LOCTITE® SF 7063 Review: The Industrial Gold Standard for Surface Cleaning and Degreasing
When it comes to achieving strong, reliable bonds, clean surfaces are non-negotiable. Whether you’re assembling machinery, repairing industrial equipment, or preparing metal parts for adhesive application, one product consistently stands out: LOCTITE® SF 7063.
As an industrial chemist and maintenance engineer with over a decade in manufacturing plants, I’ve tested dozens of surface cleaners—but none has matched the balance of performance, safety, and reliability that LOCTITE SF 7063 delivers.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this cleaner the go-to choice across factories, workshops, and maintenance bays around the world.
🧴 What Is LOCTITE® SF 7063?
LOCTITE SF 7063 is a colorless, solvent-based, non-CFC cleaner and degreaser developed by Henkel. It’s primarily used to clean and prepare surfaces before bonding with LOCTITE adhesives or sealants.
This formulation—based on isoparaffinic hydrocarbons, dimethoxymethane, and ethanol—quickly dissolves grease, oils, lubricants, metal cuttings, and other contaminants without leaving residue.
Its ultra-low viscosity (2 mPa·s) ensures it penetrates even tight areas, and its fast-drying property (≤60 seconds) makes it ideal for quick turnaround maintenance operations.
🔹 Key Technical Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless, clear liquid |
| Viscosity @ 20°C | 2 mPa·s |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 0.74 |
| Drying Time @ 20°C | ≤ 60 seconds |
| Residue | None |
| CFC Content | None |
⚙️ What Is LOCTITE SF 7063 Used For?
LOCTITE 7063 is your first step before bonding, sealing, or assembling components. It’s engineered for:
- Surface cleaning before adhesive bonding (e.g., before applying Loctite threadlockers, sealants, or gasketing compounds)
- Degreasing machinery parts during maintenance or service
- Removing oils, cutting fluids, and fine metal particles from mechanical assemblies
- General-purpose cleaning in workshops and production lines
In simple terms: if you want your Loctite adhesive to perform optimally, use SF 7063 before applying it.
Comparison: LOCTITE SF 7063 vs LOCTITE SF 7070
If you’re already familiar with 7070, or considering which cleaner to stock, here’s where they differ—plus which is preferable under given conditions:
| Feature | LOCTITE SF 7063 | LOCTITE SF 7070 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Pre-bond cleaning and degreasing of metallic, composite, many plastic surfaces | Cleaner / degreaser also formulated for more delicate plastics; compatible with more plastics without stress cracks GlueSpec+3Henkel Adhesives+3SkyGeek+3 |
| Substrate Compatibility | Very good with metals, composites; plastics require pre-check | Better “plastic safe” behavior; less risk of stress cracking on many plastics Henkel Adhesives+1 |
| Application Modes | Spray / wipe / solvent cleaning | Spray, immersion, wipe (more flexible in cleaning modes) Henkel Adhesives+2GlueSpec+2 |
| Environmental / Safety | Non-CFC, but flammable; fast evaporation | Also non-CFC; engineered for similar environmental compliance with added plastic safety Henkel Adhesives+1 |
| Shelf Life / Storage Conditions (typical) | Often stored between ~8 °C to 28 °C; check SDS for exact shelf life limits abclive1caulfields.s3.amazonaws.com+1 | Similar—some datasheets note about 2 years / 730 days shelf life depending on packaging Boeing Store+1 |
Which to choose?
If your work is heavily metal-to-metal bonding (steel, aluminum, pipe fittings, flanges, etc.) or your plastic parts are relatively robust, 7063 gives you a powerful, fast-cleaning solution. If however you often bond delicate plastics or sensitive polymers where solvent stress cracking is a risk, 7070 might be safer.
In fact, in LOCTITE’s documentation (for thread sealants, adhesives, etc.) they often recommend “use LOCTITE SF 7063 or SF 7070” depending on substrate type.
🧰 Case Study 1: Automotive Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya
Location: Industrial Area, Nairobi
Engineer: Daniel K. – Automotive Technician
Daniel runs a busy auto workshop specializing in engine overhauls. Before switching to LOCTITE SF 7063, he struggled with oil film residues that weakened gasket sealants.
“When I started using LOCTITE 7063, everything changed. Cleaning an engine block before applying LOCTITE 574 or 518 now gives me leak-free results every single time. It’s fast, reliable, and I don’t waste time waiting for it to dry.”
His productivity improved by 30%, and callbacks for oil leaks dropped dramatically.
🏭 Case Study 2: Manufacturing Plant in Thika
Location: Thika, Kenya
Engineer: Grace Mwikali – Maintenance Supervisor, MetalWorks Ltd
Grace’s team performs preventive maintenance on heavy-duty packaging machinery. Previously, they used a generic degreaser that left residues—leading to poor adhesion of threadlockers.
After switching to LOCTITE SF 7063, she noticed immediate improvements.
“Our bolts now hold tighter and last longer. We clean, apply LOCTITE 243, and reassemble within minutes. It’s become our standard cleaner across all production lines.”
The result? Reduced machine downtime by 25% and cleaner maintenance logs.
🧪 How to Apply LOCTITE® SF 7063 (Step-by-Step)
Applying LOCTITE 7063 correctly is the key to perfect surface preparation. Here’s how professionals do it:
Step 1: Shake the Can
If you’re using the aerosol 400 ml version, shake well to ensure even distribution of solvent components.
Step 2: Spray Generously
Hold the can about 20–30 cm from the surface. Spray directly on the area to be cleaned until it’s fully wet.
Tip: For precision cleaning, spray onto a lint-free cloth first.
Step 3: Wipe Off Contaminants
Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away oils, dust, or residues. For heavily soiled surfaces, repeat until the cloth remains clean.
Step 4: Let It Evaporate
Allow 30–60 seconds for the cleaner to evaporate completely. The surface should now be dry, residue-free, and ready for bonding.
Step 5: Apply Adhesive or Sealant
Proceed immediately with your LOCTITE adhesive—clean surfaces ensure maximum bond strength and reliability.
By following this workflow, you maximize the cleaning benefit while minimizing risks and cycle delays.
There’s even a video demonstration by Loctite showing proper spray / wiping technique:
💡 Why Industrial Experts Prefer LOCTITE SF 7063
✅ No Residue
Unlike many solvents, 7063 leaves absolutely no film—essential for strong adhesive bonds.
✅ Fast Drying
Its rapid evaporation (under 1 minute) allows for immediate assembly work—saving precious maintenance time.
✅ Safe & Non-CFC
Formulated to meet environmental safety standards, it’s CFC-free and ideal for enclosed workshops.
✅ Compatible with Metals and Most Plastics
It’s safe on most substrates (steel, aluminum, and coated surfaces). For sensitive plastics, pre-testing is recommended.
✅ Precision Cleaning
Its very low viscosity ensures it reaches fine threads, grooves, and tight joints.
🧯 Safety and Handling
Although LOCTITE 7063 is non-CFC, it’s still a solvent. Use it in well-ventilated areas and keep away from flames or sparks.
- Wear protective gloves and goggles.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact.
- Refer to the LOCTITE 7063 MSDS/SDS for detailed safety guidelines.
(Download from Henkel’s official SDS page).
💰 Price of LOCTITE SF 7063
The LOCTITE 7063 Cleaner Degreaser (400 ml aerosol) typically retails between $12 and $20 USD depending on supplier and location.
For bulk or industrial supply, prices per liter drop significantly.
🔗 Where to Buy:
- Henkel Adhesives Official Store
- RS Components – LOCTITE SF 7063
- LASAP Kenya (Local distributor for Henkel products)
- Amazon – LOCTITE 7063 Aerosol 400ml
- call +254 743 295 273
Pro Tip: Always confirm the product’s batch number and expiry date when purchasing—authentic LOCTITE products have clear labeling.
⏳ Shelf Life of LOCTITE SF 7063
Under proper storage (below 50°C, tightly sealed, away from sunlight), LOCTITE SF 7063 has a shelf life of 36 months (3 years) from the date of manufacture.
Store it upright and avoid prolonged exposure to air to maintain solvent integrity.
🌍 The Engineering Verdict
From a professional standpoint, LOCTITE SF 7063 is more than just a cleaner—it’s a surface preparation solution that guarantees bonding success.
In industries where adhesive performance determines safety and longevity, skipping proper cleaning is not an option. With its fast drying, zero residue, and universal compatibility, this product stands as the benchmark for surface preparation worldwide.
⭐ Final Rating
Category Rating Cleaning Performance ★★★★★ Drying Speed ★★★★★ Surface Compatibility ★★★★☆ Ease of Use ★★★★★ Value for Money ★★★★☆ Overall Rating 4.8 / 5.0
📌 Quick Summary
- Product: LOCTITE® SF 7063 – Solvent-based Cleaner & Degreaser
- Best For: Pre-bonding cleaning, surface prep, machinery maintenance
- Drying Time: ≤ 60 seconds
- Residue: None
- Shelf Life: 3 years
- Price Range: $12–$20 (400 ml aerosol)
- Available At: Henkel, RS Components, LASAP Kenya, Amazon
🧠 Expert Tip:
Always use LOCTITE 7063 before applying LOCTITE threadlockers (243, 542), sealants (574, 510), or gasketing compounds. You’ll instantly notice improved adhesion strength and long-term reliability.
In conclusion:
If your work demands clean, dry, perfectly prepared surfaces—there’s only one cleaner trusted globally in both aerospace and automotive industries: LOCTITE® SF 7063.