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The best glue for leather to wood: Easy repairs

With the right glue for leather to wood, you can easily make repairs yourself. We’ll help you to choose a product, and show you how to glue leather to wood using contact adhesive.

Which glue for leather to wood?

There are all kinds of reasons why you may need to glue leather to wood. It could be a broken watch strap, a piece of furniture that’s seen better days, or a craft project. But what’s the best glue for leather to wood? There are so many products on the market, from super glues to specialty adhesives.

When in doubt, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the materials are mentioned – both leather and wood – and that the product meets all your requirements. For example, you may want to achieve a seamless finish, with invisible bond lines. In that case, look for a glue that dries transparent.

Overall, the best way to glue leather to wood is either with a super glue or a contact adhesive. These kinds of adhesives are easy to use and create strong bonds with both leather and wood. In this guide, we’ll show you how to attach leather to wood with a contact adhesive such as UniBond Contact Gel Adhesive. Check out the section below for step-by-step instructions.

How to glue leather to wood: Using contact adhesive

For simple repairs like jewellery or furniture, the best way to glue leather to wood is with a contact adhesive. You can expect long-lasting results. Like super glue, contact adhesive is strong and durable, so it’s perfect for repairing objects that get a lot of use.

UniBond Contact Gel Adhesive is a versatile product that can be used on a range of materials, including wood and leather. It’s easy to use and has a non-drip formula, making it ideal for vertical surfaces – no risk of making a mess! Additionally, it dries quickly and there’s no need for clamping. 

Before you get started, gather your materials:

  • UniBond Contact Gel Adhesive
  • an application tool (such as a serrated spreader, a bristled brush, or a disposable stick)
  • the leather and wood you need to bond

Here’s how to glue leather to wood with contact adhesive.

  1. Safety first. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated.
  2. Prepare your materials. The leather and wood surfaces should be completely clean and dry. Pre-fit the pieces, checking that you’re happy with the alignment, as contact adhesive doesn’t allow for repositioning. If necessary, pre-test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that the adhesive will not damage or discolour the leather.
  3. Apply the contact adhesive. Using the application tool, apply the adhesive to both surfaces. The entire area to be bonded should be covered with a thin, even coat of adhesive.
  4. Wait for the adhesive to dry. Wait for about 15 minutes, until the adhesive is dry to the touch. It shouldn’t stick to your finger, and you should be able to see the coat of adhesive on the leather and wood. If necessary, you may need to apply an additional layer of adhesive.
  5. Carefully press the surfaces together. Making sure the parts are aligned, press the surfaces together firmly. Start at the centre and move out towards the edges, ensuring there are no air bubbles.
  6. Ideally, wait for the adhesive to reach full strength. Although bonding is instant, for best results, wait until the adhesive has reached full strength before using the object. This will take around 24 hours.
  7. Clean up. Clean the application tool immediately with white spirit, and store the adhesive in a cool, dry place. Then wash your hands.

Now you’re ready to get started – you know how to attach a leather strap to wood, or bond any two pieces of material. It really is that simple.

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