How to Use Contact Cement

Contact cement is one of the best bonding agents for long time durability. Once applied, it is nearly impossible to rip apart, because in its wet form it will stick to a variety of surfaces, and in it’s tacky to dry form it will stick only to other layers of contact cement. It’s great for countertops, attaching baseboards to places where nails or screws are impossible, installing laminate, and more. You can even reattach things like rubber pieces that sometimes wear on a vehicle. Contact cement will nearly do it all.

Things You'll Need

• Contact cement
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Clear the surfaces you seek to cement of any sort of sediment that could compromise a tight bond. Sandy surfaces will be tough, if not impossible, to bond.

2. Stir your can of contact cement very thoroughly before proceeding further. This will insure that the various chemicals in the contact cement don’t separate over time, rendering your bond nearly useless.

3. Using a paint brush, paint both the surface being applied and the surface to which you are bonding. It is important to get full coverage with generous, but not overly “gloopy” brush strokes.

4. Set a timer for 45 minutes and walk away without fastening the two surfaces.

5. Attach the two items being joined. Once both surfaces are mostly dry, and tacky to the touch, then very carefully line the two pieces together and press them together. Be careful though. Contact cement bonds instantly so moving it or sliding it will be near impossible. This is very finicky bond and most be respected for its instant bonding properties.

6. Using soapy water, wash away the residue left from using the contact cement. You will especially find the edges to be a bit more goopy than desired. Wipe it away before it cures.

7. Once you finish bonding the desired items, allow the pieces to sit, untouched for a minimum of 24 hours before allowing the items to get wet, if at all.