How to Glue Rubber to Belts

Use the correct adhesive to glue rubber to your belt.

Gluing rubber to belts must be accomplished by using an adhesive intended for gluing rubber to whatever material the belt is made of, which could be just about anything. Rubber embellishments, such as decorative shapes purchased at craft stores, can be added to belts to make a unique fashion statement. Whatever your rubber-to-belt need, rest assured there is an appropriate adhesive available to glue the two together.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper intended for use on rubber
• Contact adhesive
• Tire-fixing glue
• Spray adhesive

Instructions

Gluing Rubber to Leather Belts

1. Rub the side of the rubber being adhered to the leather belt with a piece of sandpaper intended for sanding rubber products. Rub in a back-and-forth motion to create texture on the rubber. According to Bicycle Universe, this will form a better bonding surface on the rubber. Also sand the area of the belt where the rubber will be affixed.

2. Apply a contact adhesive intended for adhering rubber to leather onto the back of the rubber. Contact adhesive is available at shoe repair, art supply, craft, grocery, hardware and discount stores.

3. Press the rubber to the leather belt. Hold the rubber in place as recommended by the contact adhesive manufacturer's instructions. According to This to That Glue Advice, some contact adhesives begin bonding within 10 minutes, but many take hours to properly adhere. Allow glue to dry before using the leather belt.

Gluing Rubber to Rubber, PVC or Plastic Belts

1. Sand the rubber on the side to be attached to the rubber, PVC (vinyl) or plastic belt. Lightly sand the area where the rubber will be glued on the belt. Use a back-and-forth motion to create a textured surface for better surface-to-surface bonding.

2. Apply tire-fixing glue to the rubber. According to Bicycle Universe, you should wait about five minutes before pressing the rubber to the belt. If the tire glue is still wet it won't stick to the belt well.

3. Press the rubber onto the belt, firmly holding it in place for at least a minute. Follow the tire-fixing glue's manufacturer's recommendations as to how long you should hold the rubber in order to create a good bond. Allow glue to dry.

Gluing Rubber to Belts Made of Other Material

1. Sand the side of the rubber to be affixed to the belt with sandpaper intended for sanding rubber products. Sand in a back-and-forth motion to create a textured surface on the rubber. Sand the belt area where the rubber will be affixed.

2. Spray the rubber with a spray adhesive intended for gluing rubber to the material of your belt, or apply a contact adhesive to the rubber to be glued to the belt. Note that contact adhesive will seep through fabric or porous materials.

3. Press the rubber to the belt, holding the rubber firmly in place according to the time recommendation on the adhesive's box or container. Allow glue to dry before using the belt.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use adhesives in well-ventilated areas. Avoid allowing adhesives to come in contact with your flesh. According to 3M, contact adhesives used incorrectly may cause reproductive harm and birth defects, skin rashes and reactions, eye irritations and respiratory complications. Always read the manufacturer's instructions for your brand of adhesive and follow them precisely.

References

• Bicycle Universe: How to Fix a Flat Tire
• This to That: Rubber to Leather
• 3M: Material Safety Data Sheet

Resources

• This to That (Glue Advice)