Durable adhesive bonds of composite laminates can be obtained reliably only through proper selection and careful control of the materials used and the steps in the bonding process. The preparation of the composite laminates to obtain surfaces with appropriate characteristics is a critical step. Improper surface preparation can produce seemingly acceptable bonds that can degrade rapidly with time. This practice describes how properly prepared surfaces can be obtained.

The formation of reproducible, durable, adhesive bonds in structural units requires great care in the selection of materials, the preparation of the surfaces of the parts to be bonded, the fit of parts, and the performance of the steps in the bonding process. Experience has shown that adhesive bonding carried out in accordance with this practice produces reproducible bonds.