Product
3M 3M Industrial Adhesive 4550
Sprayable synthetic-elastomer adhesive documented for lightweight cork-to-metal bonding.
This is spray adhesive, so everything true of that chemistry applies here too.
Specification
- Form
- Liquid
- Working time
- 5 minutes
- Full cure
- 24 hours
- Fills gaps up to
- 0 mm
- Full cure time
- 24.0000 hours (3M state that bond strength increases over a period of 24 hours; they do not state a time to full cure) Manufacturer verified
- Hazard statement
- Flash point -29 °C (-20 °F). Solvent-based sprayable adhesive; handle and spray only with adequate ventilation and away from ignition sources. (Flash point is from the TDS properties table; consult the 3M safety data sheet for the full hazard classification) Manufacturer verified
- Shelf life
- 18.0000 months (Current June 2024 TDS. The superseded February 2015 TDS stated six months from date of shipment; the current figure is the one recorded) Manufacturer verified
- Manufacturer substrate wording
- 3M™ Industrial Adhesive 4550 is a sprayable, synthetic elastomer based adhesive for bonding many lightweight materials such as felt, cork, cardboard, and paper to metal and other substrates. (The word 'lightweight' is part of the manufacturer's scope and should not be dropped) Manufacturer verified
What it bonds
Where the manufacturer names a material, we quote them. Where we have assessed it ourselves, we say so and grade it lower. The two are never merged.
| Material | Basis | Manufacturer wording |
|---|---|---|
| Cork | Listed by the manufacturer A | “cork ... to metal and other substrates” |
| Aluminium | Implied by the manufacturer B | “3M™ Industrial Adhesive 4550 is a sprayable, synthetic elastomer based adhesive for bonding many lightweight materials such as felt, cork, cardboard, and paper to metal and other substrates.” |
| Fabric | Implied by the manufacturer B | “3M™ Industrial Adhesive 4550 is a sprayable, synthetic elastomer based adhesive for bonding many lightweight materials such as felt, cork, cardboard, and paper to metal and other substrates.” |
| Galvanised steel | Implied by the manufacturer A | “180° peel adhesion measured at 192 oz/in on cotton duck bonded to galvanized steel (tested at 49°C after 72-hour dwell)” |
| Cast iron | Our assessment: suitable C | Cast iron falls within metal, but the TDS does not name cast iron or oil-soaked castings; suitability is conditional on cleaning, rust removal, geometry, and a coupon test. Abrade first |
Preparation
Both surfaces must be clean, dry, and dust-free. Remove oil before bonding and test any cleaner against the actual cork finish.
Limitations
Documented for lightweight materials only. The TDS states no service temperature range and makes no water, moisture or weathering claim. Highly flammable, flash point -29 C. Sold as US industrial bulk; no UK retail availability found.
Sources
- 3M Industrial Adhesive 4550 Technical Data, February 2015 (TDS vFebruary 2015)
- Technical Data Sheet 3M Industrial Adhesive 4550 (TDS vJune 2024)
Last reviewed 8 October 2026.