09 May 2025 3M VHB Tape Cheat Sheet: The Ultimate Guide
Understanding VHB Tapes
3M VHB (Very High Bond) Tape also known as double sided tape was introduced by 3M in the 1980’s. Ultimately, the goal was to replace screws, rivets, welds and initially bonding panels to the frames of ambulances. It was designed to distribute the stress load across an entire area rather than just one or a series of points.
As with most materials, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—especially when it comes to bonding different substrates. That’s why 3M has developed a diverse range of VHB tapes, each engineered to meet the specific requirements of various surfaces and applications. However, with so many different options available, choosing the right tape can sometimes be challenging.
To simplify the selection process, we’ve developed a cheat sheet chart designed to help you identify the most suitable VHB tape for your specific requirements.
VHB Tape Selection Guide:
Product Name |
ABL Stocked Products |
Application Ideas/Substrates |
|---|---|---|
| 3M 4941 VHB Tape | 3M 4941 VHB Tape - Grey |
|
| 3M 4950 VHB Tape | 3M 4950 VHB Tape - White |
|
| 3M 4905 VHB Tape | 3M 4905 VHB Tape - Clear |
|
| 3M 4910 VHB Tape |
|
|
| 3M 4991 VHB Tape | 3M 4991 VHB Tape - Grey |
|
| 3M RP+ VHB Tape |
|
|
| 3M GPH VHB Tape |
|
|
| 3M LSE (Low Surface Energy) VHB Tape |
3M LSE VHB Tape - White |
|
| 3M B90F VHB Architectural Panel Tape |
3M B90F VHB Tape - Grey |
|
Preparing the Surface:
Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure VHB tape adheres effectively and performs at its highest level. 3M offers a range of primers and adhesion promoters—see below to determine which is best suited for your application!
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove any contaminants . Use a disposable towel or cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% IPA/30% Water) or, for oily surfaces, acetone. Allow the surface to dry completely. For metal surfaces, it is also recommended to abrade the surface to promote better adhesion. After abrading, clean again to remove any residual dust or particles. Once the surface is clean, dry, and properly prepared, the following primers may be applied.
- 3M Primer 94 (Solvent Based) - For use on many plastics, rubber, painted and bare metal substrates.
- 3M AP-111 Adhesive Promoter - Offers great adhesion to high surface energy substrates, e.g Aluminium, Zinc, Tin, Lead, Stainless Steel, Nylon, Polyester, Epoxy Paint, Polyurethane.
- 3M AP-115 Silane Glass Treatment Adhesive Promoter - Surface treatment to increase adhesion to glass & great for high humidity environments or where frequent contact with water is encountered.
Still unsure which VHB Tape will be best suited for your application?
We’re here to help! Get in touch with our friendly customer service team:
Call us: (07) 5618 5100
Email us: sales@abldistribution.com.au
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