Do Adhesive Sprays Work – The Pros and Cons

An adhesive spray is a type of typical glue that comes in an aerosol canister and is sprayed onto surfaces to bond them together.

Sprayable adhesives are different from traditional white glue because they are mostly water-based and will soak deeply into the material being glued to create a strong bond that lasts for a long.

The adhesive spray is typically used for bonding wood, paper, vinyl, and fabric for numerous projects such as:

• Crafts
• Decorations
• School projects
• Patching up old clothes
• Mending leather bags and upholstery
• Repairing wooden or plastic furniture at home

Spray adhesives will generally work well for everyday DIY fixes around the house, and for decorations, and arts and crafts projects. Some of them can also work for construction applications like gluing drywall and ceiling inserts.

But for more demanding and heavy-duty jobs that require bonding of heavier materials, attaching load-bearing items, bonds exposed to extreme temperatures, etc., spray adhesives might not be the best solution.

How to Use an Adhesive Spray?

An adhesive spray is straightforward – simply point and spray onto the desired surface.

It’s important to ensure that both surfaces are clean and free of any dirt or debris before spraying. Otherwise, the glue will not adhere properly.

Also, evenly cover the entire surface area you want to be bonded together.

Once the adhesive spray is applied, press the two surfaces together and hold for a few seconds until dry.

For best results, it’s recommended to let the bond cure for 24 hours before using or moving the glued item.

Spray adhesive usually takes about 15-20 seconds to become tacky, but check the canister’s label for specific drying times, which may alter depending on the brand or type of glue.

Pros and Cons of Using an Adhesive Spray

Huge benefits are offered by using adhesive sprays over other types of traditional glues, which is why it has become such a popular choice among DIYers and crafters.

The Pros

Some advantages of using spray adhesives include:

1- Bonds Quickly and Easily

Spray adhesives (no matter what surface you use) will dry quickly, making them ideal for promptly bonding two surfaces together.

If you are on a tight timeline or working with materials that cannot be left wet for too long, an adhesive spray is a way to go. 

2- Dries Clear and Mess-Free

Another great thing about spray adhesives is that they will usually dry clear, so you don’t have to worry about any ugly residue left behind.

They are also mess-free since the glue comes out in a fine mist, making it easy to control and avoiding any unwanted adhesive buildup.

3- Provides a Strong and Lasting Bond

An adhesive spray can create a powerful, long-lasting bond between two surfaces when used correctly.

This is especially beneficial when working with heavier materials, such as wood or metal, that need to be firmly attached.

But mind it, as I said before, avoid using the sprayable adhesives for heavy-duty projects like the ones under force or shear stress.

4- Flexible and Can be Repositioned

Another advantage of using an adhesive spray is that it is usually quite flexible, meaning that you can gently move or adjust items after they’ve been glued together.

This comes in handy for projects if you need to make any last-minute changes or corrections, and it can also help bond two irregularly shaped surfaces together.

5- Easy to Use and Store

Another big selling point of adhesive spray is that it is effortless to use – simply point and spray onto the desired surface.

And you are ready to attach two objects!

It’s also easy to store since it comes in a canister that can be kept in a cupboard or drawer until needed.

6- Waterproof and Heat Resistant

The thing I like most about the adhesive aerosol sprays is that it is waterproof and heat resistant.

This is why it’s an ideal product for bonding materials that will be exposed to moisture or heat.

That said, avoid using these adhesives for surfaces that are continuously exposed to high heat. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures for long and can breakdown.

7- Can be Found at Most Craft Stores

Last and not least, adhesive sprays can be found at most craft stores or online, so it’s easy to get your hands on if you need them for a project.

Stores like Amazon and HomeDepot usually have some good brands available, so you can compare a few of them before picking one.

The Cons

On the downside, there are a few disadvantages to be aware of before using an adhesive spray.

These include:

1. It can be flammable and more expensive than other types of glue
2. The fumes can be toxic and cause respiratory problems if not used in a well-ventilated area
3. If not applied correctly, the glue can cause warping or staining after its dried
4. Also, the spray adhesives are not designed for industrial applications like attaching heavy loads or surfaces under pressure.
5. Above all, it’s not an eco-friendly product and can be difficult to remove if you plan to recycle or reuse materials.

What is the Strongest Spray Adhesive on the Market?

Well, there is no best or strongest adhesive spray on the market since it really depends on what you’ll be using it for.

If you need an adhesive spray for something like crafting, then any general-purpose glue will do just fine.

But if you need a stronger bond for heavier materials like wood or metal, then you’ll want to look for an industrial-strength glue.

Some of the most popular brands of adhesive sprays I have worked with include 3M Super 77 and GORILLA Heavy Duty Spray Glue. I have used them for a variety of projects, and they have never failed me yet.

I have also heard good things about Loctite’s adhesive spray products, but I have not personally used them before.

All these spray adhesives offer high-strength bonding, but in my opinion, the 3M Super 77 can be considered to be the strongest on the market.

It is a versatile, all-purpose adhesive that can bond together a wide range of materials like paper, cardboard, fabric, and plastics.

If you need a substitute – 3M, Rubber And Vinyl 80 Spray Adhesive is a good one.

It is specially formulated for bonding rubber and vinyl to metal, glass, wood, and plastic.

Choosing the Right Spray Adhesive for Your Specific Project

Since there are a variety of different spray adhesive brands on the market, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks, it’s essential to select the best one for the job at hand.

Here are some factors for you to keep in mind when making your selection:

a) Intended use – First and foremost, you need to think about what you will be using the adhesive spray for.

Are you bonding two pieces of fabric together? Attaching a poster to a wall? Applying a decal to a car?

The intended use and type of surfaces you’re working with will help you narrow down your options and choose the best spray adhesive for the job.

b) Drying time – Another important factor to consider is the drying time of the adhesive.

Some brands dry very quickly, while others take a bit longer.

Think about how long you have to work with the adhesive and choose one that will give you enough time to position the surfaces before it dries.

c) Strength – The strength of the adhesive bond is also an important consideration.

Some spray adhesives are stronger than others, so if you’re working with heavier materials or need a very strong bond, be sure to choose an adhesive that can provide it.

d) Price – Of course, price is always a consideration when choosing any product.

Adhesive spray ranges in price from around $5 to $20 per can, so choose one that fits your budget and needs.

Related FAQs

Can you spray paint over the adhesive?

No, you cannot spray paint over the adhesives because the paint will not adhere to the surface and will likely peel off.

If you still need to, try to remove the adhesive with a solvent like acetone or alcohol and then apply a coat of primer for paint adhesion.

Will using adhesive spray on walls damage them?

Most adhesive sprays will not damage walls if used correctly.

In fact, it can be a great way to hang posters or other lightweight objects without leaving behind residue or damaging the surface itself.

Just be sure to follow the instructions on the can and remove any excess adhesive before it dries.

What is the difference between an adhesive and a sealant?

An adhesive is a material that bonds two surfaces together. A sealant is a material that fills in gaps and seals an area.

Both adhesives and sealants have their own specific uses, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

In a pinch, you can use a spray adhesive as a sealant, but it’s not the best option and is not as durable as a true sealant.

The bottom line

Adhesive sprays are not new products, but they have become increasingly popular for various reasons.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use adhesive product, these can be a great way to bond two surfaces together, but choosing the right one for your specific project is essential.