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Wondering whether to glue leather?

Glue for leather to wood: the expert’s guide for DIYers

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Find the best glue for leather to wood in the article below. We’ll show you how to choose the best adhesive for your project and provide professional tips.

Glue for leather to wood: the two most common adhesives

It may sound like a difficult combination, but gluing leather to wood is quite easy. Both are porous materials which will allow adhesive to soak in and create a strong bond. So what is the best glue for leather to wood?

The two most common types of glue used to attach leather to wood are super glue and contact adhesive. Each has its advantages.

Super glue is ideal for small repairs because it is so convenient to use. Just a few drops creates a strong bond in seconds. Please note that there are many varieties of super glue, so check the label to ensure you use one that is compatible with both materials.

If you have a larger area to cover, contact adhesive may be the choice for your project. Contact adhesives come in spray-on and brush-on varieties, as well as in a tube for direct application. These glues have several advantages.

A hand holds a spray can over a piece of leather.
Spray glue is a way of bonding leather and wood, but there are many more

A primary benefit when it comes to leather is that they will stay flexible. Bonding a flexible material such as leather or fabric with a rigid adhesive may create a “hard spot” and will likely crack and fail over time. An adhesive that remains flexible will hold up better to movement and stress.

Spray adhesives allow you to quickly cover a larger area with a thin, even coat. The leather can then be easily applied and smoothed out to remove any wrinkles.

How to attach leather to wood: easy-to-follow directions

Here are step-by-step directions on how to attach leather to wood. 

First, let’s cover super glue:

  1. Ensure the surfaces are clean and dry.
  2. Pre-fit materials before applying any adhesive.
  3. Apply a small amount of super glue to one surface.
  4. Press the leather into place and hold it firmly until a bond forms.
  5. Allow the repair to completely cure before normal use.

Clean up your tools and any drips or runs with a clean cloth and warm soapy water. Use a razor blade to carefully cut away cured adhesive.

The procedure for contact adhesive is very similar. Check instructions as some contact adhesives work best when the glue is allowed to get tacky before joining the parts. In other cases, you may press the parts together immediately.

The best way to glue leather to wood: preferred adhesives

For quick repairs and loose edges, you’ll love Loctite Super Glue XXL. It is compatible with leather and wood as well as porcelain, metal, and many other materials. It forms an extremely strong bond in just seconds and dries transparent.

Loctite Super Glue Power Gel Control is unique in that it is a rubber-infused super glue. It has the high strength and durability of a super glue but retains flexibility for resistance to shock, vibration, and frequent movement.

Two hands hold a piece of leather over a wooden box.
With the right adhesive, leather and wood remain permanently bonded together

If you’re in need of a fully flexible contact adhesive, Loctite All Purpose Extreme Gel is your best choice. This clear liquid is designed to mend porous and nonporous materials. It stays flexible and dries clear for nearly invisible repairs. It bonds to wood, paper, cork, rubber, metal and many plastics.

Products used

  • LOCTITE All Purpose Extreme Gel

    LOCTITE All Purpose Extreme Gel: Fast, Brutal, Persistent. This powerful, all-purpose adhesive is here for all your bonding needs.

  • LOCTITE Super Glue Power Gel

    LOCTITE Super Glue Power Gel: Precision bonds that are quick and anti-clog for reliable repairs.

  • LOCTITE Super Glue XXL

    LOCTITE Super Glue XXL: Provides instant strength, transparent drying, anti-clog cap for durable, invisible repairs.

Expert tip

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