Selleys Kwik Grip Spray - 150g/350g Contact product guide

Product Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selleys Kwik Grip Spray: A contact adhesive in aerosol form that creates bonds when two sprayed surfaces are pressed together

What type of adhesive is this: Contact adhesive

What brand makes this product: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd

What sizes are available: 150g (product code 100050) and 350g (product code 100049)

What materials can it bond: The product bonds both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces including timber, aluminium, leather, foam, laminate, fabric, cardboard, and paper

What materials should it NOT be used on: Not suitable for rough or ill-fitting surfaces. Not suitable for polyethylene or polypropylene. Some plastics may be attacked — test in an inconspicuous area first. A water-based adhesive such as Kwik Grip Waterbased is recommended for solvent-sensitive materials.

How does contact adhesive differ from white glue: You apply adhesive to both surfaces, let them dry until tacky, then press together. The bond forms on contact — you cannot reposition.

Do you apply to one surface or both: Both surfaces for a permanent bond; one surface only for a temporary bond

Can you reposition after surfaces touch: No — the bond is instant on contact of two sprayed surfaces

What is the correct spray distance: 20 cm from the surface

How long before surfaces are ready to join: The manufacturer states 5–30 minutes for surfaces to become touch dry before joining

Does the manufacturer specify an exact drying time: No — only the 5–30 minute touch-dry range is given. No temperature-specific drying times are published.

How long should you clamp a permanent bond: Clamp overnight

Does the manufacturer specify a full cure time in hours: No — only "clamp overnight" is stated. No cure time in hours is published for this product.

What is the heat resistance: Up to 70°C

What is the flammability classification: Extremely flammable aerosol (H222). Flash point 41°C (propellant). Dangerous Goods Class 2.1.

Can vapours travel to ignition sources: Yes — the SDS states vapour may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back. Vapour density is greater than 1 (heavier than air), so vapours sink and pool in low-lying areas.

What ignition sources must be eliminated: All potential sources of ignition (open flames, pilot lights, furnaces, spark producing switches and electrical equipment) must be eliminated both in and near the work area. Do NOT smoke.

Can it cause drowsiness or dizziness: Yes — H336. Inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. High concentrations can produce CNS depression, leading to loss of coordination, impaired judgement, and if prolonged, unconsciousness.

Can it cause organ damage: Yes — H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. This is classified STOT-RE Category 1, the highest severity category for chronic organ toxicity.

Can it cause skin irritation: Yes — H315: Causes skin irritation (Category 2, reversible)

Can it cause eye irritation: Yes — H319: Causes serious eye irritation (Category 2A, reversible)

What PPE does the manufacturer require: Safety shoes, overalls, gloves, safety glasses, respirator

What type of gloves: Nitrile rubber, suitable for intermittent contact. The user should make a final assessment based on glove construction and local conditions.

What type of respirator: Organic vapour/particulate respirator meeting AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 requirements, where inhalation risk exists

Do you need ventilation when using: Yes — use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (P271). Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray (P260). Do NOT enter confined spaces where vapour may have collected.

What should you do if it gets on your skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Flush skin and hair with running water for 15 minutes. Transport to doctor or hospital.

What should you do if it gets in your eyes: Hold eyelids apart and flush continuously with running water for at least 15 minutes. Transport to doctor or hospital.

What should you do if inhaled: Remove person to fresh air. Keep comfortable for breathing. Keep warm and at rest until fully recovered. Seek medical advice if effects persist.

What should you do if swallowed: Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give a glass of water. Seek medical advice.

What is the maximum storage temperature: Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C

How should it be stored: In a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Out of direct sunlight. Away from foodstuffs. Away from heat and ignition sources. Store locked up (P405). Keep containers closed when not in use — check regularly for leaks.

Can pressurised containers burst when heated: Yes — H229: Pressurised container may burst if heated

Can you puncture or burn the can: No — P251: Do not pierce or burn, even after use

How should you dispose of the can: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations (P501). Recycle if possible.

Does the manufacturer specify a coverage rate per can: No — no coverage rate in m² or any other unit is published for this product.

Does the manufacturer specify an application temperature range: No — no minimum or maximum application temperature is published for the spray variant.

Does the manufacturer specify a shelf life: No — no shelf life is published for this product.

Is this product a marine pollutant: Yes — classified as a Marine Pollutant according to the IMDG Code

Understanding Selleys Kwik Grip Spray: What first-time users need to know

Selleys Kwik Grip Spray creates bonds between materials when two sprayed surfaces are pressed together. Contact adhesives work differently from white glue or epoxy: you apply adhesive to both surfaces, let them dry until tacky (the manufacturer allows 5–30 minutes for this), then press them together. The bond forms on contact. You cannot slide or reposition materials after they touch.

This guide walks you through every step, from safety setup to cleanup. Along the way, it flags exactly where the manufacturer provides specific data and where practical experience fills the gaps — because Selleys publishes directions for this product but no Technical Data Sheet, so some specifications that exist for other Kwik Grip variants simply aren't available for the spray.

The product comes in 150g cans (code 100050) and 350g cans (code 100049). The aerosol format lays down a fine, even film of adhesive without brush marks. It dries colourless and bonds both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces, making it suited for lighter, flexible materials like foam, fabric, laminate, leather, and timber.

Before you start: this product carries a DANGER signal word and six hazard statements, including H222 (extremely flammable aerosol) and H372 (organ damage from prolonged or repeated exposure). Read the safety section before opening the can.

Pre-application safety and workspace preparation

Selleys Kwik Grip Spray is classified DANGER with Dangerous Goods Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas). The SDS lists six hazard statements. Understanding these before you start is not optional — it determines how you set up your workspace.

Why this matters — the hazard profile: The product contains dimethyl ether (30–60%) as propellant and petroleum naphtha (30–60%) as solvent carrier. These create two key risks. First, H222: extremely flammable aerosol, with a flash point of just 41°C and flammability limits of 3.4–27% in air. Second, vapour from this product is heavier than air (vapour density >1), which means it sinks and pools in low-lying areas — hollows, floor-level spaces, sumps. The SDS is explicit: vapour may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back.

Ventilation is mandatory: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (P271). Work outside when possible. Indoors, open windows on opposite sides of the room to create cross-ventilation. Set up a fan to move air across your work area and out. Because vapours sink, floor-level accumulation is the primary concern — do NOT enter confined spaces where vapour may have collected. Basements, closed garages, and rooms without through-ventilation are poor choices.

Beyond flammability, ventilation protects you from two inhalation hazards. H336 (drowsiness and dizziness): vapour inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and at high concentrations can produce central nervous system depression leading to loss of coordination, impaired judgement, and if prolonged, unconsciousness. H372 (organ damage): this is classified STOT-RE Category 1 — the highest severity rating — meaning there is strong evidence that prolonged or repeated exposure causes organ damage. Adequate ventilation is the primary engineering control.

Eliminate ALL ignition sources: The SDS does not give a safe distance — it requires elimination. All potential sources of ignition (open flames, pilot lights, furnaces, spark producing switches and electrical equipment) must be eliminated both in and near the work area. Do NOT smoke. Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source (P211). Nearby equipment must be earthed and electrical requirements should be assessed per AS3000.

Full PPE: The SDS specifies five items as standard personal protection:

• Safety shoes
• Overalls
• Gloves (nitrile rubber recommended for intermittent contact; the SDS notes glove construction varies so the user should make a final assessment)
• Safety glasses (wear protective gloves/protective clothing including eye/face protection — P280)
• Respirator (organic vapour/particulate type meeting AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716, where inhalation risk exists)

Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray (P260). Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product (P270). Wash hands, face and all exposed skin thoroughly after handling (P264).

Protect your surroundings: The aerosol creates a fine mist that settles beyond your immediate spray area. Lay down drop cloths or protective sheeting around your work surface. Once overspray lands and dries, it bonds — removal requires solvent and mechanical effort.

Emergency contacts: Keep the Poisons Information Centre number accessible: 131 126 (Australia) or 0800 764 766 (New Zealand). Selleys emergency telephone: 1800 220 770 (Australia) or 0800 220 770 (New Zealand).

Surface cleaning and preparation: The foundation of bond strength

The manufacturer direction is straightforward: ensure surfaces are clean and dry. The adhesive bonds to whatever is on the surface — dust, oil, or old finish. If there is contamination between the adhesive and the substrate, the bond fails at that contamination layer.

What the manufacturer specifies: Clean and dry surfaces. That is the extent of the published surface preparation guidance.

Practical surface preparation (general contact adhesive practice — not from Selleys documentation): For non-porous surfaces (laminate, metal, hard plastic), wiping with a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth removes surface oils and dust. Let the solvent evaporate completely before applying adhesive. For porous materials (fabric, foam, unsealed wood), vacuuming loose particles is usually sufficient. If wiping is needed, allow the material to dry thoroughly.

Glossy surfaces benefit from light scuff-sanding to give the adhesive mechanical grip. After sanding, remove all dust before spraying.

Note that two material classes are specifically excluded: the product is not suitable for rough or ill-fitting surfaces and not suitable for polyethylene or polypropylene. Additionally, some plastics may be attacked by Kwik Grip Spray — test in an inconspicuous area prior to application. A water-based adhesive such as Kwik Grip Waterbased is recommended for solvent sensitive materials.

Application sequence planning: Avoiding the point of no return

Contact adhesive bonds on touch. The bond is described as instant on contact of two sprayed surfaces. You cannot reposition. This makes planning essential.

Dry-fit everything first: Before opening the can, place your materials together exactly as they will be bonded. Mark alignment points with pencil or masking tape flags that extend beyond the bonding area. These marks are your only reference once adhesive is applied.

Both surfaces need adhesive: For a permanent bond, spray both surfaces, ensuring edges are covered. Plan how to spray both pieces — you need space to coat each surface and keep them apart during the 5–30 minute tack development period.

Spray order: Both surfaces need to reach proper tack at roughly the same time. Spray them in quick succession so the first doesn't over-dry while the second is still drying.

No published coverage rate: No m² per can figure exists for this product. The can sizes are 150g and 350g. Measure your bonding area (both surfaces combined) and assess whether one can is sufficient. Running out mid-project with one surface already coated creates a problem you cannot easily recover from.

Mask boundaries: Use painter's tape to define where adhesive should stop, particularly where bonding areas meet surfaces that must stay clean.

Spray technique fundamentals: Achieving uniform coverage

Shake the can: The manufacturer direction is to shake well. The adhesive solids settle during storage and need to be remixed with the solvent before use. Listen for the mixing ball rattling inside — if you don't hear it, the ball may be stuck in settled adhesive. Tap the bottom of the can against your palm and shake again.

Spray distance: The manufacturer specifies 20 cm from the surface. This is the only distance given — spraying closer risks heavy, running application; spraying farther risks the adhesive drying in the air before reaching the surface, leaving a rough, low-tack finish.

Movement: Move the can in smooth, parallel passes across the surface. Start moving before pressing the nozzle, and release the nozzle before stopping at the end of each pass — this prevents adhesive buildup at the turnaround points. Overlap each pass so you don't leave uncoated stripes between them.

Spray surfaces evenly, ensuring edges are covered: This is the key manufacturer instruction. The goal is a uniform film with no dry spots, especially at edges. Edges that receive thin coverage develop weak tack and are the first areas to peel in use.

What good coverage looks like: A uniform, slightly glossy film immediately after spraying. It should look wet but not so heavy that it runs or drips. If you see runs, you are spraying too slowly or too close.

Porous materials: For porous surfaces, multiple applications may be necessary, allowing to dry between applications. Porous materials like fabric or unsealed wood may absorb the first coat entirely. Apply additional light coats, allowing each to dry, until the surface holds a visible adhesive film.

Drying time and tack development: The critical waiting period

Contact adhesive only bonds properly after the solvent carrier evaporates, leaving a tacky adhesive film on each surface. Joining surfaces while the adhesive is still wet produces a weak bond. Waiting too long allows the adhesive to over-dry and lose its bonding ability.

The manufacturer's specification: Keep surfaces apart until touch dry (5–30 minutes) before joining and pressing together. This is the only timing data published for this product. No temperature-specific drying times, no humidity adjustments, and no separate open time are specified.

What "touch dry" means: After spraying, the adhesive looks wet and glossy. As solvent evaporates, the gloss fades and the film becomes tacky. It is ready when it feels sticky to a light touch but does not transfer wet adhesive to your skin. If adhesive comes off on your finger as a wet film, it needs more time.

Test multiple spots: On larger surfaces, drying may be uneven due to differences in airflow, adhesive thickness, or surface porosity. Check several areas before joining.

If you wait too long: If the adhesive has over-dried and feels dry rather than tacky, apply a fresh light coat over the old adhesive and wait for the new coat to develop tack before joining. This recovery procedure is standard practice with contact adhesives.

Spray both surfaces in quick succession: Both surfaces need adhesive and both need to reach proper tack. If you spray one surface, wait for it to dry, then spray the second, the first may over-dry while the second is still developing tack.

Environmental conditions: Warmer temperatures and moving air speed up solvent evaporation; cooler temperatures and still air slow it down. The manufacturer does not publish specific temperature or humidity ranges for this product, so observe tack development by touch-testing rather than relying on a fixed time.

Alignment and initial contact: The moment of truth

Once both surfaces have developed proper tack, you get one attempt at correct alignment. The bond is instant on contact.

For larger assemblies — slip sheets: Place strips of clean paper across one tacky surface. These create a temporary barrier so you can position the second surface without triggering the bond. Once alignment is confirmed using your reference marks, remove the centre sheet first, press that area to create initial bond, then progressively remove remaining sheets from the centre outward, pressing as you go.

For smaller items: Hold the second surface just above the first, align using your reference marks, then lower it to make contact. Starting contact at one edge and progressively lowering the rest helps prevent trapping air between the surfaces.

Once contact is made, press immediately: The manufacturer says to join and press together. Don't delay — pressing while the adhesive is at peak tack maximises bond strength.

Preventing air bubbles: Work from the initial contact point outward, pressing progressively to push air towards the edges. Trapped air creates voids where no bond forms.

Pressing and pressure application: Activating full bond strength

The manufacturer states to press together after joining and to clamp overnight for permanent bonds. Pressure forces the adhesive into intimate contact with both surfaces.

Apply pressure immediately after joining: Use a roller or firm hand pressure to work across the entire bonded area. Pay particular attention to edges and corners — these are where peeling forces concentrate during use, and the manufacturer specifically notes to ensure edges are covered during spraying, so they need equal attention during pressing.

Rolling technique: Start from the centre of the bonded area and work outward in overlapping strokes. Roll in one direction, then make a second pass perpendicular to the first. For fabric or foam where a hard roller might damage the surface, use a softer roller or padded block.

Clamp overnight: For permanent bonds, clamp overnight. This is the only clamping duration specified. For flat assemblies where clamping isn't practical, stacking weighted objects on the bonded area achieves the same result.

Curing time and handling restrictions

Contact adhesive creates an immediate grab on contact, but the instruction to clamp overnight indicates the bond continues to develop after initial assembly.

What the manufacturer says: Clamp overnight for permanent bonds. This is the only cure-related guidance published for the spray variant.

What the manufacturer does NOT say: No cure time in hours is published. No staged cure milestones (initial handling, full strength) are given. No temperature requirements during curing are specified. No Technical Data Sheet exists for Kwik Grip Spray, so the detailed cure specifications available for other Kwik Grip variants (such as the Horizontal, which publishes a 24-hour full cure) cannot be assumed to apply to the spray formulation.

Practical guidance: As a general principle with contact adhesives, avoid stressing the bond — flexing, pulling, or loading the assembly — until the overnight clamping period is complete. If the assembly will experience sustained load or stress, allowing additional time beyond overnight before putting it into service is prudent, even though the manufacturer does not specify how much additional time.

Common first-time mistakes and real-time corrections

Surfaces contact before proper alignment: If you realise misalignment immediately, you may be able to peel surfaces apart from one corner. This becomes harder the more surface area has contacted and may tear porous materials. If separation works, clean both surfaces, reapply adhesive, and try again. If separation tears the material, the error is permanent.

Applied adhesive too heavily, creating runs: Runs indicate too much adhesive. If you notice while the adhesive is still wet, wipe the excess with a clean cloth. If runs have dried to a tacky state, leave them — trying to remove tacky adhesive spreads it. Heavy application wastes material but does not prevent bonding once proper tack develops.

Joined surfaces before adhesive developed tack: Wet adhesive does not bond effectively. If you realise you have joined surfaces while adhesive is still wet (glossy, transfers to touch), separate immediately if possible, let both surfaces reach proper tack, then rejoin.

Waited too long, adhesive over-dried: Apply a fresh light coat over the dried adhesive without removing it. Wait for the fresh coat to develop tack, then proceed with assembly.

Air bubbles trapped during assembly: Small bubbles found shortly after assembly can sometimes be worked out by applying concentrated pressure with a roller, working from the bubble towards the nearest edge to push trapped air out. For larger assemblies, using slip sheets during initial alignment helps prevent this problem.

Edge peeling: Often results from insufficient adhesive coverage at edges or insufficient pressing. The manufacturer specifically instructs to ensure edges are covered during spraying. Once peeling starts, apply fresh adhesive to the peeling area, press firmly, and roll immediately.

Post-application cleanup and storage

Nozzle clearing: Clean spray nozzle after use by spraying upside down. This clears adhesive from the nozzle mechanism and prevents clogging. If the nozzle does clog, removing it and soaking in a solvent such as acetone is a common remedy.

Uncured adhesive on surfaces: Clean uncured adhesive with mineral turps. Act before the adhesive dries. Cured product can be sanded and scraped.

Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and flush skin and hair with running water. Continue flushing with water until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor, or for 15 minutes, and transport to doctor or hospital. The product causes skin irritation (H315). If blistering occurs, do NOT break blisters.

Eye contact: Hold eyelids apart and flush the eyes continuously with running water. Continue flushing until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor, or for at least 15 minutes, and transport to doctor or hospital. The product causes serious eye irritation (H319).

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Away from foodstuffs. Away from sources of heat and/or ignition. Store locked up (P405). Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C (P410+P412). Keep containers closed when not in use — check regularly for leaks. Keep out of reach of children (P102). This product is classified as Division 2.1 Flammable Gas and must be stored in accordance with the relevant DG regulations.

Disposal: Do not pierce or burn, even after use (P251). Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations (P501). Recycle if possible. This product is classified as a Marine Pollutant — avoid contaminating waterways.

Troubleshooting guide for first-time results

Bond separates shortly after assembly: Examine the separated surfaces. If adhesive remains on only one surface, that surface may have been contaminated — the bond failed at the contamination layer, not at the adhesive. If adhesive is on both surfaces but looks thin or patchy, coverage was insufficient. If adhesive looks wet or glossy, bonding happened before proper tack developed.

Bond feels weak or flexible: This may indicate insufficient pressing, bonding when the adhesive was over-dry, or adhesive that did not reach proper tack on both surfaces. If the assembly is still within the initial clamping period, applying additional pressure may help.

Visible adhesive lines or streaks: Results from uneven spray technique — inconsistent distance from the 20 cm specification, inadequate overlap between passes, or moving the can too slowly. These are cosmetic on hidden bonds but indicate technique to refine for visible applications.

Edge peeling: Commonly results from edges that did not receive full adhesive coverage or were not pressed thoroughly. Prevention requires ensuring edges are covered and dedicated edge pressing. Once peeling begins, it tends to progress — apply fresh adhesive to the affected edge, press down firmly, and hold or clamp.

Bubbles or soft spots: Indicate trapped air or adhesive voids. Using slip sheets for larger assemblies prevents most air-trapping issues. For small isolated bubbles, concentrated pressure from a roller may push the trapped air to the nearest edge.

What the manufacturer does not specify

Selleys publishes product page directions and a Safety Data Sheet (v7.1, 15 April 2021) for Kwik Grip Spray. No Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for this product — unlike other Kwik Grip variants (Horizontal, Vertical Gel) which have published TDS documents.

The following data is NOT published by the manufacturer for the spray variant and should not be assumed:

• Coverage rate (m² per can): No coverage figure exists for the 150g or 350g can. Do not use the Kwik Grip Horizontal TDS figure of 4m² per 1L — that is a different product with a different formulation and application method.
• Temperature-specific drying times: Only 5–30 minutes is given as the touch-dry range. No breakdown by temperature or surface type exists.
• Application temperature range: No minimum or maximum application temperature is published. Other Kwik Grip variants specify do not apply below 10°C (Vertical Gel) but this has not been confirmed for the spray.
• Humidity specifications: No humidity range or adjustment guidance exists.
• Full cure time: Only clamp overnight is stated. No cure time in hours is published. The Kwik Grip Horizontal TDS states Full Cure: 24 hours but this is a different product.
• Bond strength values: No peel strength, shear strength, or tensile strength data is published.
• Shelf life: No shelf life data exists for new or partially used cans.
• Surface preparation protocol: Only ensure surfaces are clean and dry is stated.
• Specific compatible materials list: No comprehensive compatibility list is published beyond what the product page states (not suitable for PE, PP, rough/ill-fitting surfaces; some plastics may be attacked).

Where this guide offers practical guidance beyond manufacturer data (surface preparation techniques, troubleshooting, etc.), it is clearly identified as general contact adhesive practice rather than manufacturer specification.

References

• Selleys Kwik Grip Spray Safety Data Sheet - Official manufacturer safety and product specifications
• Safe Work Australia - Hazardous Chemical Information - GHS classification standards and workplace safety requirements

Label Facts Summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are sourced from the product page, Safety Data Sheet, or authorised retailer listings. Where data is not published by the manufacturer, this is stated. This section does not include general product claims.

Verified Label Facts

• Product Name: Selleys Kwik Grip Spray
• Recommended Use: Contact adhesive spray
• Available Sizes: 150g (100050), 350g (100049)
• Colour: Clear / dries colourless
• Application Method: Aerosol spray
• Spray Distance: 20 cm
• Tack Development: 5–30 minutes touch dry
• Bond Methods: Permanent (both surfaces) / Temporary (one surface)
• Heat Resistance: Up to 70°C
• Clamping: Overnight for permanent bond
• Clean-up (uncured): Mineral turps
• Clean-up (cured): Sand and scrape
• Signal Word: DANGER
• H222: Extremely flammable aerosol
• H229: Pressurised container may burst if heated
• H315: Causes skin irritation
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness
• H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
• DG Class: 2.1 (Flammable Gas)
• PPE: Safety shoes, overalls, gloves, safety glasses, respirator
• Glove Type: Nitrile rubber
• Storage Max Temp: 50°C
• Flash Point: 41°C (propellant)
• Flammability Limits: 3.4–27%
• Vapour Density: >1 (heavier than air)
• Specific Gravity: Approx. 0.66
• UN Number: 1950
• Marine Pollutant: Yes
• Limitations: Not for PE/PP, not for rough/ill-fitting surfaces, test plastics first
• Poisons Information: 131 126 (AU) / 0800 764 766 (NZ)
• Emergency Phone: 1800 220 770 (AU) / 0800 220 770 (NZ)

Data not published by manufacturer

• Coverage rate (m² per can)
• Temperature-specific drying times
• Application temperature range
• Humidity specifications
• Full cure time in hours
• Bond strength values
• Shelf life
• Surface preparation protocol beyond "clean and dry"