Acetone Activated Aluminium Asset Tags

Acetone-activated asset tags use an adhesive that stays inactive until you apply acetone to it. Once activated, it softens, wets into the surface and cures into a permanent bond, on metal, painted surfaces, wood and many plastics where ordinary stickers peel. We supply acetone-activated aluminium asset tags from our Nairobi workshop, printed with your logo, numbers and barcode or QR code.

How acetone-activated adhesive works

The back of the tag carries a dry, heat-cured adhesive layer. Because it is not sticky, tags can be sorted, handled and positioned without sticking to each other. At the moment of application, a small amount of acetone reactivates the adhesive. Pressed against a clean surface, it flows into the texture and cures to a bond that is much harder to remove than a peel-and-stick label.

Why choose acetone-activated tags

• Permanent bond: suited to fixed assets that must stay tagged for years.
• Works on difficult surfaces: textured, painted, powder-coated and slightly curved surfaces.
• Tamper resistance: removing the tag usually damages it, which shows interference.
• Heat and humidity resistant: suitable for warm workshops, kitchens and outdoor equipment.
• Easy handling: no backing paper to peel and no sticky edges before application.

How to apply acetone-activated asset tags

1. Clean the surface of dust, oil and old labels, and let it dry.
2. Activate the adhesive by wiping or dabbing a small amount of acetone on the back of the tag.
3. Wait a few seconds until the adhesive becomes tacky.
4. Press the tag firmly into position for several seconds, working out from the centre.
5. Leave it to cure without disturbing it; the bond strengthens over the following hours.

Our step-by-step guide on applying acetone-activated asset tags covers surface preparation and common mistakes.

Acetone-activated vs other fixing methods

Unsure which to use? Read acetone-activated vs riveted asset tags.

Surfaces that suit acetone-activated tags

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too much acetone: a light, even coat is enough; flooding the adhesive weakens the bond.
• Applying too soon: wait until the adhesive turns tacky before pressing.
• Dirty surfaces: dust and hand oil are the main cause of weak bonds.
• Cold or wet conditions: apply in dry conditions and let the tag cure before exposure to water.
• Moving the tag after placement: reposition only in the first seconds, then leave it.

Why acetone-activated tags suit Kenyan conditions

Dust, heat, humidity at the coast and frequent cleaning quickly defeat ordinary sticker adhesives. Acetone-activated tags are designed for those conditions, which is why many county governments, schools, hospitals and companies specify them for furniture and equipment registers. Paired with anodized aluminium, the tag and its bond both last for the life of the asset. See what makes aluminium tags durable.

What we print on acetone-activated tags

Your logo, organisation name, a sequential asset number and a barcode or QR code. Designs are proofed for free and every batch is scan-tested before delivery.

Tag sizes

Available in 39 x 13 mm (standard and recommended), 45 x 15 mm, 50 x 20 mm, 50 x 30 mm, 60 x 30 mm, 75 x 40 mm, 80 x 50 mm and 100 x 50 mm. We recommend 39 x 13 mm for most assets and a larger size where the tag carries a big logo or is scanned from a distance.

Order acetone-activated aluminium asset tags

Tell us your quantity, logo and numbering format. We send a free proof, produce the tags in sequence and can include acetone and applicators, or apply the tags for you through our fixed asset tagging service.