Contact Cement - Recommendations?

[SBranson]

My local store had no Barge but has this stuff:

Being made in Canada I imagine you guys haven't used it.
Once set it seems strong but I have pulled apart mis-glue ups and it pulls off the leather. And yup this stuff StinkS!!
I will look for the Weldwood I think.

My biggest concern is finding a good thinner that will work with the Weldwood. I think straight toulene will work and possibly methyl ethyl ketone, both of which are available in the paint section of many hardware stores and both are present in the formulation of Weldwood.

I use my Barge, Weldwood, or whatever at a consistency that many would consider too thin, but I find I get a much better bond and better overall results using the thinned down product....

That's a great tip. I never thought to thin this stuff down. It's pretty thick and has led to a couple messes because of it.


-Stuart

 

[Swivelknife]

I purchase the original Weldwood contact cement by the quart as the quart only costs about twice as much as a 4 ounce bottle!!!!!!!

I pour from the can to a pint jar with a tight lid until about half full and it does not thicken so quickly as continually having to open the can.

When applying to large areas get plenty of ventilation or you will find the true meaning of vertigo----Oh, Yeah!! Ask me how I know!

Contact cement does not like to be removed from fingers, clothing or other non-designated areas.

Two thin coats, properly applied, could very nearly eliminate the need for stitching in some unstressed areas. ---Sandy