Spray adhesives are incredibly versatile and useful products for bonding, mounting, and laminating a wide range of materials. 3M, a leading manufacturer of spray adhesives, offers several popular options like Spray Adhesive 90, 77, and Super 77. But what’s the difference between these 3M spray adhesives? How do you choose the right one for your project?
3M Spray Adhesive 90, 77, and Super 77
Before diving into a detailed comparison, let’s briefly introduce these three popular 3M spray adhesives:
3M Spray Adhesive 90 – A high-strength spray adhesive that provides a long-lasting, temperature resistant bond. It has an extended open time for easier positioning.
3M Spray Adhesive 77 – A multi-purpose spray adhesive with a web spray pattern and fast tack. It bonds lightweight materials like paper, cardboard, and fabrics.
3M Super 77 – An extra-strength spray adhesive with high initial tack and a wide spray pattern. Bonds medium-weight materials like plastics, metals, and more.
Now let’s explore each adhesive’s features and ideal applications in more detail.
Bond Strength Comparison
One of the most important factors when choosing a spray adhesive is the bond strength. 3M Spray Adhesive 90 forms the strongest, most heavy-duty bonds of the three.
3M Spray Adhesive 90
With its high solids formula, 3M 90 is engineered for permanent bonding of materials like wood, metal, laminate, and more. The bonds can withstand temperatures up to 200°F and have exceptional resistance to heat, cold, water, and solvents.
This makes 3M 90 ideal for:
- Woodworking projects like furniture, cabinets, trim
- Bonding metal for HVAC, auto, and appliance repair
- Mounting signs, displays, and panels
- Laminating
3M Spray Adhesive 77
3M 77 offers a medium-strength bond for light-duty applications. It works well for materials like paper, cardboard, foam, fabrics. The bonds formed can withstand occasional heat up to 170°F.
Use 3M 77 Spray Adhesive for:
- Arts and crafts
- Mounting posters, papers
- Upholstery projects
- Foam insulation
- Bookbinding
3M Super 77
With its high-tack formula, 3M Super 77 provides a stronger bond than the regular 77 formula. It can bond medium-weight materials like plastics, metals, wood veneers. The bonds are heat resistant up to 200°F.
Super 77 is great for projects like:
- Bonding plastic laminates
- Mounting photographs
- Minor home/auto repairs
- Crafting
- Attaching edging and molding
So in summary, 3M 90 offers the strongest permanent bonds, while 3M 77 gives a medium-strength bond for lightweight materials. Super 77 strikes a balance with its ability to bond medium-weight materials relatively strongly.
Open Time Comparison
Open time (also called tack time) refers to the time the spray adhesive remains tacky before forming a full bond. The open time allows you to position items before the bond sets.
3M 90 has a long open time of up to 2 hours for easier positioning. 3M 77 has a short open time of just a few minutes. 3M Super 77 lies in the middle with a moderate open time.
Here’s an overview:
- 3M 90 – Up to 2 hour open time
- 3M Super 77 – Around 10-15 minutes open time
- 3M 77 – Just a few minutes open time
So if you’re working on a project that requires precise positioning or working with heavy materials, 3M 90’s long open time comes in handy. For projects requiring quick bonds, 3M 77 is the fastest-drying option.
Dry Time Comparison
The dry time indicates how quickly the spray adhesive becomes fully cured and reaches maximum bond strength. Faster dry times are useful when you need to handle the materials quickly.
Here are the approximate dry times:
- 3M 90 – 24 hours for full bond strength
- 3M Super 77 – Around 15-20 minutes until dry
- 3M 77 – Just a couple minutes until dry
So 3M 77 dries quickest, making it ideal when you need to handle the bonded materials right away. 3M 90 takes a full day to reach max strength.
Coverage Comparison
How much surface area can you cover with each spray adhesive? The coverage varies based on the pattern and thickness of the adhesive applied.
Here are some averages:
- 3M 90 – Up to 160 square feet per can
- 3M Super 77 – Around 125 square feet per can
- 3M 77 – Up to 150 square feet per can
So you can see 3M 90 offers the most coverage per can, followed by 3M 77. Super 77 has slightly lower coverage. Thinner applications will allow you to cover more area.
Material Compatibility
Always check which materials are compatible with the spray adhesive you choose. Here’s an overview:
3M Spray Adhesive 90
3M 90 bonds best to porous and semi-porous materials like:
- Wood
- Particleboard
- Concrete
- Brick
- Carpet
- Rubber
It can also bond well to metals, glass, high pressure laminates, and many plastics. Test plastics for compatibility.
3M Spray Adhesive 77
3M 77 works well on porous, absorbent materials such as:
- Paper
- Cardstock
- Fabric
- Fiberglass
- Cloth
- Foam
It also bonds lightweight plastics, paints, and veneers.
3M Super 77
Super 77 bonds well to materials like:
- Wood veneer
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Fabric
- Metal
- Plastic laminates
- Some rigid plastics
Always test Super 77 with plastics beforehand. Avoid highly plasticized vinyls.
Key Differences Summarized
Here is a quick overview of the main differences between these three 3M spray adhesives:
| Factor | 3M 90 | 3M 77 | 3M Super 77 |
| Bond Strength | Strongest | Medium | Strong |
| Open Time | 2 hours | Few minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Dry Time | 24 hours | Couple minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Coverage | 160 ft2/can | 150 ft2/can | 125 ft2/can |
| Best Uses | Heavy duty bonding <br> Wood, metal, laminates | Lightweight materials <br> Paper, foam, fabrics | Medium-weight materials <br> Plastics, metals, wood veneers |
Spray Adhesive Buying Considerations
Keep these factors in mind when selecting a 3M spray adhesive:
- Your materials – Consider surface textures, porosity, rigidity, and weight.
- Project use – Will the bond need to be permanent or temporary? Withstand heat or humidity?
- Application method – Some adhesives are easier to apply in thin, uniform coats.
- Drying time – Faster dry time can increase productivity.
- Open time – More open time makes positioning easier.
- Bond strength – Light, medium, or heavy duty? The bond should suit the materials and use.
- Coverage – Estimate how much surface area you need to coat.
- Special factors – Heat/solvent resistance, long-term durability etc.
Also ensure proper PPE and ventilation when working with spray adhesives. Follow all safety guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between 3M 90, 77, and Super 77 spray adhesive?
Consider the materials, project requirements, bond strength needed, open time, and dry time. 3M 90 is best for heavy duty bonding, while 77 bonds lightweight materials. Super 77 is a good middle-ground option.
Can I use 3M spray adhesive on plastic?
Yes, some plastics are compatible if properly prepared. Always test a small area first. 3M 90 and Super 77 work with more rigid plastics, while 77 bonds lightweight plastics best. Avoid highly plasticized vinyls.
What materials can I bond with 3M Super 77 spray adhesive?
Super 77 works well on paper, cardboard, fabric, wood veneers, plastic laminates, photos, and other medium-weight materials. It also bonds metals and some rigid plastics.
Is 3M spray adhesive waterproof?
3M 90 provides water-resistant bonds when fully cured. The other formulas offer limited water resistance. For the most waterproof bond, use a solvent-based contact cement instead.
Can I reposition materials after spraying 3M adhesive?
Yes, during the open time you can reposition items while the adhesive is still tacky before fully bonded. 3M 90 has an open time around 2 hours, allowing the easiest repositioning.
Conclusion
Knowing when to use 3M Spray Adhesive 90, 77, or Super 77 comes down to understanding the strengths of each product. 3M 90 offers the most heavy duty bonding power for materials like wood and metal. For lightweight paper or fabric projects, opt for 3M 77 and its fast bond. 3M Super 77 gives strong bonds for medium-weight materials with better heat resistance than standard 77.