Water-based Adhesive Coating: Unpacking The Process

Ready to learn more about water-based adhesive coating? No worries! Conversion Technologies International has the resources you need.

How does water-based adhesive coating work?

Water-based adhesive coating really does begin with water. Added polymer particles are what makes it sticky, suspended in liquid. The fact that the adhesive comes in liquid form makes it easier to apply. Think about it: You can potentially apply a water-based adhesive coating with brushes, rollers, and more. Once the water evaporates, the adhesive dries and the polymer particles cause the substrates to stick as needed.

The basic coating process works as follows:

• Carrier. This refers to the water, acting as a carrier for those polymer particles. It basically acts as a conduit, without which the adhesive can’t work.
• Application. The application process involves smoothing the adhesive coating across a surface. Usually, we try to make the layer as even as possible, to avoid bubbles and inconsistencies. It’s important that the coating is completely liquid when applied. You don’t want to leave the door open for air pockets in between layers.
• Bonding. This is the moment of evaporation. You can consider evaporation the first part of the activation process. Keep in mind that, depending on the specific coating and adhesives involved, the bonding stage can take quite a while. And even once the layers bond through the adhesive, you’re not quite done…
• Curing. At this point, the water has completely left the adhesive. Some processes have more refined curing processes than others. For others, it’s rather simple and straightforward.

Depending on the specific product you’re making and the specific adhesive, you may find variations. But ultimately, the above steps make up the basic tenets of most water-based adhesive coating methods. 

What are common uses for adhesive coatings?

Generally speaking, we use adhesive coatings for bonding and sealing purposes. They’re essentially glue, and when you want to fuse certain elements together, there are few better solutions than water-based adhesive coating. One of the best things about this type of coating is the fact that it’s rather versatile. Therefore, we can apply it to a number of different industries, including:

• Packaging. When you think about commercial packaging (and labels) think of water-based adhesive coating. How else do we keep packages properly sealed? The coatings for commercial packaging act as barriers against water and oxygen. This is especially important when you deal with perishable products, like food. In fact, we’ve only had to use more water-based adhesive coatings over the past few years, as regulations surrounding food safety tighten.
• Infrastructure. On the one hand, we use these coatings to safeguard food and drink. On the others we use them to seal massive structures like bridges and tunnels. Because certain coatings protect against corrosion, they’re vital as we work on projects prone to wear and tear. The longer these coatings last, the less time and money you have to spend on maintenance.
• Automotive products. Just like infrastructure, cars experience a lot of stress over their lifetimes. Temperature-and-element-safe coatings work best for vehicular parts, while being lightweight enough to ensure fuel efficiency.
• Primers. Water-based adhesive coating can act as a great coating for various projects. Because they dry in a smooth, damage-resistant manner, these coatings can prep a surface for further work. Additionally, the nature of water-based solutions has enabled us to create more eco-friendly alternatives. This makes this type of coating even more favorable as a primer.

And this is just the beginning. These adhesives are extremely usable!

Who provides industrial coating services?

Many third party manufacturers offer industrial coating services. If you’re thinking about outsourcing, you might want to consider working with a manufacturer who offers multiple coating methods. That way, as your business grows and changes, you’ll be able to work with the same provider.

The benefit of working with a company like CTI is that we offer initial consultations before you commit. Our priority is ensuring we not only work for you, but partner with you. That means ensuring our services match your needs. You’ll be able to ask questions and even see our initial concepts. But the most convenient part is that you don’t have to work in Ohio to get through the process. Thanks to modern technology, we can work with you remotely. That means you can work with the best company for your professional needs, not just the company closest to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve learned about water-based adhesives—but that’s just the beginning. Let’s cover a few more questions.

How can I identify a trustworthy third party manufacturer?

It’s understandable if you have trouble trusting a provider. If you’ve never outsourced before, it might be intimidating. As with any provider, you should first read reviews. Next, we recommend exploring lengthier testimonials. At CTI, we cite not only reviews but detailed success stories. We also offer a process through which you can go through an initial pilot process. It’s a great way to get an idea of the results you’ll receive before making a commitment.

What are some common adhesive coatings?

Some common adhesive coatings, aside from water-based adhesives, include:

• Silicones
• Polyurethane
• Rubber-based adhesives
• Epoxies
• Acrylics

Do third party manufacturers offer multiple coating methods?

This depends on the particular manufacturer. In CTI’s case, the answer is yes!

How should I begin the outsourcing process?

If you’re interested in exploring more with CTI, it’s really quite simple. Call us at 419-924-5566, or contact us here. It’s a great idea to begin the initial conversation early, even if you’re not sure about your direction yet. We can help you figure out if outsourcing your coatings needs is right for your company!