Description
Kalahari Adhesive – Multi-Purpose Flooring Adhesive for Modern Flooring Needs
Kalahari Adhesive is an advanced, high-performance flooring adhesive formulated to meet the evolving demands of today’s flooring industry. With versatility at its core, this adhesive is ideal for a wide range of both hard and soft floor coverings, offering seamless performance across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
Developed using next-generation Acrylate PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) blends, Kalahari Adhesive represents a breakthrough in bonding technology. It combines rapid strength development with long-lasting tack properties, making it one of the most reliable and adaptable adhesives available for modern flooring applications.
Designed for Performance and Efficiency
One of the defining features of Kalahari Adhesive is its ability to form “legs,” a quality that enables it to firmly grip P.E. (polyethylene) and P.P. (polypropylene) backed needle punch carpet rolls. This results in a fast and secure stick-down process with minimal need for heavy rolling. Whether you’re working with flexible vinyl tiles or semi-rigid vinyl sheeting, the adhesive performs consistently and reliably, streamlining installation time and improving end results.
Its soft glue line minimizes the appearance of adhesive ridges showing through thinner or semi-flexible vinyl sheeting, preventing unsightly “telegraphing” or “tramlining.” The result is a smooth, professional finish that meets high design and quality standards.
Key Features and Benefits
Rapid Tack Development: Begins bonding quickly for efficient workflow and reduced waiting times.
Long Tack Life: Maintains workability over a longer period, giving installers flexibility during application.
Multi-Surface Compatibility: Suitable for a variety of hard and soft floor coverings, from vinyl to carpet tiles.
Eco-Conscious Formulation: Low-solvent and user-friendly, reducing impact on the environment and health.
High Solids Content: With 60 ± 2% non-volatile content, it provides excellent coverage and value per litre.
Soft Glue Line: Prevents ridge marks or texture transfer through floor coverings.
Ideal Applications
Kalahari Adhesive is engineered to support a broad spectrum of floor covering materials. It performs exceptionally well with:
Flexible and semi-flexible vinyl tiles and sheeting
Linoleum flooring
Backed and unbacked carpet squares
Heavy-duty needle punch carpets such as Berber Point and Jumbo Point
Carpet tiles such as those in the Protex Converters range
This adhesive adheres best to clean, sound, and firm substrates. While highly versatile, it is not recommended for direct adhesion onto existing floor coverings or old bituminous flooring surfaces. In such cases, suitable alternative adhesives such as D98XE should be considered.
Preparation and Application Guidelines
Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential for optimal bonding performance. The subfloor must be dry, with moisture levels not exceeding 3.5%. For dusty or porous surfaces, it may be necessary to prime using Plaster Bond 70 and allow it to dry for 2 to 3 hours before adhesive application.
Surfaces should also be smooth and level. Rough or uneven areas should be corrected with a leveling compound or sanding. If a cement-based compound is used, ensure that the surface is pre-primed prior to adhesive application.
For best results, maintain adhesive storage and application temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Apply the adhesive using an appropriately notched trowel to ensure even distribution.
Recommended coverage:
Hard flooring: 4 – 5 square metres per litre
Soft flooring: Approximately 3 square metres per litre
Once applied, allow the adhesive to flash off for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on ambient temperature and humidity. Soft coverings can be applied while the adhesive is still slightly wet to improve grip. For hard flooring, it’s recommended to wait until the adhesive is drier to avoid excess oozing through joints.
Installation Procedure
Flooring should be installed according to SABS Code of Practice 070/1991. Align tiles or sheets in their exact positions and press down to ensure full adhesive contact. If necessary, roll the flooring using a three-section roller weighing at least 68 kg to ensure maximum bonding and to eliminate air pockets.
Where flooring materials have a strong memory, allow them to relax by rolling out and pre-conditioning for at least 24 hours before installation.
Technical Specifications
Base: Resin-modified reinforced acrylic adhesive
Solvent/Diluent: Water (Solvent 411 once dry)
Non-Volatile Content: 60 ± 2%
Viscosity: 30,000 cps (creamy liquid consistency)
Color: Pale cream
Coverage: Up to 5 m²/litre (hard flooring), approx. 3 m²/litre (soft flooring)
Tensile & Peel Strength: Meets relevant performance standards
The Right Bond for Every Floor
Kalahari Adhesive delivers a professional-grade bonding solution suitable for a variety of flooring materials. Its ease of application, environmental consideration, and reliable holding power make it the go-to choice for flooring professionals seeking long-term performance with a clean finish.
Whether you’re installing luxury vinyl tiles, heavy-duty carpeting, or linoleum, Kalahari Adhesive ensures every surface is secured with precision and durability.
