When should you use Cannister Adhesive over Bulk Adhesive?

Shops are changing, labor availability is changing, and regulations are changing. It can be tough to keep up!  One of the benefits of using canister glue over bulk adhesives is the flexibility of canisters with shop volume and labor changes. Canisters have effective coverage, can be recycled, are cost-effective, and can be a convenient choice for shops of all sizes.  

Let’s talk Coverage - Generally, a canister provides approximately 80 square feet of coverage per pound of adhesive, while a drum provides about 125 square feet per gallon. Specifically:

• 55-Gallon Drum: Covers approximately 6,875 square feet.
• Large Canister (27 lb - 38 lb): Covers between 2,160 and 3,040 square feet.
• Intermediate Canister (130 lb - 190 lb): Covers between 10,400 and 15,200 square feet.
• Jumbo Canister (270 lb - 375 lb): Covers between 21,600 and 30,000 square feet.

But Won’t Cannisters Create More Waste? Actually, when using the Intermediate and Jumbo size, canisters are recycled and reused, making them more environmentally friendly and a sustainable choice. This is a Key Green Initiative for Direct Supply – It’s important for us to do whatever we can to reduce the waste we create and lower our environmental footprint. 

Returnable canisters support our sustainability efforts and is easy! Just let us know how many canisters are ready for pick up, and Direct Supply will pick up upon your next delivery. This service is provided at no charge.

Cost-Effectiveness of Cannisters - The cost of equipment for canisters is significantly lower than equipment needed for bulk spraying systems. Typical bulk system components, such as pressure pots, hoses, and guns, cost around $1,500, whereas canister equipment is available for a few hundred dollars. However, if your shop is large and has multiple adhesive spraying stations, bulk adhesives with a full spray system may be a better option.  

Additional Benefits of Spray Canisters 

1. Reduced Tripping Hazards: Bulk systems require both an air line and a glue line, increasing the risk of tripping. Canisters utilize only a single hose, reducing potential hazards.
2. Simplified Cleaning: Cleaning requirements are minimized with canisters. Only the spray gun tip needs to be cleaned, whereas bulk systems require regular cleaning of the air line, glue hoses, pressure pots, and drum pump.
3. Consistency and Quality of a Uniform Spray Pattern: Canisters ensure a consistent spray pattern with every use, including after extended breaks, unlike bulk systems where the adhesive may settle and affect performance.
4. Operational Efficiency
   • Reduced Air Compression Use: Canisters require less air compression, improving operational efficiency.
   • No Gun Rebuilding: Canisters eliminate the need for rebuilding guns.
   • No End-of-Week Maintenance: Avoid the end-of-week routine of cleaning pots and systems.

Additional Considerations

• Product Variability: Adhesive products may vary regarding canister capacity and weight. The weight specified refers to the adhesive content, not the total weight of the canister. Pre-pressurized canisters contain more rubber and less solvent, increasing coverage efficiency. Coverage calculations are based on applying adhesive to both sides of the surface.
• Disclaimer: Some estimations are generalized and are based on Nevamar Adhesives Data. Data may vary depending on your adhesive. Contact us to learn more about our adhesive program and schedule a review. 

Direct Supply is an authorized distributor of Choice Brands Adhesive, Hybond Adhesives and Nevamar Adhesives manufactured by NewStar Adhesives. Within our laminating and assembly glue offering, we have wood glues, assembly adhesives, nip-and-stack adhesives, water-based adhesives, California-compliant adhesives,  low VOC adhesives, traditional bulk and spray adhesives, and more.  Our focus as a distributor is creating and developing programs that help shops of all sizes succeed and tailor them to what matters to you. 

Contact us to set up a review of your adhesive program. We would love to see if we can provide some added value into your laminating operations.