Choosing the Right Integra Seaming Adhesive: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to countertop fabrication and installation, choosing the right seaming adhesive is a crucial step in ensuring the aesthetic value of your projects and to maximize the efficiency of your team. Integra Adhesives are a popular choice because their pre-colored cartridge adhesives eliminate color matching, save time and produce excellent results.
Although the Integra brand is well known to most stone fabricators, many professionals might not be aware of the differences between the various products and when to use each one. We often get asked questions such as:
- What is the difference between XI and Zero?
- Can I use Integra outdoors?
- Will Integra bleed on quartzite?
- Which Integra product should I use?
Integra Adhesives offers a range of formulations tailored to meet the diverse needs of countertop fabrication and installation professionals. In this guide, we’ll delve into the differences between Integra’s four key adhesive formulas:
By understanding each product’s unique features and the applications they are best suited for, countertop installation shops can make informed decisions to ensure optimal project outcomes.
Comparison Chart: Integra Seaming Adhesives At A Glance
This comparison chart provides a quick summary to help you find the right adhesive for your seams and miters..
Formulation | Picture | Brief Description | Surfaces | Applications | Indoor/Outdoor | Value |
Integra Surface Bonder XI | Flowable seaming adhesive | Solid Surface | Seaming Lamination Mitering V-Grooving | Indoor | $ | |
Integra Surface Bonder Zero | No-drip seaming adhesive | Quartz Natural Stone Porcelain Ceramic Sintered Stone | Seaming Vertical Seams Miters | Indoor | $ | |
Integra Surface Bonder Rapid | Rapid-set Seaming Adhesive | Quartz Natural Stone Porcelain Ceramic Sintered Stone | Seaming Vertical Seams Miters | Indoor | $$ | |
Integra Surface Bonder Ultra | Non-yellowing Formula for Outdoor and Quartzites/Marbles | Natural Stone Sintered Stone Porcelain Ceramic | SeamingLamination Vertical Seams Miters | Indoor/Outdoor | $$$ |
Integra Adhesives in Detail
If you’re still looking for more information, we have a full detailed breakdown of each Integra adhesive below including a brief description of best uses and materials.
Integra XI
Integra Surface Bonder XI | Best for: | Outdoor Use | Mix Ratio | Viscosity | Working Time | Fixture Time | Strength (Solid Surface) | Strength (Quartz) |
Solid Surface | No | 10:1 | Flowable | 10-15 min | 20-30 min | 4000-6000 psi | 3000-4000 psi |
- Brief Description: Integra XI is Integra’s classic formulation adhesive specifically designed for acrylic solid surfaces such as Corian®, Meganite®, Avonite™, LX Hausys, Krion®, Staron® and others. Its formula is more suited for solid surface but can also be used on engineered quartz.
- Countertops to Use On: Solid Surface
- Pros: Classic formulation, lower cost, 400+ colors, ideal for solid surface
- Cons: Flowable formulation, Not great for miters (see Integra Zero), Will yellow outdoors (see Integra Ultra)
- Value: $
Integra Zero
Integra Surface Bonder Zero | Best for: | Outdoor Use | Mix Ratio | Viscosity | Working Time | Fixture Time | Strength (Solid Surface) | Strength (Quartz) |
Quartz, Compact Sintered Materials and Natural Stone products | No | 10:1 | Non-sag | 9-14 min | 20-30 min | >4000 psi | >4000 psi |
- Brief Description: Integra Zero is a dripless seaming adhesive formulated with excellent color matching capabilities for stone fabrication.
- Countertops to Use On: Quartz, Natural Stone, Porcelain, Ceramic, Sintered Stone
- Value: $
Integra Zero is the ideal choice for natural and engineered stone if you are looking for a knife-grade like consistency. This formula is the go-to product for stone fabricators looking for ease-of-use and reduced waste. For vertical applications and miters this thixotropic adhesive clings to the surface ensuring that the glue stays exactly where you need it – in the joint!
Integra Rapid
Integra Surface Bonder Rapid | Best for: | Outdoor Use | Mix Ratio | Viscosity | Working Time | Fixture Time | Strength (Solid Surface) | Strength (Quartz) |
Natural Stone, Quartz, Compact Ceramics and Porcelain | No | 10:1 | Non-sag | 4-8 min | 10-16 min | >4000 psi | >4000 psi |
- Brief Description: Integra RAPID is a fast-curing adhesive designed for quick installations. Its rapid cure time allows professionals to complete projects efficiently without compromising on quality. Because it also has a no-drip consistency similar to Integra Zero, many fabricators use Rapid during the cold winter months and Zero during the Summer. Since temperature affects the cure-time of structural adhesives, this method keeps dry times more consistent even in extreme weather.
- Countertops to Use On: Quartz, Natural Stone
- Value: $$
Integra Rapid is perfect for projects where time is of the essence. Whether it’s a tight deadline or a large-scale installation, this adhesive ensures that seams cure quickly and securely, enabling professionals to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget.
Integra Ultra
Integra Surface Bonder Ultra | Best for: | Outdoor Use | Mix Ratio | Viscosity | Working Time | Fixture Time | Strength (Solid Surface) |
Ceramics & Sintered, Natural Stone, Quartz, and Glass | Yes | 2:1 | Non-sag | 9-12 min | 90-110 min | >4000 psi |
- Brief Description: Integra Ultra is a non yellowing, non bleeding, indoor/outdoor adhesive formulated to create nearly invisible seams in extreme conditions. Its superior UV resistance ,makes it an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens.
- Countertops to Use On: Quartz, Natural Stone
- Value: $$$
Integra Ultra sets the standard for indoor/outdoor adhesives, making it the preferred choice for discerning professionals. With the prevalence of delicate stones that are susceptible to staining and bleeding, Integra Ultra is an essential tool to help you avoid costly rework.
Conclusion: Find the Integra Adhesive for your Application
In conclusion, selecting the right seaming adhesive is essential for achieving superior results in countertop installations. Each Integra formulation offers unique features and benefits tailored to meet the diverse needs of professionals in the industry. By understanding the differences between Integra XI, Integra Zero, Integra Rapid, and Integra Ultra, countertop installation shops can confidently choose the right product to ensure seamless and durable seams, ultimately enhancing the quality and longevity of their projects.
Once you’ve found the right Integra seaming adhesive for your next project, make sure to color-match it to your surface using our color match tool. If you need further assistance our team is always available. Get in touch with Chemical Concepts today.
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Integra RapidOur Price Starting at $30.52
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Integra Surface Bonder UltraOur Price Starting at $51.27
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Integra Surface Bonder ZERO Seaming Adhesive – 250ml CartridgeOur Price Starting at $25.49
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Integra Surface Bonder XI Seaming Adhesive – 250ml CartridgeOur Price Starting at $25.49
Corian®, Meganite®, Avonite™, LX Hausys, Krion®, and Staron® are trademarks of their respective companies. This website has no affiliation with Corian®, Meganite®, Avonite™, LX Hausys, Krion®, and Staron®. Product/brand names are used for comparison purposes only.