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Adhesives by application
Adhesives for labels, decals, signage and window films
A label or decal adhesive is the pressure-sensitive layer that holds a printed film or paper facestock in place. It has to stay clear or take colour and, outdoors, keep its grip in sun and weather. Our grades cover labels on PET, PP and paper, decals, PVC signage films that must not ooze, and a pure acrylic for outdoor films, including polyester window film.
What matters
Which grades stay clear?
Clear labels, decals and window films show the adhesive through the film, so it has to stay clear. AP 1453 and AP 1063 are transparent grades, and AP 1252R is crystal clear.
Which grade suits PVC signage films?
Signage films are often PVC, and the adhesive must not ooze from their edges. AP 1053P is a non-oozing grade with low shrinkage, specified for PVC signage adhesive films.
Which grade lasts outdoors?
Sun, heat and weather age an adhesive faster than anything indoors. AP 104H5 is a pure acrylic for outdoor use and polyester window film. It holds for more than three months in shear under a 2 kg load.
Which grades take pigment?
Opaque and coloured graphics often carry pigment in the adhesive. AP 1053P and AP 1062 are pigment compatible.
What are the typical values?
| Grade | 180° peel | Loop tack | Shear | Solids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 1265HP | 2500 ± 10% gf/25 mm | 1400 – 1600 gf/inch | > 60 h | 64 ± 2% |
| AP 1453 | 1400 ± 10% gf/25 mm | 1200 – 1400 gf/inch | > 1000 h | 53 ± 2% |
| AP 1053P | 900 ± 10% gf/25 mm | 800 – 1000 gf/inch | > 2160 h | 51 ± 2% |
| AP 104H5 | 750 ± 10% gf/25 mm | 700 – 800 gf/inch | > 5000 h | 41 ± 2% |
| AP 1063Two-pack | 2000 ± 10 gf/25 mm | — | > 25 min | 51 ± 2% |
| AP 1252RTwo-pack | 1100 ± 10% gf/25 mm | 900 – 1100 gf/inch | > 150 h | 53 ± 2% |
We measured these values in our own laboratory according to PSTC methods: 180° peel on stainless steel, with the adhesive coated on 25 µm PET at 25 ± 2 gsm. Shear is printed as a minimum.
Which grade does what?
- AP 1063: Two-pack, higher peel and high tack; for tapes and labels on PET and PP films, paper, synthetic fabrics and foils.
- AP 1053P: Non-oozing, low shrinkage; for PVC signage adhesive films and industrial tapes and labels on PET, polypropylene and polyvinyl films.
- AP 104H5: Pure acrylic with excellent weathering; for outdoor applications and polyester window film.
- AP 1265HP: High solids, high performance; named for decals as well as double-sided and foil tapes.
- AP 1453: Single-pack, high performance; named for decals as well as double-sided and foil tapes.
- AP 1252R: Two-pack, crystal clear and high tack. Designed for carpet surface-protection films, and can also be used on PVC labels.
Substrates
Which grades suit labels, decals, signage and window films?
Advance Adhesives Private Limited, a manufacturer of adhesives in Belagavi, India, since 1995, makes six grades for labels, decals, signage and window films: AP 1265HP, AP 1453, AP 1053P, AP 104H5, AP 1063 and AP 1252R. They are made for self-adhesive labels on PET, PP and paper, decals and graphics, PVC signage adhesive films, polyester window film and outdoor films and labels. The grades are used on PET and PP films, polyvinyl (PVC) films, paper, synthetic fabrics and foils. We measured peel, tack and shear in our own laboratory according to PSTC methods, with the adhesive coated on 25 µm PET at 25 ± 2 gsm. Clear labels, decals and window films show the adhesive through the film, so it has to stay clear. AP 1453 and AP 1063 are transparent grades, and AP 1252R is crystal clear. Datasheets, safety data sheets, samples and quotations are available from the Advance Adhesives sales team.
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