Types of self-adhesive bumpers and glides

Self-adhesive bumpers and pads are small, often flexible accessories used to protect surfaces, reduce noise, absorb impact, and provide grip. They’re small, adhesive-backed pieces of material, easy to apply and come in various shapes and sizes. Self-adhesive glides are easy to apply and provide smooth glide action and protect surfaces.  In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different types, covering:

• Self-adhesive bumpers and glides: a closer look
• Benefits of self-adhesive bumpers
• How to use them
• Industries
• Materials

Self-adhesive bumpers and glides: a closer look

Self-adhesive bumpers are typically used as feet, cabinet stoppers, door stops, and surface protectors. They can also be used under audio and electronic equipment. Glides are used of furniture and equipment to make it easier to move or adjust while also protecting the floor beneath. Here are common types from our range:

To learn more about the different types of glides, we urge you to check out our experts’ guide, Glides vs tube inserts.

Benefits of self-adhesive bumpers

Self-adhesive bumper feet are often preferred over screw-in or push-fit options for their ease of application and versatility. They don't require tools, drilling, or modification to the surface, making them perfect for delicate or hard-to-drill materials like glass, plastic, or thin wood. 

They can also be removed or replaced without leaving permanent marks, so they’re a great choice for temporary setups or applications where aesthetics and surface integrity are priorities. If you prefer screw-in or push-fit bumper feet, we can still help.

View our range of rubber bumper feet

You can learn more in our experts’ helpful guide, The benefits of rubber bumper feet.

How to use them

Using self-adhesive bumper feet is quite simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Clean the surface

The surface where you’ll apply the bumper feet must be clean and dry. Use a mild cleaner to prepare the area, and let it dry completely.

2. Peel the backing

Carefully peel off the protective backing from the adhesive side of the bumper foot. Avoid touching the adhesive to ensure a strong bond.

3. Position the bumper

Align the bumper foot with the desired spot. Be precise, as the adhesive can be strong and may not reposition easily once applied.

4. Press firmly

Apply firm, even pressure to the bumper for several seconds to make sure the adhesive bonds well to the surface.

5. Allow time to set

For the best results, let the adhesive cure for a few hours before placing weight or subjecting it to movement.

Tips
●    Use multiple bumper feet for larger items to ensure stability
●    Choose a smooth, flat surface for optimal adhesion
●    Replace if the adhesive weakens over time or if the bumper shows wear

Industries

Self-adhesive bumpers and glides are used across different industries for their protective, anti-slip, and sometimes, noise-dampening characteristics. Here are some examples:

Industry	Application
Electronics & appliances	Protect devices from scratches & impact Used as feet for laptops, monitors, speakers, & small appliances to provide stability and ventilation
Furniture manufacturing	Used on furniture legs, cabinet doors, & drawers to reduce noise and prevent slamming.
Automotive	Cushion & protect vehicle interiors and components Applied to dashboards, panels, or compartments to minimize noise & vibration
Retail and packaging	Protect fragile products during shipping & storage Used as spacers or cushioning pads in packaging for glassware, electronics, or art
Medical and healthcare	Used in medical devices and equipment to prevent slipping or surface damage Cushion sensitive components or stabilize instruments
Consumer goods	Found on decorative items, picture frames, & kitchenware to prevent slipping or surface scratches Used on cutting boards, vases, or coasters

Depending on your application, you might need additional components. Our experts have put together this handy reference, Access Hardware – The Design Engineer's Guide.

Materials

The materials we use offer a range of benefits, including impact resistance, smooth movement, and long-lasting durability. 

Rubber

Rubber is a highly durable and flexible material known for its resilience and ability to absorb impact. Its natural elasticity allows it to withstand deformation and return to its original shape, making it ideal for applications where protection against vibrations and impacts is crucial. Rubber also provides excellent grip, which helps prevent slipping and provides stability to items it is applied to. 

One of its key features is its resistance to tarnishing, scratching, and discoloration, which is why it makes an ideal adhesive. 

Polyurethane (PU)

PU is known for its exceptional durability and flexibility. It combines the benefits of rubber’s impact resistance with enhanced elasticity, allowing it to recover its shape after compression or deformation. PU is resistant to wear and tear, which means it can endure heavy use without losing its effectiveness. It also maintains a good balance between durability and elasticity, providing long-lasting protection while remaining flexible enough to adapt to different surfaces.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is an advanced synthetic polymer known for its exceptional low friction properties. One of its most notable characteristics is its ability to reduce friction significantly, allowing smooth movement across surfaces with minimal resistance. PTFE’s low friction also prevents wear and tear, making it highly resistant to abrasion and ensuring longevity even under continuous use.  

Its non-stick properties also contribute to its ability to glide effortlessly over surfaces – which is why our adhesive glides are made from this material.

Download free CADs

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also ask for free samples so that you can try before you buy. If you’re not quite sure which self-adhsive bumper feet will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you. Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch.

Download free CADs

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.