Good wet-out means the adhesive has filled the surface texture with no trapped air. Through glass or clear plastic it looks like a continuous dark, glossy area instead of a mottled, silvery one. Roller pressure, temperature, adhesive softness and dwell time all improve it. Poor wet-out cuts usable bond area and lets moisture travel under the tape.
Wet-out looks patchy through the lens, roll it again with the hard roller and warm the part first.
Also heard as
- wetout
Related terms
Dwell
The time a pressure-sensitive bond sits after application while it builds toward full strength.
Wetting
How well a liquid adhesive spreads over and makes intimate contact with a surface.
Foam tape
Double-sided tape with a foam core, used to mount and bond parts with gaps, vibration or thermal movement.
Transfer tape
A layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive on a release liner with no carrier, which transfers entirely to the part.