FAQ: How Should I Clean Surfaces Before Applying Adhesive Tape?

Most substrates (surfaces) are best prepared by cleaning with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water but some exceptions may require additional surface preparation before applying 3M™ Tapes.

The 5 most common exceptions:

• Degreaser: A degreaser or solvent-based cleaner may be required to remove heavy oil or grease from a surface and should be followed by cleaning with IPA/water.
  
  
• Abrasion: Abrading a surface, followed by cleaning with IPA/water, can remove heavy dirt or oxidation and can increase surface area to improve adhesion.

• Adhesion Promoters: Priming a surface can significantly improve initial and ultimate adhesion to many materials such as plastics and paints.

• Sealing: Most porous and fibered materials such as wood, particleboard, and concrete, need to be sealed to provide a unified surface.

• Other: Special surface preparation may be needed for glass and glass-like materials, copper and copper containing metals and plastics, or rubber that contains components that migrate (e.g., plasticizers).

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