Frequently Asked Questions About VELCRO® Brand Products

What is “Velcro”?

What is hook and loop?

What is a hook and loop fastener and hook and loop tape?

Can I just buy the hook?

How is hook and loop tape attached?

How do we decide which adhesive will work best for our project?

How do I use the VELCRO® Brand Adhesive for Plastics?

How do I remove the adhesive residue?

My hook is all clogged up with little pieces of stuff. How do I clean it?

I have a retail product (including “Industrial-Strength”). Is it available in larger quantities or bigger rolls than I found in the store?

Can I get custom-made straps or cut pieces of hook and loop?

How can we purchase VELCRO® Brand products?

Can we purchase on-line?

I need something that does not seem to be in your product guides or on your web site.

I need certification (ROHs, Reach, Mil-Spec, Fire Retardant, phthalates, FDA, etc.), an MSDS, or other documentation on VELCRO® Brand product.

I am looking for a particular business product information guide. Where is it on your web site?

Q. What is “Velcro”?

A. Velcro is not a physical product. “Velcro” is actually the name of a group of companies (including Velcro USA Inc) that manufactures a wide range of products. It’s also the brand name used to describe our products, for example, VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners or VELCRO® Brand memo boards.

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Q. What is hook and loop?

A. Hook and loop is a fastener closure system. The rough side is called hook. Its softer mate is called loop. The hooks engage into the loop and provide the closure mechanism. There are many forms and combinations of hook and loop as well as self-engaging and single-component technologies.

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Q. What is a hook and loop fastener and hook and loop tape?

A. The most common name for VELCRO® Brand hook and loop and other products is hook and loop fasteners. Other names may include hook and loop closures, hook and pile fasteners, or touch fasteners. These fasteners use the hook and loop closure system and are found as tape, dots, ties, and more. Hook and loop tape refers to strips of fabric that use the hook and loop closure system. Other forms, such as dots or squares, are shaped pieces of fabric that use the hook and loop closure system.

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Q. Can I just buy the hook?

A. Yes. While most retail packaging includes both sides for the consumer’s convenience, business products are usually sold separately, so you can buy just one side or more of one side, depending on your application.

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Q. How is hook and loop tape attached to a product?

A. There are a lot of ways to attach VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners to your product, Fabric-backed hook and loop can be sewn to textiles and fabrics. It can be glued to a substrate (surface) using pressure-sensitive or solvent activated backings. It can be welded to itself or another fabric or even RF-sealed or applied using heat-activation. The right choice depends on the application and your requirements.

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Q. How do we decide which adhesive will work best for our project?

A. Choosing the right adhesive depends on your product requirements and manufacturing processes. Velcro Industries offers more than 50 years of expertise in adhesive formulation and application. For an overview of VELCRO® Brand adhesives for manufacturing, download our Adhesive Guide or talk to an expert.

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Q. How do I use the VELCRO® Brand Adhesive for Plastics?

A. VELCRO® Brand Glue On Adhesive permanently bonds to a variety of porous and non-porous materials, including PVC, plastics, rubber, and leather.

Instructions: 1. Clean and dry surface before application. 2. Apply a thin, even coat to surface & press firmly. 3. Adhesive reaches maximum strength after 24 hours. Note: Use only in a well ventilated area. Keep away from flames, such as a pilot light, and any object that sparks. Keep out of reach of children.

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Q. How do I remove the adhesive residue?

A. We recommend a citrus-based cleaner. There are several commercially available, as well as a product called Goo Gone® from Magic American Corporation of Cleveland, OH. For thick adhesive, you may need some elbow grease to get the residue off. We advise that you spot-test any remover before using and always clean off the surface after using any cleaner.

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Q. My hook is clogged up with little pieces of stuff. How do I clean it?

A. Cleaning debris out of the hooks is similar to cleaning hairbrushes – and using a stiff brush or another piece of hook are the best methods. It can take some effort – after all, the hooks in the tape are made to grab! The optimal solution is prevention: the hook portion should be covered at all times, so it does not grab onto anything it should not – like a blanket or hair. Always engage the hook and loop before washing to prevent the hook from picking up lint.

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Q: Are VELCRO® Brand retail products available in larger quantities or bigger rolls than I can find in the store?

A: Yes. Please let us know the product type and part number of the product. The part number can be found on the back of the packaging beginning with a “9”. We can cross-reference the number to the latest business equivalent and let you know the best way to purchase it.

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Q. Can I get custom-made straps or cut pieces of hook and loop?

A. Yes. Velcro Industries offer many converting capabilities, from converted components and sub-assemblies to complete, finished goods. In addition, some of our authorized distributors can produce cut pieces and straps on a quick turn-around timeframe. Please talk to an expert to determine the best way to meet your requirements.

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Q. How can we purchase VELCRO® Brand products?

A. Consumer products can be purchased through our Retail Partners. In addition to direct sales through our Velcro offices, we maintain a network of authorized distributors that can provide regional service and, in some cases, faster turnaround times for bulk or large business purchases. Talk to a Velcro Industries expert or submit an online information request for assistance in determining the best way to purchase our products.

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Q. Can we purchase products on-line?

A. The Velcro Industries products are available to purchase at our retail partners. For bulk or business orders, you can find authorized distributors that do provide online ordering capability.

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Q. I need something that does not seem to be in your product guides or on your website.

A. Our guides cover many of our popular lines but may not encompass all the possibilities and capabilities of our products. Talk to a Velcro Industries expert to review your requirements and specifications, including substrate (surface) and application and we will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. You can also submit an online information request.

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Q. Where do I go for certification (ROHs, Reach, Mil-Spec, Fire Retardant, phthalates, FDA, etc.), an MSDS, or other documentation on a VELCRO® Brand product.

A. If you did not purchase this product directly from a Velcro company, please contact your supplier to obtain this information. They may already have it on file or they can request it from us. If you did purchase from a Velcro company. please contact your sales office.

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Q. I am looking for a particular business product information guide. Where can I find it on your web site?

A. Guides can be downloaded from the Industry or Product pages on the website. In some cases, a single guide will cover multiple products within a category. If you don’t see a guide, or want particular information about a product or industry, please call customer service at 1-800-225-0180 or submit an online information request.

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