Gluing — Sticking With Direct Mail

The Key Factors
The five key factors of successful remoist glue application are: paper, glue, ink, coatings and atmospheric conditions. Let's take these one at a time:

• Paper. Knowing the characteristics of the paper is important. Remoist glue rests on the surface of enamel stock, yet is able to create a good bond when moisture-activated. Uncoated stock also generally works fine, but will normally require a heavier line of glue, since it is more porous and some will seep into the sheet.
• Glue. Understanding the difference between water-soluble and hot melt glue is important. Ask the bindery which glue it intends on using for the project and why.
• Ink. Generally, remoist glue can be applied over ink with fine results, but problems may occur when activated glue needs to adhere to paper with 100 percent ink coverage. Be safe and plan the artwork so that remoist glue doesn't require adhesion to heavy ink solids.
• Coatings. Remoist glue doesn't adhere to paper coatings such as varnish. If flood varnishing is planned for a sheet, change the design to spot and knock out varnish from where the remoist strip is to be applied and adhered.
• Atmospheric conditions. In high humidity areas, it's essential to apply water-soluble remoist glue in a climate-controlled environment. Regardless of glue type, be safe and include a moisture-absorbing packet in each box. These packets draw moisture out of contained areas and prevent remoist glue from unintentionally bonding.

Even perfectly manufactured remoist glue products sometimes will unintentionally bond inside a hot truck, so all preventative measures should be taken.