Frequently Asked Questions

1) What materials can be bonded with Sika Sealant and Adhesive Systems?

Sika sealants/adhesives adhere to a wide range of substrates.  Ex: Sika products exhibits adhesion to aluminum, FRP, GRP, steel, stainless steel, wood, SMC, RIM, prepainted metals and glass…  A simple adhesion test should be performed before an adhesive is used on a new substrate.

2) What marketplaces currently use Sika sealants/adhesives?

Manufacturers of transportation equipment (Bus, Truck and trailer, and Rail) have traditionally used a wide range of mechanical fasteners in the construction of their products.  The Elastic Bonding Systems from Sika make bonding possible in all of these industries.

Sika offers also the most complete range of adhesives for the automotive glass professional and also adhesives designed for aftermarket needs.

Sika is the recognized global leader in the development of polyurethane technology.  This technology has been used to create the Sikaflex brand Elastic Adhesive and Sealing Systems which are also designed for critical areas of marine application.

Sika now offers a range of adhesives for the Appliance and Equipment market were fast curing is required. High strength structural adhesives are also available for applications requiring these properties.

Sound reduction has long been viewed as a sign of quality. Sika has developed products to meet your sound reduction needs and offers outstanding engineering support. These products are found in the cars you drive and the appliances you use everyday. Most items with moving parts can benefit from this technology.

3) Is surface preparation critical before applying Sika high viscous adhesives?

YES – With the wide range of substrates that can be bonded there are many factors that can effect long term adhesion.

Sika’s local consultants can help you determine the proper preparation required.

4) Which curing system applies to the Sika products?

As the temperature and the relative humidity play a big role in the curing system, Sika sealants/adhesives are known to be moisture cure.  Sika also developed products in the SikaTack® line which use heat to assist in curing speed.  Please refer to the relevant technical data sheet for further information.

5) Which advantages does Sika sealants/adhesives exemplify compared to other competitive products in the Industry?

Through differences in the chemical composition and curing mechanism, Sika has designed a range of products with specific characteristics to meet every application.  Although the specific characteristics may differ, all Sika Elastic Adhesives share the following properties:

• Permanently Elastic
• High Solids
• Sandable
• Paintable
• Non corrosive
• Non shrinking

6)Is there different Sika Primers recommended for different substrates?

YES – Sika has developed a variety of specialized primer to apply on different substrates.

Ex: Sika® Primer-210T is suitable for use on FRP, ABS, Plastics, Aluminum, steel, Polyurethane…

Sika® Primer-215 is suitable for application to the following substrates:  Plastics such as GRP, epoxy resins, PVC and ABS, and timber.

For further information, please refer to the Sika Primer Chart as a guide.

7) How long do we have to wait between the application of the primer and the adhesive?

Based on temperature and relative humidity and on the choice of the primer, the dry/cure time may vary between 10 minutes to 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours.  Please refer to the relevant technical data sheet for specific information.

8) What does the terminology “green strength” means?

The green strength defines the amount of strength an adhesive has at the time it is extruded from the cartridge.  Assuming equal curing rates, the higher the green strength, the better and adhesive will hold two parts together while it cures.

9) Which area of marine applications has the Sika technology been created?

1. Bedding:  Sikaflex is used as a foundation or “bedding” for components such as decks, cleats, rails, winches and wind lasses and other hardware, especially in applications where removal may be required later.

2. Sealing:  Sikaflex seals against water and moisture penetration.  It has excellent adhesion to most marine substrates, is extremely durable and cures to a permanently elastic state.  These properties also allow Sikaflex to be used in sealing between substrates with different coefficients of thermal expansion.

3. Bonding:  The revolutionary new Elastic Adhesive Systems from Sika now make bonding a practical alternative to fasteners in many applications.  These systems require no mixing, are easy to apply and maintain their elastic properties after full cure.  Benefits include:  even distribution of stress, bond and seal in one step and increased torsional stiffness.

10) Is storage critical concerning Sika sealants/adhesives?

YES – We recommend that Sika sealants/adhesives be stored at no more than 25°C.  If stored at higher temperatures, there will be a risk of reducing the shelf life of the products.

11) After applying Sika sealants/adhesives in a lap seam or joint, can we tool it with alcohol or solvent immediately after application?

NO – Use of alcohol and some solvent will affect the curing of Sika sealants/adhesives and my attack their physical properties.  Sika Tooling Agent N is recommended for use in tooling Sika products.

12) Can Sika sealants/adhesives be applied over silicones or in the presence of curing silicones?

NO – Freshly applied, Silicones exert “an out gasing” which will impede the curing of Sika polyurethanes.

13) Can a Sika cartridge be used another day after being opened?

We recommend that once opened, Sika sealants/adhesives be used the same day.

14) How many linear feet can I obtain with a cartridge of Sika sealants/adhesives?

In general, a 310ml cartridge of material will provide 14 linear feet based on a bead size of ¼ x ¼ inch.

15) Can I apply Sika sealants/adhesives over a frozen surface in outdoor conditions?

NO – Sika products will not adhere to any frozen surface.  Refer to the appropriate technical data sheet under “surface preparation” explaining that all surfaces must be clean, dry, free of oil, grease and of sound quality…

16) What is meant by the term “Tack free” vs “Full cure”?

Tack free is a term used to explain the time it takes for the Sika sealants/adhesives to skin over. Full Cure is the time it takes for the material to cure completely through to the centre.

17) Does the choice of gun used when applying Sika sealants/adhesives make a difference in the ease of application?

YES – When related to manual guns for the application of Sika products, it is recommended to use a specific ratio gun for certain Sika sealants/adhesives.

18) What is the best way to remove cured Sika sealants/adhesives from a painted surface?

Cured Sika sealants/adhesives can only removed mechanically.  Steps should be taken during application (taping off the area around the joint being sealed) to ensure that the material does not get onto unwanted areas. Sika® Remover-208 can be used to remove wet material that has been inadvertently applied to an unwanted area.