a few hours to dry completely.
6. Cleaning equipment after use
Once the application is complete, it is important to clean the airless spraying equipment immediately to prevent the adhesive from drying inside:
- Cleaning the machine: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the sprayer. Use water or the appropriate solvent to remove adhesive residues.
- Cleaning the nozzle and filters: Remove the nozzle and filters and clean them thoroughly to avoid blockages the next time you use the machine.
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- Nozzle Graco RAC X PAA
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- Wagner spray gun’s filters #50
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- Graco Mark’s main filters
Advantages of airless spray application
There are several advantages to using airless spraying to apply tissue adhesive:
- Time-saving: The airless method enables large surfaces to be covered quickly, making it ideal for large-scale projects.
- Even application: Spraying ensures even distribution of the adhesive, reducing the risk of overloading or poorly bonded areas.
- Less waste: The airless method allows you to precisely dose the amount of adhesive applied, minimising material wastage.
Non-woven glue: essential for your building work
In conclusion, tissue adhesive is an essential material for building professionals and DIY enthusiasts looking for durable, reliable fasteners. Its varied applications, from insulation to textile coverings, make it a versatile and highly effective product for construction and renovation projects. To ensure optimum results, it is important to prepare surfaces properly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
If you have any questions or specific requirements for your building projects, don’t hesitate to consult the experts or specialist suppliers to choose the tissue adhesive best suited to your needs. We’ll be happy to help you find the right machines for your products, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
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