Adhesion Promoters / Primers

Taping to common low surface energy applications can be a unique challenge. You may benefit from the use of an adhesion promoter and adhesive primer. Adhesion promoters and primers are used to promote better and faster adhesion of adhesive tape to various surface types.

The table below offers suggested primers and alternative methods for surfaces that commonly require primers, adhesion promoters or other surface treatments for successful use with 3M VHB Tapes. This list is not intended to be fully comprehensive but may be useful for many applications. Since formulations and surface energies can vary for these types of materials, each application should be verified through testing.

SurfaceConcernSuggested PrimerAlternatives
Steel or AluminumSurface must be cleanNone suggestedAbrasion may clean surface, or use 3M Adhesion Promoter 111 or 3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298
Copper, Brass, BronzeOxidation after bondingLacquer or varnishArchitectural grade coatings
Concrete, BrickNon-unified or rough surface, moisture3M Rubber and Vinyl Spray 80Concrete sealer, paint
Glass, Stone, Ceramic TileHigh humidity, moisture3M Silane Glass Treatment AP 115 or similar silane coupling agent in IPA/water mixture3M Tape Primer 94
Wood (soft, hard particle board, etc.)Weak fiber layer on surface (e.g., low surface strength)3M Rubber and Vinyl Spray 80, 3M Fastbond 30 Contact AdhesiveUrethane paint, varnish
Plastics: Polyolefin

Non-olefin
Low adhesion

Additives, low adhesion
3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298 (additional surface preparation may be required)

3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298
Flame treatment, Corona treatment

Abrade or 3M VHB Tape Family 5952
Polyurethane (Molded or Rubber)Mold release, low adhesion3M Tape Primer 94, 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298 (additional surface preparation may be required), or 3M Adhesion Promoter 111Abrade followed by priming
Rubber: Neoprene, Santoprene

EPDM
Migrating oils

Low adhesion
3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298 (additional surface preparation may be required)

3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298
3M Heat-Activated Tapes

3M Heat-Activated Tapes
PaintsLow adhesion3M Adhesion Promoter 111Abrade or 3M VHB Tape Family 5952 or 3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298
Coil Coated AluminumLow adhesion3M Adhesion Promoter 111Abrade or 3M VHB Tape Family 5952 or 3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298
Flexible PVC (Vinyl)Plasticizer migration3M Scotch-Grip Plastic Adhesive 2262, 3M Rubber and Vinyl Spray 803M VHB Tapes 4945 and 4941 (test for migration)

If you're looking for an adhesive product or tape to do a specific job, try our Advanced Tape Finder. This tool allows you to narrow down your search based on adhesive type, removability, peel adhesion, thickness, and other specifications. You can also visit our Shop by Department page to find the best tapes for your specific application or industry.

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