Tired of Sticky Floors?

Why Your Print Shop Needs to Switch to Water-Based Pallet Adhesive

For years, the hiss of an aerosol can has been a familiar sound in screen printing shops across the UK. But along with that sound comes the sticky floors, the fuzzy overspray coating your equipment, and the constant cost of buying can after can. If you’re tired of the mess and expense, it’s time to look at a cleaner, smarter solution: water-based pallet adhesives.

Here at Screen Print World in Kidderminster, we’ve seen countless print shops transform their workflow by making this simple switch. Forget what you think you know about pallet tack. Let’s break down why a modern water-based system, like the Tekmar adhesives we stock, is a game-changer for your business.

What is a Water-Based Pallet Adhesive?

Unlike traditional aerosol sprays that use chemical propellants, water-based adhesives are a liquid, non-toxic glue. They are applied directly to the pallet (or platen) exactly where you need them. This can be done simply with an applicator bottle and spreader or, for ultimate efficiency, with a dedicated applicator spray system like the Tekmar TB500.

The result? All of the tack, with none of the drawbacks.

Benefit #1: Massive Cost Savings and Less Waste

Let’s talk numbers. The most common question we get is about economy, and the answer is astounding.

One gallon of Tekmar TB adhesive can replace up to 72 standard 16oz aerosol cans.

Think about that. That’s a huge reduction in your running costs and far fewer trips to the supplier. You’re not paying for propellants and packaging, just pure, effective adhesive. It’s an investment that pays for itself remarkably quickly while dramatically cutting down on the number of empty cans heading to the landfill.

Benefit #2: A Cleaner, Safer Workshop Environment

This is where water-based systems truly shine.

• No Messy Overspray: Because there are no propellants, the adhesive doesn’t float around your shop in a fine, sticky mist. It goes precisely where you spray it. Say goodbye to tacky floors and equipment covered in a layer of fluff and dust.
• Non-Toxic and Non-Flammable: These adhesives are water-based and contain no hazardous ingredients. This drastically improves the air quality in your shop, creating a safer and more pleasant environment for you and your team.

Benefit #3: Superior Performance and Simple Maintenance

A clean, cost-effective system is great, but it has to perform. Tekmar water-based adhesives are designed for the demands of a professional print shop.

Incredible Heat Resistance: Worried about flash curing? Don’t be. All TB adhesives are heat-stable up to an impressive 370°C (700°F), so you can flash cure your garments without losing tack.

• Instant Application: The adhesive is applied as a fine mist that dries almost instantly as you spread it, meaning there’s no downtime waiting for it to get tacky.
• Amazingly Low Maintenance: The adhesive only dries when it hits the air. This means it stays liquid and ready to use inside the applicator system. The only maintenance required is a quick wipe of the spray gun tip once a day and a flush with warm water when you change containers. It’s that simple.

Application and Cleanup Made Easy

For the fastest possible workflow, we always recommend applying the adhesive onto pallet tape. When the pallet gets too fuzzy with fabric fibres, you don’t need to scrub. Just peel off the old tape, apply a fresh strip, and you’re ready to go in seconds.

When you do need to clean the adhesive directly off a pallet, a dedicated, citrus-based cleaner like TB Orange will remove it easily without damaging your platens.

Ready to Upgrade Your Print Shop?

Switching from aerosol cans to a water-based pallet adhesive system is more than just changing your glue; it’s an investment in efficiency, safety, and profitability. You get a superior hold, a cleaner shop, and significant long-term savings.

If you’re ready to ditch the sticky mess and endless cans for good, check out our range of Tekmar Water-Based Adhesives and Applicators. Our team is always on hand to answer any questions and help you find the perfect setup for your shop’s needs.