Tack Coat

Tack coat is a thin application of bitumen emulsion used to promote adhesion between an existing surface and a new asphalt layer or surface treatment. It helps create a reliable bond so the new layer performs under traffic loading.

The emulsion is sprayed evenly onto a prepared surface before laying proceeds. Application rate and timing matter, as excess or insufficient tack can reduce bond quality.

Tack coat is widely used within highways and road maintenance services, and it is commonly applied using spray tanker services on larger programmes.