If you’re wondering how to use contact cement glue, keep reading. Our easy-to-follow guide has everything you need to know about this heavy-duty adhesive that’s great for DIY projects big and small.
Contact cement – also referred to as contact adhesive or contact glue – is a versatile, traditionally rubber-based adhesive renowned for its robust and permanent bonding capacity across a great range of materials. Using contact cement is particularly effective for use on non-porous surfaces.Â
Contact cement is available in various formulations tailored for specific projects, but they generally fall into two categories: solvent and water-based. Solvent-based variants emit vapours that can be a bit smelly, which means you’ll need to work in well-ventilated spaces. On the flip side, water-based products emit less odour.
Contact cement is good for a variety of projects, from heavy-duty tasks like laminate flooring or countertop installation to simple repairs as small as fixing a shoe.
Something to keep in mind when choosing a contact cement is the quantity and frequency that you’ll be using it. For example, large buckets of contact cement are great for substantial DIY projects but may dry out if stored too long. When using contact cement for quick fixes or isolated repairs, we recommend opting for smaller product tubes like UniBond’s Contact Gel Adhesive.
There are some things to consider when thinking about how to apply contact cement. It’s a relatively straightforward process, however, application techniques differ from typical superglues and other adhesives.
When using contact cement, you’ll need to apply it to both surfaces and allow time for the adhesive to dry and become tacky before joining the parts together. But regardless of the contact cement product you choose, the application method remains more or less the same. Here's how to use it:
- Prepare a well-ventilated work area (especially if you’re using contact cement that’s solvent-based).
- Clean and dry both surfaces you’re working with.
- Roughen any smooth surfaces using sandpaper. This will improve the adhesion of the contact cement.
- Apply a thin layer of contact cement to both surfaces using a brush.
- Wait 15 minutes for the adhesive to become tacky (the time this takes will vary – make sure you refer to manufacturer instructions).
- Press parts together firmly. If you’re applying contact cement to laminate panels, use a rubber roller.
- Leave to cure for at least 2 hours. Note: It cannot be repositioned once applied.
