Spray Adhesives Work on many kinds of Surfaces

Spray adhesives are usually taken for granted; pick up the can, shake it a couple times and spray. But how does all that work? Spray adhesive products in and of themselves are a highly complex assembly that requires much laboratory time to ensure they work first time, every time. There are many components to a can of aerosol that not only allow material to be put into the container, but also allow that material to be expelled. Shelf life of a can of spray adhesive can be expected to last several years and yet perform at a moment's request.
Spray adhesives offer the user the innate ability to bond myriad substrates to myriad surfaces. Some of these are wood, cloth, paper, metal, glass, foam, plastics. Almost anything. However, knowing what the adhesive WON'T do is probably as important as knowing what it will do. Certain spray adhesives will not bond certain types of foams, highly polished surfaces, assemblies that will be exposed to the elements like extremely high heat, cold, moisture, etc. However, there are spray adhesives available today, because of new technology that will allow these surfaces to become bondable. In addition, technology has improved to the point that there are now new, GREEN, spray adhesive products available. In particular, adhesives. They do not expel any ozone depleting solvents and/or gases. The adhesive itself is 100% water based and every component in the can, including the can and cap are 100% recyclable. Look for these products to become available this year.
Now let's determine what it is you want to bond. You want to attach a paper item to another paper item. This type of spray adhesive should offer a "mist" type spray pattern. This type pattern allows the adhesive to sit on the surface without a large amount of "soak in", therefore eliminating a lot of bleed through to the other surface.
Want to bond something a little heavier? How about foam to wood? Now you need an altogether different type product. One that offers a "web" or "lace" type spray pattern. This pattern allows for more soak in and yet will retain enough on the surface to give a terrific bond.
How do you know when it's OK to make the bond. Spray 100% of the surface(s) to be mated. Wait a few seconds to a few minutes. Touch the surface. If the adhesive feels tacky, but does not transfer to your fingers, the pieces are ready to be mated. Not very scientific, but proves to be the best method to use. Be aware, that once the 2 pieces are mated, they will be difficult if not impossible to separate