Applying Liquid Adhesive to Your Skin Base or Poly Perimeter

If you are using a liquid adhesive for your attachment, and have a skin base or poly perimeter, you can apply the adhesive directly to the base. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions for applying liquid adhesive to your base correctly, including how to dry the adhesive between layers.

For information on applying adhesive to a thin skin system, please see Applying FusionBond Adhesive to Thin Skin.

Before you get started

Warning: Regardless of what the instructions say, do not apply liquid adhesive directly to a lace base. The adhesive will seep through the lace and into the hair, making cleanup very difficult. However, we recommend that you do apply liquid adhesive to skin bases or poly perimeters. For any areas of your base that are lace, apply liquid adhesive only to your scalp.

Liquid adhesive should only be applied directly to skin bases or poly perimeters. For a much easier cleanup, we recommend applying a layer of red liner tape to the base, and applying your liquid adhesive on top of that.

When trying a new adhesive, we suggest applying the same number of layers to the base as you do to your scalp. So, if you apply two layers of liquid adhesive to your scalp, start by applying two thin layers to the base. You can adjust the number of layers as you gain experience with the product.

Most adhesives are pressure sensitive and require applying adhesive to both your scalp and the base. However, some adhesives, like ProTouch FusionBond, do not require you to do so. Follow the instructions provided on the bottle to determine if you need to apply it on both surfaces.

Supplies

• Liquid adhesive of choice
• Applicator of choice (i.e. eyeshadow applicator, makeup wedges, craft brush or finger)
• Styrofoam head with T-pins and mount
• ProTouch Adjust A-Bond
• Lint-free cotton cloth
• Additional items you may need
• Fine-tooth comb
• Blow dryer

Step 1: Secure your system

Pin your clean hair system to a Styrofoam head with the underside of the base facing up. Do not pin areas where you will be applying adhesive.

Step 2: Apply red liner tape (Optional)

Apply a layer of red liner tape to the areas on which you intend to apply liquid adhesive. This step is optional but will aid tremendously in cleanup later. However, adding red liner tape will create a thicker edge around the system. That said, the adhesive will break down on the tape instead of the base. Then, when cleaning your system, you can easily remove the tape and throw it away, and not have to scrub adhesive off of the base. For instructions on applying tape, see Applying Tape to Your Hair System Base.

Step 3: Apply the liquid adhesive

Adhesive layers must be applied in thin and even layers. Spreading the adhesive on in thick layers will increase drying time and make cleaning the hair system much more difficult when you remove it. Also, applying too much adhesive could cause the system to not bond properly.

To begin, apply a thin and even layer of liquid adhesive on top of the red liner tape, or directly to the skin or poly areas of your base. Spread the adhesive all the way to the very edge of the system, leaving no gaps.

Keep some Adjust A-Bond and a lint-free cotton cloth close by to clean your fingers with if they get too sticky. Also, if you get adhesive in your growing hair at any point, spray on some Adjust-A-Bond and try to work the adhesive out with your fingers or a fine-tooth comb.

Wait for the first layer to dry completely. If it’s white, it will dry clear. Regardless of whether you’re using white or clear adhesive, when it’s dry, the adhesive will be slightly tacky to the touch, but it should not be wet and sticky. Try not to touch the adhesive too much when checking to see if it’s dry. The adhesive must be completely dry before attaching your hair system.

Step 4: Apply additional layers

Add the second layer of adhesive on top of the first.

Be sure to spread the adhesive thinly and evenly and allow it to dry completely. If necessary, you may then add a third or fourth layer of adhesive, but be sure to allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Please note that white liquid adhesives become clear when they are dry. Allow all layers of adhesive to dry thoroughly — most likely for 10 minutes or more. The adhesive should feel slightly tacky, but not wet.

You may use a blow dryer on the cool setting to expedite the drying process between layers.

Remember that you should apply liquid adhesives to your hair system in multiple thin layers, rather than fewer thicker layers. Thin layers dry more easily and quickly, and prevent the adhesive from seeping through the base into your hair after you attach the system.

Spreading the adhesive on in thick layers will increase dry time considerably, and will also make cleaning the hair system much more difficult when you remove it. In addition, applying too much adhesive could cause the system to not bond properly.