Helmitin 38151 H.B. Fuller contact adhesive for non-porous substrates

      What is H.B. Fuller Helmitin 38151 adhesive?

Helmitin 38151 is a water-based contact adhesive based on polychloroprene latex. It is the same chemistry as traditional neoprene adhesives, but dispersed in water instead of a solvent: no VOC, no flammability, and tools that clean up with plain water.

What sets it apart within the range is its tolerance of non-porous substrates. Most water-based adhesives require at least one of the two faces to absorb the water from the joint; this one also takes sheet metal, laminate and polystyrene, which widens its field of use considerably.

It comes as a white dispersion, liquid to medium viscosity, at around 4,000 mPa·s for a density of 1.09 g/cm³. The joint stays flexible, which suits assemblies of materials with differing expansion coefficients. It does not, however, fill gaps: parts must be a close fit. Supplied by Adezif through its H.B. Fuller distribution.

      Which materials can be bonded with Helmitin 38151?

Helmitin 38151 covers both absorbent and closed substrates, which makes it the reference for multi-material assemblies where the two families meet.

• Wood and wood-based panels: plywood, particleboard

• Non-porous substrates: sheet metal, polystyrene

• Interior fit-out: plasterboard, cork

• Flexible materials: polyurethane foam, soft foam, leather, canvas, felt

The recurring use cases are the lamination of decorative panels, the facing of partitions and cabinets in interior fit-out, and the bonding of foams and textiles onto rigid substrates in furniture and vehicle conversion. It works equally well on small, medium and large surfaces.

If the requirement is a clear film rather than an opaque bond, see Helmitin 758/2 in natural latex.

      How to apply Helmitin 38151 with double coating?

Helmitin 38151 is applied by double coating, that is on both faces to be joined, at a total of 180 to 200 g/m². The coating is then left to flash off for 20 to 40 minutes before the parts are brought into contact.

The visual cue is the one common to all dispersions: the adhesive loses its milky appearance and turns translucent. Once that point is reached, the assembly window is wide — up to 8 hours — which leaves time to coat a large part before closing it, where a solvent-based contact adhesive forces you to work fast.

Two points on application. The adhesive does not develop immediate initial strength: the parts must be rolled or pressed firmly and held in position while the bond builds. On highly absorbent substrates a second coat is often needed, the first having been drunk. The product thins with water if required, and tools clean up with water while the adhesive is fresh.

The substrate must be clean, dry and degreased: see surface preparation before bonding, and surface energy and bonding for difficult plastics.

      What are the technical specifications of Helmitin 38151?

Helmitin 38151 is a white polychloroprene latex at 4,000 mPa·s and 1.09 g/cm³, used at 180 to 200 g/m² in double coating, with a flash-off time of 20 to 40 minutes and an assembly window of 8 hours.

<p>Manufacturer values given for guidance and not contractually binding. Sources consulted on 5 November 2026: H.B. Fuller Helmitin 38151 technical data sheet and manufacturer product documentation.</p>