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Unobond: A Product Overview
Adheseal Unobond is a no-nonsense, single-pack polyurethane adhesive engineered for when the job demands a structural-grade bond you can stand behind. It’s a moisture-curing system that sets fast, eliminating downtime and guesswork. Once cured, Unobond achieves a D4 classification for water resistance, making it a reliable solution for everything from marine fit-outs to exterior joinery. Its real strength lies in its versatility—it tenaciously bonds a huge range of common building materials, including timber, metals, concrete, and fibrous cement, provided one surface has moisture to kick off the cure. It’s the go-to adhesive for professionals who need certainty and performance, without the hassle of mixing.
Core Features & Specifications
- Structural Bond Strength: Cures to form a high-strength, structural bond with a tensile strength of 5 N/mm², ensuring your work withstands the test of time.
- D4 Water Resistance: Achieves a D4 classification, making it suitable for marine environments, exterior woodwork, and areas with high moisture exposure.
- Fast Setting Formula: With a skin time of just 10 minutes and a 60-minute clamp time, it helps you move onto the next stage of the job faster, increasing site efficiency.
- Paintable Surface: Fully compatible with acrylic, oil, and rubber-based paints, allowing for a seamless, professional finish on any project.
- Low VOC Compliance: With a VOC content of less than 1%, it meets "Green Star" environmental criteria, making it a responsible choice for modern job sites.
The Unobond Advantage
- No Mixing Required: As a single-pack product, it’s ready to use straight from the cartridge, saving valuable time and eliminating mixing errors on site.
- Extreme Versatility: Bonds porous to non-porous substrates, including timber, metal, concrete, and foam, reducing the need to carry multiple adhesives.
- Wide Service Temperature: Performs reliably in a service temperature range of -30°C to +100°C, ensuring long-term durability in harsh Australian conditions.
- Non-Corrosive Formula: Safe to use on metals, including galvanised and zinc-coated steel, without causing corrosion or attacking concrete substrates.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Carpenters & Joiners: High-Strength Cabinet Assembly
The Professional's Challenge
Assembling custom cabinets and furniture requires a bond that's stronger than the timber itself. You need an adhesive that ensures tight, permanent joints without fail, especially for high-use items or exterior applications where moisture is a risk.
The Adheseal Solution
Apply a thin bead of Unobond to one surface, ensuring the glue line will be between 0.1mm and 0.25mm. Its slight expansion fills minor irregularities for a solid connection. Clamp the joint tightly (approx. 50 PSI for softwoods, 150 PSI for hardwoods) for at least 60 minutes. The result is a structural, D4-rated bond that provides absolute certainty.
Best Practice Note
Don't try to wipe away wet 'squeeze-out'. Let it cure completely, then remove it cleanly with a sharp blade. This prevents smearing the adhesive across the timber face, saving you cleanup time and delivering a perfect finish.
For Builders & Installers: Fixing Skirting Boards to Multiple Surfaces
The Professional's Challenge
Fixing timber skirting boards across different wall types like plasterboard, brick, and concrete can be a hassle. You need a single adhesive that reliably bonds wood to both porous and non-porous substrates without needing different products for each wall.
The Adheseal Solution
For plasterboard and timber frames, the moisture content is sufficient for a strong cure. When bonding to dry concrete or brick, lightly mist the masonry surface with water before applying the skirting board. This provides the moisture needed for Unobond to cure into a tenacious, permanent bond. Use nails or bracing to apply pressure while it sets.
Best Practice Note
To stop floor squeaks, apply a bead of Unobond into the groove of each floor panel before mating it with the next. The controlled expansion of the adhesive will take up any voids, creating a solid, silent floor you can guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unobond polyurethane adhesive used for?
Unobond is a structural moisture-curing polyurethane adhesive for bonding timber and mixed construction substrates. It’s used for general construction, flooring, cabinet making, furniture, display work, and exterior woodwork, including applications exposed to moisture and weather. Its D4-rated water resistance and slight expansion during cure help form strong, durable joints in a wide range of assemblies.
Is Unobond suitable for exterior and marine applications?
Yes, Unobond is suitable for exterior and marine-exposed environments due to its D4 water-resistant classification. It withstands a 72-hour boiling water test and is designed for internal and external use where joints may be exposed to wet or harsh conditions. As with any critical application, ensure substrates are compatible, structurally sound, and correctly prepared for first-time-right performance.
How long does Unobond take to set and fully cure?
Unobond typically skins in about 10 minutes and reaches full cure in approximately 24 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Working time is around 10–15 minutes, and pressing or clamping time is roughly 1 hour at 0.6 N/mm². Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, or low substrate moisture content will slow cure, so allow additional time under less favourable conditions.
Can Unobond be used as a gap filler or construction mastic?
No, Unobond is an adhesive, not a gap-filling mastic, and its strength is reduced when used to fill wide gaps. It’s designed for close-fitting joints with a glue line around 0.1–0.25 mm that can be clamped or mechanically fixed. For filling cracks and non-structural voids, use a dedicated gap filler from the Adheseal range rather than relying on Unobond.
What surfaces can Unobond bond to, and do they need primer?
Unobond bonds to most common building substrates without primer when they are clean, sound, and have sufficient moisture. Suitable substrates include softwood, hardwood, plasterboard, particleboard, fibrous cement, concrete, brick, metals, EPS foam, and many plastics (testing recommended). Light abrasion and solvent cleaning (for example with xylene) are important on metals and dense materials to achieve predictable performance.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| General construction bonding of timber, board products, and concrete | Delivers structural moisture-curing bonds with D4 water resistance for long-term durability in internal and external conditions. | Builders, Carpenters, Joiners |
| Flooring systems and squeak reduction in tongue-and-groove panels | Slight expansion takes up voids in joints, helping prevent floor movement and squeaks for a more solid, professional finish. | Builders, Flooring Installers, Shopfitters |
| Manufacture of furniture, cabinets, and internal joinery | Fast pressing times and strong adhesion across timber, board, and some metals support efficient production with fewer rejects. | Cabinet Makers, Furniture Manufacturers, Joiners |
| Display signs and mixed-material assemblies | Reliable bonding of metals, board products, and some plastics reduces the need for multiple adhesives on complex builds. | Shopfitters, Sign Manufacturers, General Fabricators |
| Exterior woodwork and marine-related timber bonding | D4 classification and resilient polyurethane chemistry support tough, water-resistant joints in exposed or damp environments. | Boat Builders, Marine Fabricators, Exterior Joiners |
Applying Unobond: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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1. Inspect and Prepare Substrates
Correct surface preparation is critical to achieving structural bond strength and long-term performance.
Porous substrates (timber, concrete, board products)
Ensure surfaces are structurally sound, dry on the surface and free from dust, loose material, oils, curing compounds, and contaminants. Allow new concrete to cure for at least 28 days. Lightly sand timber where necessary, then remove dust before bonding.
Non-porous and metal substrates
Lightly abrade metals and dense surfaces to create a key. Use the two-wipe method with a suitable solvent such as xylene and clean cloths to remove oils and release agents, changing cloths regularly to avoid smearing contamination.
Timing: Allow sufficient time for any solvent cleaner to evaporate fully before applying adhesive.Pro Tip: Substrates should contain enough internal moisture to activate curing but must not have standing surface water. Target around 8% moisture in timber for consistent results. -
2. Cartridge Setup and Bead Application
Prepare the cartridge correctly to maintain a consistent bead and control glue-line thickness.
Cartridge preparation
Cut the cartridge tip, fit the nozzle, then trim the nozzle at a 45° angle to the required bead size. Insert into a suitable cartridge gun and ensure even trigger pressure for a steady flow.
Bead placement
Hold the gun at approximately 45° with the nozzle in contact with the surface. Apply Unobond around 10 mm in from the edge to minimise squeeze-out, then spread with a spatula to achieve a glue line of roughly 0.1–0.25 mm.
Timing: Unobond skins in about 10 minutes at 23°C and 50% RH; complete spreading and assembly within this window.Pro Tip: On dry or non-porous substrates, a light mist of water on the opposite surface can speed cure and improve bond development, especially in cool or low-humidity conditions. -
3. Assemble, Clamp, and Press
Bringing the joint together under even pressure is key to achieving structural performance.
Joint closure
Bring the mating surfaces together immediately after application. Use clamps, screws or nails to close joints and generate pressure across the bond line. Aim for some visible squeeze-out as an indicator of full contact.
Pressing and cure
Maintain pressure for at least 60 minutes at 23°C and 50% RH with a pressing load of around 0.6 N/mm². Full cure is typically achieved after approximately 24 hours under standard conditions.
Timing: Allow longer pressing and cure times in cool, dry, or low-moisture conditions to maintain predictable performance.Pro Tip: Let squeeze-out cure fully, then remove with a sharp blade. Trying to wipe it while wet will smear the adhesive and make cleanup harder. -
4. Cleanup and Cartridge Storage
Good cleanup and storage practice extends product life and keeps future work clean and efficient.
Tool and surface cleaning
Clean tools and spills with xylene while the adhesive is still wet. Once cured, Unobond can only be removed by mechanical means such as scraping or sanding.
Personal cleanup and storage
Use suitable hand wipes for skin cleaning. After use, seal the cartridge nozzle to limit contact with air and store in a cool, dry place between 15°C and 25°C to maximise shelf life.
Timing: Perform solvent-based cleaning immediately after application. Once cured, expect to use mechanical removal only.Pro Tip: Label partially used cartridges with the date of opening and store upright. This helps you rotate stock and avoid surprises on the next job.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Unobond is not a gap-filling mastic. When used to fill wide gaps without clamping, bond strength is reduced and joints may move or fail under load.
The adhesive requires access to moisture to cure. It will not cure correctly in totally confined spaces where atmospheric humidity cannot reach the glue line.
Unobond is not recommended for mirror adhesion. For mirror bonding applications, a dedicated mirror adhesive such as High Power 609 (test first) should be considered according to manufacturer instructions.
Unobond is not suitable for structural glazing. Use appropriate glazing silicones, such as N-80 or N-60 glazing silicone, where structural glazing performance is required and follow project specifications.
The information in the TDS is a minimum guide only. Applicators must use their skill and experience to adapt details to specific site conditions and project requirements.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear suitable overalls, gloves, safety glasses and, where inhalation risk exists, an organic vapour/particulate respirator meeting AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 guidelines. Gloves made from nitrile rubber are generally suitable for intermittent contact, but users should confirm suitability for their specific conditions. Always wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet and launder contaminated clothing before reuse.
Ventilation Requirements
Use Unobond with adequate ventilation, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Avoid breathing vapours or mist. Where ventilation cannot be improved, use appropriate respiratory protection and limit exposure duration in line with site safety procedures.
Fire & Handling Precautions
Store in a cool, dry place between 15°C and 25°C, away from incompatible materials. Although the cured product is classified as uninflammable, normal good housekeeping should be maintained. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and prevent spills from entering drains or watercourses.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse the open eye under running water for several minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Seek medical attention after thorough rinsing, especially if irritation persists.
Skin:
Wash immediately with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. If skin irritation continues, consult a doctor. Do not use solvents to clean product from skin.
Inhaled:
Move the person to fresh air. Keep them warm and at rest. If breathing is difficult, seek medical advice promptly. In cases of unconsciousness, place the patient in the recovery position and obtain urgent medical assistance.
Swallowed:
Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water if the person is conscious and call for medical help immediately. Treat symptomatically and be aware that effects may be delayed.
Seek medical attention immediately in all cases of serious exposure or if symptoms persist. For urgent advice, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26, New Zealand 0800 764 766).
Unobond Application Guide
Timber (Softwood & Hardwood)
Surface Preparation
Ensure timber is structurally sound, stable, and free from dust, dirt, oils, coatings, or release agents. Lightly sand to create a fresh surface where required, then remove dust. Substrate should have a moisture content of at least approximately 8% but be free of standing surface water.
Primer Requirements
No primer typically required on clean, sound timber substrates.
For critical structural joints, ensure close-fitting contact and adequate clamping pressure to achieve the specified glue-line thickness.
Concrete, Masonry & FC Sheeting
Surface Preparation
Allow new concrete to cure for at least 28 days. Substrates must be dry on the surface, structurally sound, and free of laitance, dust, curing compounds, oils, and contaminants. Mechanically prepare if necessary to remove weak or friable material, then vacuum clean.
Primer Requirements
Primer typically not required where surfaces are sound and properly cleaned.
On very dense or weakly bonded surfaces, conduct site adhesion tests and consider additional mechanical fixing as required by project specifications.
Metals (Aluminium, Steel, Sheet Metal)
Surface Preparation
Lightly abrade to remove oxidation and provide a key, then perform a two-wipe solvent clean using fresh cloths and a suitable cleaner such as xylene. Remove all oils, cutting fluids, and surface treatments that may interfere with adhesion.
Primer Requirements
Primer generally not required on properly prepared metals.
Always perform adhesion tests on coated or unknown metal finishes to confirm compatibility. Ensure joint design allows access to atmospheric moisture to support proper curing.
Plasterboard, Particleboard, Veneer & Melamine
Surface Preparation
Check that boards are dry, free from dust, and firmly fixed or supported as required. Remove surface dust with vacuum or clean cloth. For melamine or laminated surfaces, lightly scuff to reduce gloss and wipe clean to remove any release agents or contaminants.
Primer Requirements
Primer is usually not required when surfaces are correctly cleaned and abraded.
Where adhesion to specialty laminates or coatings is critical, carry out site testing through the Adheseal Bond Adhesion Testing (BAT) program.
Polystyrene & Insulation Foam
Surface Preparation
Ensure foam surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dust or loose material. Take care not to damage the surface skin when trimming or shaping panels before bonding.
Primer Requirements
No primer normally required on clean polystyrene and compatible foam substrates.
Always carry out a small test area to confirm that the adhesive expansion and cure are suitable for the foam density and application.
Download Adheseal Unobond Documents
| Document | Type | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Adheseal Unobond Technical Data Sheet | TDS | |
| Adheseal Unobond Safety Data Sheet | SDS |
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