Arbothane 1245 Adhesive Polyurethane Adhesive

When projects demand a flexible yet durable bond that can withstand movement, weather exposure and demanding environments, polyurethane-based adhesives are often the first choice.

One product that consistently stands out in this category is Arbothane 1245 adhesive, widely used across construction, industrial manufacturing and sealing applications.

If you’re comparing flexible sealants with structural systems, it’s also worth reviewing our Structural Adhesives UK (Trade Edition) guide to understand when flexibility is preferable to rigidity.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Arbothane 1245 is, where it performs best, how it compares in terms of key properties, and how to apply it correctly to achieve long-lasting results.

---

What is Arbothane 1245?

Arbothane 1245 adhesive is a single-component polyurethane adhesive and sealant designed to provide strong adhesion while remaining flexible after cure.

Unlike rigid structural systems such as methacrylates or epoxies, it accommodates movement between bonded substrates. If you’re working with metal substrates and considering a higher-strength alternative, our Best Adhesive for Metal to Metal (UK Guide) explains when rigid bonding systems are more appropriate.

Arbothane 1245 cures by reacting with moisture in the air, forming a tough yet elastic bond that resists cracking, shrinking and debonding over time. Polyurethane adhesives are known for toughness, but they are not always the best option. See our guide comparing hybrid polymer, PU and silicone adhesives.

---

Key benefits of Arbothane 1245

Arbothane 1245 is chosen not for one standout feature, but for its balanced performance:

• Excellent adhesion to construction and industrial materials

• High flexibility for joint movement

• Good resistance to weathering and moisture

• Suitable for both bonding and sealing

• Simple single-component application

For comparison with other flexible bonding systems, see our breakdown of Bostik Simson ISR 70-03 vs 70-08, which explores stiffness levels in elastic sealants.

These characteristics make Arbothane 1245 particularly useful where brittle adhesives or rigid bonding systems would fail.

---

Typical applications

Arbothane 1245 is commonly specified in:

• Bonding panels to metal frames

• Sealing expansion joints

• Flexible bonding of dissimilar materials

• Vibration-damping joints

• Exterior sealing where movement occurs

If bonding rubber materials to metal or composite substrates, you may also find our Bostik 2402 rubber bonding guide useful for comparison.

Because Arbothane 1245 combines adhesive strength with sealant flexibility, it’s often used where two separate products would otherwise be required.

---

Arbothane 1245 properties at a glance

Below is a practical overview of how Arbothane 1245 performs:

This balance of properties explains why Arbothane 1245 adhesive is frequently specified for projects that demand durability without rigidity.

---

How Arbothane 1245 compares to other adhesive types

While many polyurethane and hybrid sealants exist, Arbothane 1245 sits firmly in the “flexible industrial adhesive” category.

Compared to rigid epoxies, it offers superior movement accommodation.
Compared to contact adhesives, it provides stronger long-term bonding.
Compared to silicone sealants, it delivers greater adhesive strength in bonded assemblies.

If your project requires higher structural strength rather than flexibility, review our guide to structural adhesive bonding vs mechanical fixings to determine if a more rigid system is appropriate.

---

Surface preparation and application tips

As with any adhesive, surface preparation plays a critical role in bond performance.

Surface preparation

• Ensure surfaces are clean, dry and free from grease or dust

• Remove loose coatings or oxidation where possible

• Light abrasion can improve adhesion on smooth substrates

Application guidance

• Apply using a standard cartridge gun

• Tool the adhesive before skin formation

• Allow adequate cure time before loading the joint

Because Arbothane flexible polyurethane cures with moisture, curing times may vary depending on temperature and humidity.

For general background on how polyurethane adhesives cure and perform, this non-competitor reference provides useful technical context:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane

---

When Arbothane polyurethane adhesive is (and isn’t) the right choice

Choose Arbothane 1245 when:

• Movement or vibration is expected

• You need a combined adhesive and sealant

• Outdoor durability is required

• You need to bond low energy plastics such as PP or PE (you can use Permabond TA4611 for this application)

Consider alternatives when:

• Extremely high chemical resistance is needed

• Very high structural load-bearing strength is required

• Ultra-fast handling strength is critical

Understanding these limits helps ensure the product is used in the right context, avoiding premature failures.

---

Where to buy Arbothane Polyurethane Adhesive

If you’re specifying or replacing this product for an upcoming project, you can purchase it directly here:
👉 Buy Arbothane 1245 adhesive

---

Final thoughts

Arbothane flexible polyurethane remains a reliable choice for flexible bonding and sealing applications where durability, elasticity and weather resistance are essential. Its ability to accommodate movement while maintaining adhesion makes it particularly valuable in construction and industrial environments.

As a next step, many users go on to compare Arbothane 1245 with other polyurethane or hybrid sealants once they’ve confirmed performance requirements. For now, understanding its properties and correct application is the best way to achieve consistent, long-term results.