I’m not sure where to go for the best solution to this dilemma.
We have approximately 150 Polyethylene Intermediate Bulk Containers that we are trying to bond labels to. The goal is to put one label on each of the 4 rounded corners of the IBC towards the top.
The original idea was to print labels on standard paper, seal them in 5 Mil laminating pouchesand affix them to the IBC with a spray adhesive. This has not gone well. Labeling the corners with a laminated page creates extra bonding tension that I thought an adhesive could handle. It could be due to the quality of the spray adhesive we used or the lack luster effort of the people involved in putting the labels on. I made sure I did a few myself, power-washed the IBC, cleaned the labeling area with brake cleaner, and applied an almost obscene amount of adhesive. Even these labels are peeling slightly on the edges, which pretty much ensures them falling off sooner rather than later.
I’m looking for suggestions/recommendations on the best type of adhesive to create the strongest most durable bond. Given the quantity of labels to be affixed, cost and ease of application are factors. The IBC is used to transport different types of motor oils, industrial lubricants, anti-freeze, transmission fluid. These tend to have a way of being spilled on the IBC, and since the previous labels were not laminated they have become saturated and peel off easily. This also means that the adhesive will be directly exposed to petro chemicals, which creates a bonding challenge. The IBC is often exposed to the elements. This center is in Wisconsin and will be subject to hot, humid summers and cold brutal winter conditions.
I am also open to hear any suggestions that may involve other methods of labeling the IBC. My newest idea is stencil and spray paint.
It’s tough to get things to stick to polyethylene. Silicone transfer adhesives are available that work pretty well. Not sure what kind of spray adhesive you used. Super 77 can be sprayed on the container and the label or pouch, then joined after a short drying time as a contact cement. Stencil and paint will work. But paints can wear off or peel off. The advantage of paint is that it will conform to the shape of the container. If it has an orange rind type surface, it may stay on pretty well.
I think hot melt glues are the adhesive of choice for labeling HDPE; a brief heat treatment might help the adhesion of some other labels as well. You’d need to use resin labels though, not paper – I think vinyl. A spray-on adhesion promoter might be a good combination with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, but you have only seconds to apply the labels. I really think a label supplier is your best bet for advice on this, or maybe the guys who make the containers – they label them, they must have an adhesive that works.
For stenciling, I think a roll-on ink might be better than spray paint, but I’m just guessing from what I’ve seen people do.
Failing that, give your local 3M rep a call and see what they recommend. I have had great luck getting help from them with troublesome bonding issues, such as bonding a long teflon strip to steel in a clean and easy to apply fashion. Turns out they have a tape for that.
Quick search of their site turned up this. But if the method of application isn’t desireable, or there are toxicity concerns, I’d talk to a rep. Pretty sure they would have some alternative suggestions.
I’ve found them to be helpful even with small projects when purchase quantities are miniscule.
The first culprit is the polyethylene surface; a special adhesive is needed.
A couple of questions first:
What is size of label?
How would these be printed? Type of printer?
How long do labels need to last? Are they in color?
I would recommend printing label on a PSA stock; then
apply to surface and then apply a special laminating film over the
label. This needs to be larger than the printed label so that the special
high tack adhesive comes in contact with polyethylene on all 4 sides…maybe
1" larger all around.