Choosing a high-temperature adhesive for signage fabrication is not just about finding the highest temperature rating. The right adhesive or tape depends on the substrate, expected service temperature, exposure to UV and moisture, bond-line thickness, vibration, and whether the sign is installed indoors, outdoors, or near heat-generating equipment.
MPI Matco’s team of industrial tape & adhesives experts has compiled this guide that compares common adhesive and tape options used in signage applications and explains where each type is typically most useful.
Sign-makers have always looked for ways to enhance the durability and aesthetics of their products. Back in the day, the common approach to signage making was the use of welding, taping or fastening.
However, each of these methods had its own shortcomings, which not only impact the durability of the signage, but also had an impact on its aesthetics, rendering it less effective.
The use of structural adhesives in this field, hence, came as a great savior to the sign makers. It became the perfect alternative to welding and mechanical fastening in the signage industry.
If you are a player in this industry and you are wondering what the best adhesives are for high temperature signage fabrication, then we have some very good news for you. Below is a brief look at the top five high temperature resistance adhesives guaranteed to give you the best results for signage fabrication.
The 5 Choices of Adhesives and Tapes for Heat-Exposed Signage
Summary Comparison Table
| Option | Best Used For | Key Strength | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural adhesives | Permanent bonding of metals, plastics, and composites | Strong load-bearing bonds | Requires correct substrate prep and cure conditions |
| MS polymer sealants | Flexible bonding and sealing | Movement tolerance and weather resistance | Cure speed depends on conditions |
| Plastic bonding adhesives | Acrylic/plastic sign components | Clear bonding and fast handling | Must be matched to plastic type |
| High-performance double-sided tape | Panels, trims, nameplates, and mounting | Clean appearance and fast assembly | Surface energy and pressure matter |
| Foam double-sided tape | Gap filling, vibration absorption, uneven surfaces | Conformability | Thickness and compression affect performance |
SAF Structural Adhesives
SAF Structural Adhesives are in the form of a liquid paste, and they are made of methacrylate adhesives. They have an impressive high peel and high impact strength, making them a darling in the signage industry where applications may be required to withstand very high or very low temperatures. They also have enviable impact resistance, peeling, and vibrations.
With SAF structural adhesives, signage experts can boldly use them, taking comfort in the knowledge that they will still perform at their best levels in environments with temperatures between -40°C and 150°C.
Besides, they are also resistant to UV exposure, and they don’t require a lot of substrate preparation before they can be used. Additionally, these adhesives can withstand harsh environments such as oils, polar solvents, diluted acids, and alkaline solutions, among others.
All these properties make them very good candidates for use in the signage industry, where they can be used on metals, composites, plastics, and dissimilar substrates.
Black Mamba FHG Sealants
Another product worth considering for high-temperature resistant adhesive for signage fabrication is the Black Mamba FHG High Tack Adhesive. This product is made from mono-component MS polymer adhesives, and it is designed to offer optimal sealing even in low-pressure conditions.
Black Mamba FHG’s technology has been around for approximately 30 years. In Asia, it is almost 100% silicone free and in Europe, it is approximately 60-70% silicone free. Black Mamba is a “GREEN” product with ultra-low VOC content.
Black Mamba is currently being used in the boating, trucking, signage, masonry, window and cabinetry industries, to name a few.
The high tack formulation has been around for approximately 10 years. The Black Mamba high-tack formulation has been used in sink installation for over 5 years, with zero failures and 750,000 to 1,000,000 sink installations to date. Black Mamba’s strength is over 360 PSI.
Its main advantage, which makes it a darling in the signage fabrication industry, is the speed with which it forms the skin, as well as its speed of curing.
- Skin forms in approximately 10 mins
- Dries at a rate of 5mm per 24 hours
Their high initial bond strength eliminates the need for mechanical fixing or support while bonding heavy objects. It cures without shrinking, resists vibration and remains flexible.
Its tolerance to temperature is also impressive, given that it will offer very good results in temperatures between -40°C and 140°C. It is also resistant to water, UV radiation, and aggressive environments such as polar solvents, oils, diluted acids, and alkaline conditions.
Still, on its suitability in the signage industry, the Black Mamba can be used with a variety of materials, and it also works very well with water-based and acrylic paints, which are also very common in the signage industry.
Furthermore, it is odourless, solvent-free and non-yellowing, so there is no need to worry about it interfering with the aesthetics of the signage once the job is done.
B1023
B1023 is the ultimate solution that signage experts needed to combat the challenges they usually encountered with the banning of toxic chemicals. Environmental concerns in the signage industry could not be ignored, and there was a need to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
Adhesives made from toxic compounds such as dichloromethane were commonplace, and though they provided good results in the short run, their long-term effects told a different story. However, the industry can move on without such toxic adhesives, thanks to versatile adhesives such as B1023.
B1023 is a clear structural adhesive that offers superior bond formation in all types of plastics. After its application, you can easily move to make the assembly in less than a minute without worrying about any drips. The adhesive forms the initial bond within three minutes, while it may take up to 24 hours for the full polymerization process to complete.
Also worth noting is the fact that B1023 can work perfectly between varying temperatures of -40°C and 125°C. This temperature application range makes it suitable for outdoor applications where most signage products will always be featured.
High Performance Double Sided Tape
You have probably heard about high temperature tapes, but have you ever thought about their suitability for use in the signage industry?
Double-sided tapes have been a staple for many tape applications. They are not just hailed for their strong bonds, but they also come with the strength and durability desired in many tape applications.
Besides, they are fatigue resistant, and their vibration-damping capabilities are also nothing but stellar. With the ability to accommodate a variety of thermal expansion rates, these tapes are fast becoming a darling for the signage industry, because they can also withstand prolonged exposure to UV radiation and will stick on outdoors for a relatively long time.
Besides, they are also easy to use with impressive design flexibility, which further expands their scope of applications in the signage industry.
Double Sided Tape
Double-sided tapes, such as Tesa tapes, are also a staple in the signage industry. They can be used for temporary or permanent applications, such as thermal insulation, acoustic dampening, fastening, packaging, and gap filling.
They are primarily made from closed-cell foams or open-cell foams. They are available in different thicknesses and different types. Their suitability for use in signage fabrication is partly due to the following.
- Great alternatives for mechanical fasteners – signage fabricators love to use die-cut double-sided tapes as an alternative to mechanical fasteners. The tapes are very effective in attaching or mounting panels, signal stands, nameplates and much more!
- Easy to use – using these tapes doesn’t require any special training or instructions. Also, no special personal protective gear is required before you can use them. It is unlike using pneumatic drills to patch up signage.
- They support thermal expansion and contraction – signage will always contract and expand depending on the varying weather conditions. With these tapes, the bonds will stay intact. They are unlike mechanical fasteners which may become loose in case of regular expansions and contractions.
What to Confirm Before Choosing a High-Temperature Adhesive
Before selecting an adhesive or tape for signage fabrication, confirm:
- Substrate type: aluminum, acrylic, polycarbonate, painted metal, composite panel, glass, or vinyl
- Indoor or outdoor exposure
- Continuous and short-term temperature range
- UV, moisture, cleaning chemicals, and weather exposure
- Whether the bond must remain rigid or flexible
- Required handling time, cure time, and production speed
- Whether the adhesive will be visible after installation
- Need for die-cut parts, rolls, sheets, or custom widths
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Signage Fabrication
The best high-temperature adhesive for signage fabrication depends on more than heat resistance alone. Structural adhesives, MS polymer sealants, plastic bonding adhesives, and double-sided tapes each serve different roles depending on the substrate, exposure conditions, production method, and appearance requirements.
Need help selecting a high-temperature adhesive for signage fabrication? Contact MPI Matco to review requirements. Our team can help you identify a practical adhesive or tape solution and recommend custom converting options where needed.
