How to Stick Rubber to Wood

Often times a project will require you to adhere two totally different materials together. This can be tricky, because you need to know what type of glue will work on both materials. An example of this is a project that requires you to stick rubber to wood (or wood to rubber? Haha!). Many adhesives work on wood of course, but it can be difficult to find one that works on rubber.

Product Recommendation

Fortunately, DAP Weldwood Contact Cement can be found on Amazon and is a multi-purpose neoprene rubber adhesive that forms instant, high-strength bonds on a variety of surfaces. This is a multi-purpose neoprene rubber adhesive that forms instant, high-strength bonds on a variety of surfaces, including rubber and wood. It offers hundreds of uses for the home, office, and workshop. Forms strong bonds on contact to eliminate the need for clamps, temporary fasteners, and long set times. Because it spreads easily, quickly dries tack-free, and offers a 2-hour open time, this is a convenient product to user when gluing rubber to wood. When parts are pressed together, bonds form instantly. It also resists the effects of heat, water, weather, grease, oil…Great for Interior and exterior use.

However, you must follow proper application procedures to ensure the rubber and wood adheres to one another for the long term.

Directions

Make sure that the rubber and wood surfaces that will be bonded together are dry, clean and free of any foreign material. If the wood has any previously applied finishes it should be removed completely before continuing. As with any gluing project, make sure that you test fit the pieces together before any glue is applied … Speaking from experience, it really sucks getting something glued together only to realize that the fit isn’t correct.

Ideally, the temperature of the adhesive, the surfaces being bonded, and the working area should be at or above 65°F (18°C). So go ahead and break out your Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun and make sure. Or don’t… It’s probably fine!

Preparation

Now, this is where the fun begins! This is the part of the project where you put the ‘Ration’ in ‘Preparation‘!

*ahem*

Carrying on …

1. First, stir the Contact Cement thoroughly with a standard paint paddle or stirring stick.
2. I’ll say it again, Pre-fit all parts before applying Contact Cement.
3. Both the rubber and the wood surfaces must be clean and dry. Painted or stained wood surfaces must be roughened before any adhesive is applied. This will facilitate strong adhesion. And that’s what this is all about, right?
4. The temperature of air, adhesive and surfaces should be above 65°F (18°C) for a minimum of 24 hours before and after application to ensure proper drying and bond strength.

Application

1. Using a paint brush, short nap roller or finishing trowel, apply an even coat of adhesive to both surfaces. If the dried surface has a glossy appearance sufficient adhesive has been applied. If substrates are porous more than one coat may be required.
2. Allow both surfaces to dry 60-70 minutes (dependent on temperature and humidity). Dry Contact Cement will feel tacky and appear glossy. If surfaces are not assembled within 2-3 hours, applying an additional coat of Contact Cement can reactivate adhesive.
3. Align surfaces into exact position and press together, moving from one end to the other to avoid bubbles. Contact cement bonds permanently with pressure and work cannot be shifted into place after firm contact is made. For large areas, use dowels to prevent surface contact while positioning surfaces. Place dowels every 6 to 12 inches. Remove dowels as surfaces are pressed together.
4. Once surfaces are joined, a minimum of 25 lbs. per square inch of pressure should be evenly applied to surface starting in center and working out to edges. This is equivalent to 75 lbs. of pressure being applied to a 3-inch “J” roller. Apply as much pressure as possible, being careful not to crush the core materials. Insufficient pressure may allow blisters or bubbles to form later. This can be readily achieved if bonded surface is on a solid waist-high workbench.
5. No clamping required. Contact Cement bonds permanently when sufficient pressure is applied and reaches maximum holding strength in 7 days.
6. Trimming or finishing operations may be performed immediately after bonding. Allow at least 72 hours of curing before exposing bonded assemblies to direct sunlight or temperatures over 150 °F (66°C).

Clean Up and Storage

Clean excess wet adhesive from surfaces and tools with mineral spirits. Dried adhesive must be cut or scraped away. Clean hands with warm water and soap. DO NOT use solvents to remove product from skin, you yahoo! Store any unused material in it’s container and in a cool, dry place away from extreme heat or cold.

Safety

See product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for health and safety information. You can request an SDS sheet by calling 888-DAP-TIPS or by visiting dap.com.