Alpha Paste

Description:                 Alpha Paste is a low viscosity, cold water soluble, polysaccharide polymer, designed to be used as an adhesive paste for outdoor poster advertising.

Application:                 Alpha Paste is formulated to be a shear thinning liquid: that is, it is similar to "non -drip" paints. It flows easily when brushed onto the board, but the viscosity immediately increases to reduce drips and runs.

Alpha Paste's composition allows it to be made up quickly and easily using simple mixing equipment. A motor driven propeller stirrer operating at 1000rpm will give best results in a large mixing tank, but a mixing coil or bar attached to an electric drill is acceptable for small batches.

Alpha Paste contains enough antifreeze to allow it to be used at temperatures down to -2/-3 ^oC. Below this temperature please consider adding additional antifreeze.

Alpha Paste will not blister paintwork on the board surround.

Preparation method :

1)  Mix Alpha Paste powder with water in the ratio of  between 1: 20 and 1 : 25 by weight  -  that is,

1 kg (1.5 litres) of  powder to between 20kg (20 litres) or 25kg (25 litres) of cold water.

(1:20Þ1:23 ratios are recommended for winter/wet weather usage; 1:23Þ1:25 ratios are recommended for summer usage and will give a longer "open time" on dry, sun-warmed boards)

Whatever the size of your mixing tank, it is better to ½ fill the tank with water (at least to above the level of the propellor blade) then add the powder to the vortex whilst stirring. The tank can then be topped up with more water to the final level. Continue stirring, until the powder is fully dissolved. This may take 20 - 30 minutes depending on the level of agitation available.

You can't overmix this paste. The longer and harder you mix it, the better it will be!

2) Let the mixture stand for at least ½ an hour to allow the polymer to hydrate fully, before mixing again for a few minutes. The glue is then ready for use.

3)  Now is the time to mix in any additives you require, such as StickyStuff for extra adhesion on special board surfaces.

If you need your mixing tank calibrated, please ask!  We provide this service free of charge.

Caution :             1) Be careful to keep to the recommended mixing ratios!  Alpha Paste is formulated to give the optimum thickness and adhesion at these levels. If you do not add enough Alpha Paste to the water, you run the risk of reduced adhesion, and posters falling off the boards in adverse weather conditions!

            The viscosity (thickness) of all polymer solutions is temperature dependent so the paste will seem thicker in cold winter conditions than it does at summer temperatures.

2) In common with other poster pastes,  Alpha Paste contains a biocide to prolong the life of the mixed paste. It is good industrial hygiene practice to wash paste splashes off skin and clothes as soon as possible.

Packaging :                 Alpha Paste is available in 20kg paper sacks on 500kg or 1000kg pallets.

Safety :                        Alpha Paste is derived from managed renewable resources, and is characterised by a low order of toxicity. A detailed safety data sheet is available separately.