An introduction to artificial turf adhesives

Artificial turf adhesives exhibit varying properties that impact their suitability for installation, ranging in curing times and overall performance in environmental conditions for indoor and outdoor settings. Whether installing impact-resistant turf for sporting areas and pitches or enhancing the appearance of a communal area with heavy footfall, discussing a specific requirement with a specialist before selecting an adhesive for an artificial turf installation is always recommended.

Turf adhesives can be split into two distinct categories based on their pre-mixing and installation properties, with each offering its own benefits.

One component turf adhesives

One-component adhesives require no mixing prior to application. This type of adhesive can significantly reduce the time taken for turf laying and the installation of large-scale artificial turf projects such as sports fields, football pitches, and putting greens.

Turftak one-part polyurethane adhesive offers an effective, easy-to-use solution for adhering artificial turf to a range of joining tapes and substrates. Conveniently packaged in a portable and resealable foil pouch, Turftak 1 exhibits a low-foaming formulation that can be effortlessly spread across substrates ensuring a smooth, even application. With a generous open time of up to 60 minutes that allows for any adjustments, it cures to form a long-lasting bond within hours.

Two component turf adhesives

Two-component turf adhesives require pre-mixing before application to the underlying substrate. This involves the combination of a paste and a liquid/fluid hardener, that once mixed, forms an adhesive that can be easily poured and applied using a notched trowel or glue box.

Turftak 2, two-part polyurethane (PU) turf adhesive is specially formulated to bond artificial turf to a variety of substrates and joining tapes. Once the paste and fluid hardener are mixed to form a uniform green colour, the adhesive can be easily applied forming a permanent bond whilst retaining flexibility and impact resistance for high foot traffic and more demanding sporting conditions.

Benefits of using Turftak artificial turf adhesive

Using a turf adhesive for artificial grass installation provides many advantages compared to traditional methods, such as stapling and infilling. Benefits include:

Portable user-friendly packaging - The Turftak range of turf adhesives are supplied in portable, user-friendly buckets, pouches and cartridges for easy application and minimal waste.

Resealable / extended shelf life - Turftak one-part adhesive is conveniently supplied in a resealable pouch, for future use.

Quick repairs - With fast curing times and effortless application, Turftak Quik-Fix Repair kit provides a quick and effective solution for repairing tears, seams and inlays using a standard twin cartridge gun.

Weather conditions - The Turftak range provides quality solutions for any weather condition and has been designed to provide quality bonding solutions in damp, dry and humid environments.

High impact resistance - By opting for a high-performance, shock-resistant adhesive, the Turftak range can withstand heavy footfall and high-impact use in many settings including public areas and indoor/outdoor sporting settings.

Factors to consider when selecting a turf adhesive

Surface type: Whether applying artificial turf to concrete or other surfaces, it is important to consider whether the adhesive is suitable for porous and non-porous surfaces; the Turftak range effectively adheres to a range of substrates to form a long-lasting bond.

Project size: Depending on the project size, factors such as mixing properties and application method should be considered to ensure a smooth and effective installation.

Curing time: Consider the project timeline and installation; if opting for a fast-curing time, a one-component adhesive may be ideal for smaller projects such as gardens, balconies, or patios. Alternatively, if working on a larger-scale installation or requiring additional time for making any adjustments, a slower curing, two-part adhesive might be more suitable.

Weather conditions and climate: To ensure optimal performance, select an artificial turf adhesive that matches the project's specific climate and conditions. The Turftak range suits all environments, offering resilient adhesive solutions for all requirements.

Impact and footfall resistance: From playgrounds and landscaping areas to indoor/outdoor football pitches, we can offer an adhesive to suit specific environments.

Chemique Adhesives has nearly forty years of experience manufacturing high-quality adhesives for a variety of applications.