Best Overall
1 pt Dap 00271 Weldwood Contact Cement
- Solvent base formula
- 5 cycle freeze-thaw cycle
- Water and weather resistant
- Permanent bond
Most Affordable
Barge All-Purpose TF Cement
- All-purpose adhesive
- Non-flammable formulation
- Value for money
- Waterproof
Multi-Utility
Permatex 25905 Contact Cement
- Quick bonding time
- Multi-utility adhesive
- Instant permanent bond
- Heat and water resistant
Contact cement is a versatile adhesive and works well for many applications and projects creating a strong bond between substrates. This multi-purpose glue comes in various types like water-based contact cement, multi-purpose neoprene rubber adhesive, barge cement, etc.
So, how to choose the best contact cement/contact adhesive that forms sturdy and durable bonds for your particular project? Take a look at our contact cement reviews, and our recommendations for the best contact cement out there currently in the market, and then make an informed decision.
We recommend using 1 pt Dap 00271 Weldwood Contact Cement for its overall performance and strength.
You can choose Barge All-Purpose TF Cement if you are looking for an affordable option.
Choose Permatex 25905 Contact Cement if you are looking for a multi-utility option.
We used numerous contact cement options over a range of applications and projects and compiled a list of the best contact adhesives you can use in your upcoming project.
5 Best Contact Cement To Stock Up On
1 pt Dap 00271 Weldwood Contact Cement
Quick Specs
- Cure time: 15-30 minutes
- Size: 16 Fluid Ounces
- Adhesive Type: neoprene-based contact cement
- Color: Tan
- Compatible Surfaces: Metal, laminate, wood, veneer, carpet(fabrics), leather, plastic
This high-strength and tack contact cement is an excellent option for many petty fixes and repairs, like fixing veneer, laminate, and even carpet repair.
It works well on both porous and non-porous surfaces and the bond formed is pretty sturdy and durable in nature. It has a solvent-based formulation with a 5-cycle freeze-thaw cycle and a flash point of 22° F.
Features
- Solvent base formula
- 5 cycle freeze-thaw cycle
- Quick initial grab and high tack
- Stringently meets all professional requirements
Pros
- Water, chemicals, and heat resistant
- Permanent bond
- No need for temporary fasteners/clamping
- Interior/Exterior use
- Drying time of 15-20 minutes
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
Verdict
We used this amazing contact cement to glue different types of substrates and repair jobs. It did an excellent job at fixing and bonding leather, carpet, plastic surfaces, laminates, and many more. The quick setting time was a bonus and the tack was strong and durable.
3M Fastbond Contact Adhesive 30NF
Quick Specs
- Cure time: 4 hours
- Size: 946 ml
- Adhesive Type: Solvent-Based contact cement
- Color: Neutral
- Compatible Surfaces: Metal, laminate, wood, plywood, canvas, foamed plastics
We found this contact cement option was easily applicable by brush/applicator/roller/spray. It has a high tack and high strength bond. It has a bonding time of 4 hours and good water/heat resistance. It emits a very low odor and has good bonding capabilities with different surfaces.
It can tack both porous and non-porous substrates with a fast-action solution and quick bonding.
Features
- Solvent base formula
- Non-flammable in wet form
- Glue can be applied by brush/spray/roller
- 4 hours of bonding time
Pros
- High strength and tack
- Dries clear
- High temperature resistant
- Low VOC emissions
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Does not work well on drywall or some metal surfaces
Verdict
We used this contact cement to bond laminates, foamed plastics, canvas, and plywood, and loved its strength and tack. It emitted less toxic fumes. It lived up to its high strength and heat resistance capabilities.
Barge All-Purpose TF Cement
Quick Specs
- Cure time: 1-2 minutes
- Size: 2 Fluid Ounces
- Adhesive Type: Neoprene-Based contact cement
- Color: Clear
- Compatible Surfaces: Rubber, metal, glass, cork, leather, weatherstrip, Polyvinyl Chloride
This all-purpose contact cement was surprisingly very multi-utility adhesive that could bond so many different materials and surfaces. You can use it to bond leather, metal, wood, glass, and even rubber. It created a supple, flexible bond that was sturdy and durable too.
The neoprene-based adhesive was great to glue on weather stripping, car doors/windows, and other dissimilar surfaces like cork, glass, and rubber.
Features
- Great to adhere dissimilar surfaces
- All-purpose adhesive
- Non-flammable formulation
- Easy to use
Pros
- Supple and flexible bonds formed
- Waterproof
- Value for money
- Liquid form
- Easy to apply
Cons
- The excess adhesive may be difficult to remove
Verdict
We found this adhesive was best to adhere to rubber, glass, leather, and weatherstrips. It did a fantastic job and the bond formed was supple yet sturdy and durable. It is a good option to keep handy at home or workshop.
Permatex 25905 Contact Cement
Quick Specs
- Cure time: 10 minutes
- Size: 1.92 ounces
- Adhesive Type: Neoprene-Based contact cement
- Color: Factory
- Compatible Surfaces: metal, glass, Vinyl, leather goods, Ceramic, weatherstrips, countertops
A unique, high strength, and multi-utility adhesive that can bond dissimilar materials like rubber to glass, metal, and ceramic with instant bonding capabilities. We particularly liked the fact that this contact cement was also very popular with numerous automotive bonding jobs.
There was no clamping required when we tried to adhere dissimilar materials like leather or vinyl to metal surfaces.
Features
- Quick bonding time
- Multi-utility adhesive
- No clamping required
- Does not require clamping
Pros
- Instant bond
- Heat, corrosion, and water resistant
- Permanent bond
- Perfect consistency
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May not be suitable for vertical surfaces.
Verdict
We found this adhesive was drippy at times in terms of consistency but the bonds and adherence were very good and long-lasting. It is a good choice to keep handy for quick fixes and petty repairs around the house.
BAZIC Contact Cement
Quick Specs
- Cure time: 10 minutes
- Size: 1 Fl oz
- Adhesive Type: Acrylic adhesive/contact cement
- Color: Yellow
- Compatible Surfaces: Rubber, tile, metal, glass, rubber, wood, Ceramic, Formica, plastic
BAZIC Contact Cement is a flexible contact cement/acrylic professional strength glue that is a perfect choice for home improvement projects, repair jobs, and craftwork. It worked well to bond similar and dissimilar surfaces and bonding and sealing high-pressure materials.
We used it on both porous and non-porous substrates and found the bond to be sturdy, permanent, and enduring.
Features
- Works on both porous and non-porous surfaces
- Latex-free adhesive
- Safe for use with children
- Storing the adhesive in a cool dry, dark place can lead to longer shelf-life
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clamping is required only for heavy-duty bonds
- Permanent fast-drying bond
- Variety of applications
- Non-toxic formulation
Cons
- Surfaces need to be cleaned and prepped before use for the best results
- Flammable
Verdict
This adhesive is a safe option and the fact that even children can use it was a bonus. It can bond similar and dissimilar surfaces well and is a good choice for home improvement or petty repairs with a long shelf life. It comes in handy, easy-to-use packaging and a small quantity can go a long way.
Benefits Of Using Contact Cement
– A simplified application process. Just brush or spray and apply a small amount of contact cement on both sides of the surfaces and press in place. Apply the cement to both surfaces and leave it to dry naturally for the best results.
– Quick bonding time. Contact cement has a quick bonding time and cures fully to form a permanent bond with surfaces. The bonding time usually ranges from 15 and 30 minutes.
– Great for bonding dissimilar surfaces. Contact cement can bond to both porous and non-porous substrates efficiently.
– High shear strength. The bonds created by contact cement on varied surfaces are very sturdy and durable. The high tensile strength and effectiveness to bond surfaces with their tack are the USPs of contact cement.
– Versatility. You can use the right adhesive over a multitude of projects and applications. You can use it to bond wood, metal, ceramic, carpets, vinyl, rubber, leather, cardboard, etc.
– Heat and water resistance. Most contact adhesives are heat and water-resistant and good to use for outdoor applications.
– Flexibility. It creates supple, flexible, and repositionable bonds on surfaces. It provides you with a time window for any last-minute adjustments to the surfaces after gluing together.
FAQS – Best Contact Cement
Are contact cement and superglue the same?
No, they are two different types of adhesives. Contact or rubber adhesives are usually non-reactive adhesives that cure naturally via the evaporation process. Super glue on the contrary is a blended synthetic adhesive that is reactive in nature and cured via a chemical reaction.
How long does it take contact cement to cure fully?
The permanent bonds of contact cement created on surfaces can take up to 7 days to cure fully and reach their maximum holding strength. Though the bonding is immediate, you can allow 72 hours of curing time before exposing the bonded substrates to direct sunlight to help speed up the process.
Can you remove contact cement?
You can wipe the surface with a solution of amyl acetate in warm soapy water. The surface may suffer some amount of damage during cleaning, so be wary of the fact and work accordingly.
Is contact cement waterproof?
Any kind of multi-purpose neoprene rubber adhesive/ contact cement is waterproof. They are also usually heat and weather resistant. Contact cement being waterproof can be used in water-prone areas efficiently.
Is contact cement safe on the skin?
If contact cement comes in contact with the skin, it may cause irritation and damage as it is chemically formulated. The vapors are also toxic in nature and all necessary precautions should be taken when using contact cement.
Pick Out The Best Contact Cement For Your Upcoming Project Like A Pro
Now that you have our recommendations for the best contact cement for your upcoming project, make an informed decision and choose one that will make your toil and effort a breeze.
We recommend using 1 pt Dap 00271 Weldwood Contact Cement for its overall performance and strength and durability capabilities to bond without sacrificing performance strength.
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