This paper is a study of the influence of nature of both cations and anions associated with metal salt adhesion promoters and their concentration on the cure kinetics of steel cord skim compound. The presence of an adhesion promoter influences the rate determining step of the curing reaction, the state of cure and the activation energy. The difference in metal ions is dictated by electronic configuration, ionic radii and concentration. The anionic counter part is playing a role by influencing the stability of the complexes followed by direct involvement of the anions in cure reaction.