Water based adhesives, like any other material, must be stored properly to maintain their effectiveness, performance, and longevity. Here are some best practices for storing these adhesives to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Water based adhesives, like any other material, must be stored properly to maintain their effectiveness, performance, and longevity. Here are some best practices for storing these adhesives to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Before diving into storage techniques, it’s crucial to read the manufacturer’s guidelines. Each adhesive may have specific recommendations regarding temperature, humidity, and shelf life. Ensure you are familiar with the technical data sheets (TDS) and safety data sheets (SDS) that accompany your product. If you need a TDS or SDS for one of our products, you can request documentation here.
Water-based adhesives typically have a shelf life that can be significantly affected by temperature. Aim to keep adhesives in a cool environment, ideally between 60°F and 80°F. Avoid extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—as they can negatively impact the adhesive’s chemical composition. Extremely cold temperatures can lead to thicker viscosities or even freezing, which will ruin most water based adhesives. Extreme heat can cause adhesives to become very thin and be more prone to issues such as mold and phasing.
When storing adhesive containers, ensure they are placed upright. This helps prevent spills and contamination. If using larger bulk containers, make sure they are secured to prevent tipping. Also, regularly check seals and lids to make sure they are intact.
Space can be tight, but we don’t recommend ever storing water based adhesives outside. Exposure to direct sunlight can lead to temperature fluctuations and degrade the adhesive properties.
Periodically inspect your stored adhesives for any signs of separation, discoloration, or changes in viscosity. If you notice any inconsistencies, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine whether the product is still usable.
It’s a good practice to implement a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to use older stock before newer shipments. This ensures you use the adhesive within its shelf life and prevents issues.
Dust, debris, and contaminants are in the air. When a water-based adhesive is left in an open container, those contaminants can enter the glue and cause it to mold rapidly. Furthermore, leaving adhesives in an open container can cause the water to begin evaporating, which can cause skinning and viscosity issues.
Drums or pails of water-based adhesives that are stored directly on the concrete floor of a factory can easily freeze in cold climates during the winter months. Make sure water based adhesives are not left on the floor and ideally, they are kept away from an exterior wall. If you’re using 275-gallon totes, you may also be interested in our improved valve for trip-lease totes.
Properly storing industrial water-based adhesives is crucial for maintaining their performance and extending their shelf life. By following these guidelines you’ll ensure that your adhesives perform optimally when you need them most.
If you have questions about storage, viscosity changes, or product handling, our team is here to help — request technical support anytime.
