Cleaning & Pretreatment

Cleaning and pretreatment – the essential prerequisite for strong adhesive bonds

Adhesives in caravan and motorhome manufacturing provide a secure bond between material surfaces, unlike mechanical methods such as screwing. For molecular adhesion between adhesive and substrate to work reliably, bonding surfaces must be clean and free of contaminants.

Impurities such as dust, oil, grease, or release agents can significantly impair adhesion. Therefore, thorough cleaning immediately before bonding is essential. Depending on the type of contamination, mechanical or chemical cleaning methods are used. Selecting the right cleaning agents is crucial – they must leave no residue and must not damage the surface, especially on sensitive materials like plastics or coated surfaces.

Our Cleaning Solutions:

Activator

When bonding and sealing substrates with low surface energy – such as many plastics – adhesive performance can be significantly reduced. Unknown material compositions also pose a risk of insufficient bonding. In such cases, we recommend DEKAVATOR 22 NF, a bonding activator specially developed for pretreating critical surfaces.

DEKAVATOR 22 NF acts as a chemical bridge between the substrate and adhesive, ensuring a strong, durable bond. It also provides moisture protection for outdoor applications. The activator is fast-drying (flash-off time approx. 5–10 minutes), easy to apply, and economical in use.

Suitable for pretreating a wide range of materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, brass, powder-coated and painted metals (compatibility should be tested), ceramic-coated glass, polyester (GRP), and plastics such as ABS and PVC.

Smoothing agent

DEKAFINISHER is a water-based solution specially developed for smoothing MS polymer sealants. It can be applied directly or diluted at a 2:1 ratio (two parts Finisher, one part water). The product enhances the appearance of the sealant surface without washing out color pigments or affecting material properties.

Universal Cleaner

For proper bonding, surfaces must be free from dust, grease, and contaminants—without thorough cleaning, a permanent bond is nearly impossible.

DEKACLEAN ULTRA is designed specifically for these requirements. This powerful surface cleaner removes oils, greases, and other adhesion-reducing substances completely and without residue. Thanks to its fast-drying formula, it is highly efficient and leaves no traces that could interfere with the curing of MS polymer adhesives.


Rely on our expertise and high-quality products to enhance reliability and effectiveness. Our experienced team is here to help you choose the best solutions for your specific requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and equip your vehicles optimally.

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