What is Selleys Kwik Grip Spray, and where should you use it?
Selleys Kwik Grip Spray is a clear, fast drying, solvent-based contact adhesive in an aerosol. It forms an instant bond on contact of two sprayed surfaces, dries colourless, and produces a durable bond on both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces. It is heat resistant up to 70 °C.
The reason to reach for the spray rather than a brushed or spread contact adhesive is film control. The spray application lays down a fine, even film across a surface — which is exactly what a contact adhesive needs, and exactly what is hard to achieve with a spreader on a large or awkwardly shaped piece. The trade-off is that an aerosol puts adhesive wherever it drifts, so masking and ventilation both matter more.
Two ways to use it
Unusually for a contact adhesive, Kwik Grip Spray has a stated method for a temporary bond as well as a permanent one, and the difference is simply how many surfaces you spray.
Permanent bond
- Spray from 20 cm from the surfaces.
- Spray both surfaces.
- Allow to dry for 5 to 30 minutes.
- Join and clamp.
Temporary bond
- Spray one surface only.
- Join while the adhesive is still tacky.
The logic is worth understanding, because it lets you choose the result you want. Two dried films pressed together weld into one another and give the permanent, instant bond. A single tacky film pressed against a bare surface only grips — enough to hold a pattern, a template or a stencil in place, and removable afterwards.
The 5 to 30 minute drying window on the permanent method is generous compared with heavier contact adhesives, but it is still a window: join too soon and the films are wet; leave it too long and they have dried past the point where they will weld.
Where to use it
- Bonding large surfaces where an even, fine film is needed
- Absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces alike
- Work where a colourless finish matters — it dries clear
- Temporary holding, using the single-surface method
Because it is rated to 70 °C, it is the lowest heat-resistance option among the Kwik Grip contact adhesives. For hotter service, Kwik Grip High Temp Spray is rated to 90 °C, and the non-aerosol Kwik Grip Horizontal to 130 °C.
Limitations — where Kwik Grip Spray should not be used
- Not suitable for rough or ill-fitting surfaces. A fine sprayed film has no gap-filling ability at all.
- Not suitable for polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Not suitable for all plastics — test first.
- Use only in well-ventilated areas. This is a solvent-based aerosol, and the instruction is explicit.
- Heat resistance is 70 °C. Anything hotter needs a different product.
Looking after the can
Clean the nozzle after use: turn the can upside down, depress the spray nozzle and spray until clear propellant comes out. Spray nozzles may be soaked in mineral turpentine to keep them clean.
This step is worth doing every time. A contact adhesive that dries in the nozzle blocks it permanently, and a partly blocked nozzle sprays an uneven, spitting film — which is the one thing this product exists to avoid.
Clean up
Clean uncured adhesive with mineral turps. There is further guidance on how to remove Kwik Grip once dry in the Selleys Ask an Expert section.
Hazard classification
Classified as hazardous under Safe Work Australia GHS 7, with the signal word Danger.
- Aerosols — Category 1. H222: extremely flammable aerosol. H229: pressurised container, may burst if heated.
- Skin irritation — Category 2. H315: causes skin irritation.
- Eye irritation — Category 2A. H319: causes serious eye irritation.
- Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure — Category 3, narcotic effects.
What is in it
| Chemical entity | CAS number | Proportion (w/w) |
|---|---|---|
| Naphtha, petroleum, hydrotreated light | 64742-49-0 | >60% |
| Dimethyl ether | 115-10-6 | 30–60% |
| Non-hazardous or below reporting limits | — | Balance |
This can is almost entirely volatile: light naphtha above 60% and dimethyl ether at 30–60% as propellant and co-solvent. Effectively all of it leaves the surface and enters the air in the room.
That is worth stating plainly because spray adhesive is used over large areas — upholstery, panels, craft work, laminate — so the quantity aerosolised in a short period is far higher than with a brush-applied adhesive. Ventilate before you start, not when you notice the smell, and remember the vapour is heavier than air and pools at floor level.
Do not pierce or burn the can, even after use, and keep it out of sunlight and below 50 °C.
Protection
- Gloves — nitrile rubber for intermittent contact.
- Eye protection — safety glasses or goggles.
- Ventilation — work in a well-ventilated area; do not work in a confined space.
- Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking, and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
First aid
| Exposure | What to do |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, removing contact lenses if present and easy to do, then keep rinsing. If irritation persists, get medical advice. |
| Skin | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. If irritation develops, get medical advice. |
| Inhalation | Move the person to fresh air, keep them at rest and warm. If effects persist, seek medical advice. |
| Swallowed | Do not induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth and seek medical advice immediately. |
If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre — 131 126 in Australia, 0800 764 766 in New Zealand — with the container to hand. Selleys emergency line: 1800 220 770 in Australia, 0800 220 770 in New Zealand.
Common questions about Kwik Grip Spray
How far from the surface should I spray?
20 cm.
How do I get a permanent bond?
Spray both surfaces, allow them to dry for 5 to 30 minutes, then join and clamp.
How do I get a temporary bond?
Spray one surface only and join while the adhesive is still tacky.
How long do I wait before joining?
5 to 30 minutes for the permanent bond. For a temporary bond, join while still tacky.
Does it dry clear?
Yes. It is a clear spray adhesive that dries colourless.
How much heat will the bond take?
It is heat resistant up to 70 °C.
Will it work on a non-absorbent surface?
Yes. It produces a durable bond on both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces.
Will it stick to plastic?
Not to polyethylene or polypropylene, and not to every plastic. Test first.
Can I use it on a rough surface?
No. It is not suitable for rough or ill-fitting surfaces.
How do I stop the nozzle blocking?
After use, turn the can upside down and spray until clear propellant comes out. Nozzles may also be soaked in mineral turpentine.
How do I clean up overspray?
Mineral turps, while the adhesive is uncured.
What safety precautions apply?
Use only in well-ventilated areas.
What type of adhesive technology does Selleys Kwik Grip Spray use?
Selleys Kwik Grip Spray is a solvent-based contact adhesive, supplied as a clear aerosol spray.
How do you apply Selleys Kwik Grip Spray for a permanent bond?
Shake the can well, spray both surfaces from 20 cm away, allow to dry for 5–30 minutes, then join and clamp the surfaces together.
How do you use Selleys Kwik Grip Spray for a temporary bond?
Spray one surface only and join the pieces while the adhesive is still tacky.
What is the heat resistance of Selleys Kwik Grip Spray?
Selleys Kwik Grip Spray is heat resistant to 70°C.
What materials can Selleys Kwik Grip Spray be used on?
It is suitable for laminates, timber, craft foam, car upholstery, aluminium, leather, canvas, rubber, felt, glass, polyurethane foam, cork, paper, cardboard, and most plastics.
What surfaces or materials is Selleys Kwik Grip Spray NOT suitable for?
It is not suitable for rough or ill-fitting surfaces, and not suitable for polyethylene or polypropylene plastics; since it isn't compatible with all plastics, testing first is recommended.
How do you clean up uncured Selleys Kwik Grip Spray adhesive?
Uncured adhesive can be cleaned with mineral turps, and the spray nozzle should be cleaned after use by spraying upside down.
What safety precaution should be taken when using Selleys Kwik Grip Spray?
Use Selleys Kwik Grip Spray only in well-ventilated areas, and test on plastics first since it is not suitable for all plastic types.