Contact adhesive is a key player in both DIY and professional projects, offering a strong bond for various materials. Drawing from my in-depth knowledge and extensive testing, this article guides you through the best contact adhesive options in the UK. We focus on factors like bond strength, curing time, safety, and environmental impact, ensuring you select an adhesive that not only fits your project’s needs but also aligns with health and eco-friendly standards. Our recommendations are tailored to provide efficiency and versatility for a range of applications.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the best contact adhesives available in the UK market for all your bonding requirements. Explore our top selections to find the perfect adhesive for your projects.
Gorilla Contact Adhesive Clear 75g
This Gorilla Contact Adhesive is highly recommended for someone in need of a strong, flexible and waterproof adhesive for various applications.
Pros
- Repositionable and flexible
- 100% waterproof
- Crystal clear finish
Cons
- Not suitable for some plastics and rubber types
- Requires surface preparation
- Not food safe
We recently tried out this Gorilla Contact Adhesive, and we were impressed by its strength and versatility. It holds items in seconds, and its repositionable feature is extremely helpful when positioning objects. This makes it perfect for a variety of projects, both indoors and outdoors.
One of the standout features of this adhesive is its 100% waterproof formula. This makes it suitable for use on fabrics, and it can withstand washer and dryer cycles. Its no-run formula ensures increased control, and we found it very easy to apply without making a mess. Additionally, it dries crystal clear, so it can be used on glass and other transparent surfaces without leaving any visible residue.
However, there are a few caveats to consider when using this adhesive. It is not recommended for use on polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS) plastics, or any type of rubber with high oil or plasticizer content. Furthermore, it is not food safe, so it should not be used for direct or indirect food contact applications.
In conclusion, the Gorilla Contact Adhesive is a reliable, strong, waterproof, and repositionable adhesive option for many applications. Just ensure that it is compatible with the materials you plan to use it on, and be prepared to follow the preparation and application instructions for the best results.
EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive
We recommend the EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive for its strong bond, versatility, and fast-drying properties.
Pros
- Powerful bonding for a wide range of materials
- Ideal for DIY tasks and emergency repairs
- Fast-drying
Cons
- High fumes, requires ventilation
- Not suitable for all surfaces
- Small tube size (65g)
We have been using the EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive on various DIY projects and can confidently say that it’s an impressive adhesive. The strength and versatility of this adhesive allow it to bond a multitude of materials, including non-porous surfaces like metal to metal. It’s perfect for woodworking, attaching PVC, leather, glass, and even ceramics.
One of the key features we’ve appreciated in this product is its fast-drying property. It ensures a secure bond in just minutes, which is quite useful when working on time-sensitive projects.
However, it’s important to note that the adhesive produces high fumes, so adequate ventilation is necessary during use. While it can bond nearly anything, it may not be suitable for all surfaces, so checking compatibility is essential.
The only downside is the small tube size, which may not be enough for larger projects. However, given its affordability and effectiveness, stocking up on a few tubes might be a viable option.
Overall, the EVO-STIK Impact Adhesive is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable, strong, and fast-drying adhesive. The pros certainly outweigh the cons, making this product a valuable addition to your toolbox.
Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive
An excellent choice for multipurpose bonding, offering strong adhesion and easy application.
Pros
- Effective for various materials
- Easy to apply with good consistency
- Strong bonding for long-lasting results
Cons
- Smaller tube size compared to competitors
- Slightly longer curing time
- May not be suitable for precise and delicate projects
We recently used the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive for some household repairs, and we were pretty happy with the results. The adhesive is easy to apply and spreads evenly, which is great for projects that require extensive coverage. The consistency is neither too thick nor too runny, ensuring a mess-free application.
The bonding strength is commendable, and it works on a wide variety of materials, including wood, leather, and felt. However, we noticed that it might take a bit longer to fully cure and bond compared to other brands in the market. While this did not pose any significant issues, it is something to be aware of if your project requires a quick-setting adhesive.
Although the tube is smaller than some competitors, it still provides a good amount of glue for its price. For precise and delicate projects, it may not be the best choice due to its consistency. However, for general household repairs and multipurpose bonding needs, the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive is reliable and does a solid job.
EVO-STIK 528 Instant Contact Adhesive
We highly recommend EVO-STIK 528 Instant Contact Adhesive for those seeking a multi-purpose, strong adhesive with good temperature resistance.
Pros
- Immediately bonds on contact
- High shear strength and good temperature resistance
- Suitable for a wide range of materials
Cons
- Intended primarily for interior use
- Full bond strength takes 24-48 hours to achieve
- Weather protection needed for outdoor use
The EVO-STIK 528 Instant Contact Adhesive is a reliable and versatile option for various applications. We used it on a mix of materials, including wood, leather, and ceramics, and found that it quickly created a secure bond. The adhesive is particularly impressive in terms of shear strength and temperature resistance, which makes it suitable for long-term use.
However, keep in mind that this adhesive is primarily designed for interior usage. We had to ensure that it was protected from weather elements when using it outdoors. Additionally, while the adhesive dries within 10-20 minutes, the full bond strength takes 24-48 hours to be achieved. This might require some additional planning or preparations if you are working on a project with a tight deadline.
Overall, the EVO-STIK 528 Instant Contact Adhesive is an excellent choice for those who require a strong and multi-purpose adhesive. It effectively bonds a wide range of materials and offers strong, long-lasting adhesion. Just make sure to account for the drying time and apply weather protection if you plan to use it outdoors.
Gorilla HD Grab Adhesive 200ml Tube White
We highly recommend Gorilla HD Grab Adhesive 200ml Tube White for its strong bonding capabilities and ease of use, despite some minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Effective adhesion for various surfaces
- Easy application with 200ml tube
- Durable and long-lasting bond
Cons
- Takes time to dry and set
- May require additional support while drying
- Not the strongest Gorilla product available
We recently tested out the Gorilla HD Grab Adhesive 200ml Tube White and found it to be a reliable option for adhering different types of materials together. The adhesive was easy to apply, thanks to the convenient 200ml tube, and created a strong bond between the surfaces. It worked well on various DIY and home improvement projects, from fixing loose skirting boards to securing coping stones.
However, we did notice that the drying and setting time of this adhesive was longer than expected. This meant that some of the items we were bonding together had to be supported or clamped while the adhesive dried. Nonetheless, once the adhesive set, the bond was durable and long-lasting.
One other point worth mentioning is that while the Gorilla HD Grab Adhesive is effective, it may not be the strongest product in the Gorilla range. For projects requiring an instant and more robust bond, you might want to explore other Gorilla adhesive options.
In conclusion, the Gorilla HD Grab Adhesive 200ml Tube White is a versatile and reliable adhesive, suitable for various DIY and home improvement tasks. Though it may take a little longer to dry and isn’t the strongest product from Gorilla, it still provides a durable and long-lasting bond on a range of surfaces.
Bostik BST80211 Contact Adhesive 50ml
The Bostik BST80211 Contact Adhesive is a reliable choice for your adhesive needs, offering strong bonding and water resistance.
Pros
- Extra strong bonding
- Water resistant
- Quick drying time
Cons
- Can be too runny for precision projects
- May require support during drying
- Full bond takes up to 24 hours
We tested the Bostik BST80211 Contact Adhesive on multiple surfaces, including rubber, leather, and wood, and we found that it holds up remarkably well. The adhesive is water-resistant, ideal for use in areas prone to moisture or dampness. It also dries quickly, providing immediate strength on contact and ensuring the bonding process doesn’t take too long.
However, there are a few drawbacks we encountered while using this adhesive. It can be quite runny, making it challenging to work with on precision projects. Moreover, some materials may require additional support while the adhesive dries since its full bonding strength might only be achieved after 24 hours.
Despite these minor issues, the Bostik BST80211 Contact Adhesive remains a solid choice for DIY and household repairs as it ensures robust and long-lasting bonds on various materials. Its water resistance makes it especially handy for any repairs subjected to moisture exposure.
Everbuild EVBCON125 Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive 125 ml
We recommend the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive for its versatility and strong bonding ability on various materials.
Pros
- Versatile and multi-purpose
- Strong bonding ability
- Easy application
Cons
- Thixotropic texture may not suit everyone
- Lid prone to breaking
- May require longer cure times for certain materials
We’ve had the chance to use the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive recently, and we found it quite effective in bonding different materials such as wood, leather, metal, rubber, and stone. The 125 ml size is just enough for handling small to medium-sized projects around the house.
What sets this adhesive apart is its strong bonding ability. While using it, we noticed that it provided a solid and durable bond on various surfaces. However, the thixotropic texture of the adhesive might not be to everyone’s liking. Some may prefer a more liquid consistency, but we found it easy to work with nonetheless.
The application process is straightforward, and the adhesive spreads evenly on surfaces, creating a secure bond. We did notice that for some materials, a longer cure time might be required to achieve the best results. This isn’t a major drawback, but something worth keeping in mind while using the product.
One downside we encountered was the lid of the container, which can be prone to breaking. This might lead to the adhesive drying out if not sealed correctly. It would be wise to take extra care while handling the lid to avoid this inconvenience.
In summary, the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive offers a versatile and strong bonding solution for various materials. Despite its minor drawbacks, we believe it’s still a great investment for those in need of a reliable contact adhesive.
Thixofix 250ml Contact Adhesive
The Thixofix 250ml is a reliable and versatile contact adhesive which we would recommend for bonding laminated plastics to wood and other substrates.
Pros
- Multi-purpose application
- Non-drip and easy to apply
- Strong bonding capabilities
Cons
- Can dry quickly, leaving little room for adjustments
- Not suitable for large area applications
- May not be ideal in high temperatures
Having used the Thixofix 250ml contact adhesive ourselves, we found it to be incredibly easy to apply due to its non-drip, non-stringing consistency. Its thixotropic property ensures a clean application without the usual mess of alternative contact adhesives.
The multipurpose nature of Thixofix is one of its outstanding qualities. It has proved to be effectively useful in bonding laminated plastics to wood and other substrates, making it a valuable addition to our DIY toolkit.
However, we noticed that Thixofix can dry quite quickly, giving us limited time to adjust the placement of materials. Additionally, this adhesive might not be suitable for larger projects as it dries swiftly, reducing the possibility of precise adjustments. We also found it challenging to use in higher temperatures, with the adhesive touch-drying and forming a bond that is difficult to modify.
In conclusion, the Thixofix 250ml contact adhesive is a valuable product for those in need of a consistently strong and neat adhesive for smaller projects and bonding laminated plastics to wood or other substrates. However, be mindful of its drawbacks when working on larger projects or in high temperatures.
Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive
This adhesive is a reliable choice for those in need of a versatile contact adhesive with good bonding strength.
Pros
- Works well on vertical surfaces
- Offers time for repositioning
- Suitable for internal and external use
Cons
- Can be difficult to apply due to thickness
- Brush on the cap may come apart
- Bottom portion may become too gluey
When working on various surfaces, we found the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive to be a dependable option. Its extra thick formula ensures it is ideal for use on vertical surfaces and soffits, allowing the adhesive to stay in place without sagging. We also discovered its excellent adhesion capabilities as it bonds well to most common surfaces, such as wood, leather, rubber, stone, and fabric.
A significant advantage of this adhesive is the repositioning time it allows. During our testing, we were able to adjust and align the materials before the adhesive set fully, ensuring precise placement. Furthermore, the Everbuild Stick 2 boasts exceptional bond strength, outperforming conventional wood glues we have used in the past.
One drawback we encountered was the adhesive’s thickness made it somewhat challenging and messy to apply. Additionally, the brush on the cap tended to come apart during use, which was inconvenient. We also noticed that the bottom third of the container may become very gluey and stringy before you can use it all.
With its weather-resistant properties, this Everbuild contact adhesive is suitable for both internal and external use, providing excellent weathering and aging properties. Overall, the Everbuild Stick 2 All Purpose Contact Adhesive is a solid choice for someone in search of a versatile and strong contact adhesive capable of bonding various materials.
Woolbro Strong as an Ox Carpet Adhesive 500ml
We highly recommend this adhesive for its strong bonding capabilities and versatility in various applications.
Pros
- Easy-to-use adjustable spray nozzle
- Ideal for bonding diverse materials
- Seriously strong and flexible bond
Cons
- Careful spraying required to prevent overrun
- Delivery delays reported by users
- Might not work for some user’s purposes
To begin with, the Woolbro Strong as an Ox Carpet Adhesive covers a wide range of applications. From backed carpets, underlay, underfelt, and spot fixing carpet tiles, we found that this adhesive does more than just carpets. It also works well for bonding flexible foams, fabrics, felt, cork, and other materials to wood, metal, hardboard, glass, and rigid plastics. The versatility of this adhesive makes it an essential addition to our toolbox.
The adjustable spray nozzle provides greater control while applying the adhesive. We noticed that it allows for the adhesive to be distributed more evenly, ensuring a better bond overall, and makes the application process more manageable. However, we have to be mindful when spraying to avoid overrunning, which can lead to spills and waste. Despite this, we appreciate the 500ml size of the can that ensures there’s enough adhesive for multiple projects.
One area we had concerns about was the delivery experience. Some users mentioned delays in receiving their purchase, which may affect those in a time crunch. We recommend ordering well in advance to avoid potential delivery issues. Additionally, while the adhesive worked well for us, a few users found it did not suit their particular needs, so be certain it’s compatible with your specific application before committing to it.
In conclusion, the Woolbro Strong as an Ox Carpet Adhesive offers a robust and flexible bond for various applications and materials. The ease of use with its adjustable spray nozzle, combined with its versatility in bonding capabilities, makes it an excellent choice for those in need of a reliable adhesive. Just keep in mind the potential for delivery delays and be mindful when spraying to maximize the product’s effectiveness.
Buying Guide
As we delve into the world of contact adhesives, it’s crucial for us to examine a few key features that will help us determine the best product for our needs. In this buying guide, we’ll cover some of these essential factors to keep in mind.
Bond Strength
The primary purpose of a contact adhesive is to create a strong, lasting bond between two surfaces. Therefore, we must consider the bond strength that the adhesive offers. Typically, this information is provided on the product packaging. Remember, a higher bond strength ensures a more durable and secure connection between the surfaces.
Drying Time
Another crucial aspect to consider is the drying time of the adhesive. Quicker drying time is often preferred, especially in situations where we need to complete our project quickly. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between drying time and working time. If the adhesive dries too quickly, it can become difficult to make adjustments or reposition the materials.
Surface Compatibility
We should also look for a contact adhesive that is compatible with a wide range of materials. Some adhesives may be designed specifically for certain surfaces, while others might work well on a variety of materials. It’s essential to check the product specifications to ensure that the adhesive will work with our chosen materials.
Application Method
Contact adhesives can be applied using various methods, such as brush, roller, or spray. The ease of application depends on the situation and the surfaces we are working with. It’s essential to choose an adhesive with an application method that suits our project requirements and preferences.
Lastly, we must consider the safety aspects. Always look for an adhesive that complies with the necessary safety standards and guidelines. Additionally, make sure to use the adhesive in a well-ventilated area and follow any recommended safety precautions. By paying close attention to these key features, we’ll be well on our way to finding the most suitable contact adhesive for our project needs.