The Best Leather Adhesive / Contact Adhesive / Leather Craft Supplies / Adhesive Applicator

[@toddsoutsideagain]

Kind of a sticky situation Robert🤣👍🏻👍🏻

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That’s right!

[@TeriGarcia-n7j]

Thank you for your opinion on Weldwood. I was thinking of switching to it and you’ve helped me decide.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Glad to provide useful information

[@carlithebikerguy3873]

Recently switched to Top-Fit by Renia out of Germany. It’s a bit expensive but is very good. The fumes are not as overwhelming. Bought it at the IFOLG convention from a company rep. Very happy with both Weldwood and Top-Fit.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I need to look at options. It’s hard to change from what is working for me. I do like to hear the feedback. Thanks. I hope you are doing well.

[@nicholaskindred929]

I tried the Barge one & didn't have good results , so wellwood is all i use . Hasn't failed me . That stuff just works really well.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for your feedback. It works well for me. I do have to say I have not tried anything else.

[@milom.2057]

Great video Robert. I used to use Barge contact cement for a while. It worked well but was expensive and for a time I couldn’t get it. After watching you and Don Gonzales’s videos I switched over to Weldwood. Really because it’s a bit less expensive and readily available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and several flooring/carpet companies. To be honest I’ve not noticed any difference between them other than what I mentioned above. Both Barge and Weldwood work great on leather but if I can save some money…. I was transferring the Weldwood from my large gallon can to a smaller container as recommended by DG but I wasn’t aware there were solvents that needed to be stirred so I’ll be using your method. I did go to the SLC website to find that glue pot you mention from Italy but the website doesn’t specify a name or where they are from. I think I’ll have to call and ask specifically if it’s from Italy.Again, very good video Robert, thanks! Oh, by the way, don’t transfer glue to a different pot while in your garage with the garage door open, it’s windy, and your project inches away. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for taking the time to respond as it helps me know if the information is good. Yes I would call Springfield Leather to make sure before ordering. There are solids on the bottom of the can that get mixed in. The suggestion about being careful in front of a door is a good point. I was working on some cardboard near the door and the wind picked up the cardboard and I was able to grab the adhesive before it spilled. A close call.

[@taylerm92]

I initially used Weldwood but decided to try Renia Aquilim 315, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s a water-based contact cement, and the amount of solvent I use with Aquilim 315 is significantly less compared to Weldwood. I bought a 32 oz. container of Aquilim 315 in early 2024, and as I head into 2025, I’ve only used half of it. To be fair, I’m a hobbyist and don’t do as much leathercrafting as someone who does it full-time, but I used to go through an entire quart of Weldwood in just six months before making the switch.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That sounds like a winner. One day I will do some testing of different adhesives. Thanks for the feedback

[@Cooks-carvings]

Great video very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I appreciate your supporting my channel and commenting.

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Good one Robert. Have a good day. 👍🏻👍🏻👋👋

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Hey Noel. Hope you are having a great day on Prince Edward Island.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Thank for the additional information on contact cement and a long term review on your glue pot. Good info there. I am a low volume Weldwood user so can't add to the conversation on alternative types of contact cement.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the feedback. Still helpful

[@BringYaTigrinya]

I like weldwood for the occasional need for a super strong bond. I think Barge is just as good, but usually needs to be thinned out a bit, to the consistency of weldwood. But I mostly use Intercom EcoStick 1816B, which I buy by the liter from Tannery Row. It's a top grade water base (no fumes), and is formulated to work well with greasier leathers. I find I'm sanding surfaces less before gluing. Also fwiw, I think I read on Rocky Mountain Leather's website that their plastic glue pots would not seal solvent glues well.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the information. I will check out the products at Rocky Mountain Leather. Have a great week.

[@rondowdy4361]

Very helpful video thank you

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for watching and the comment helps me in multiple ways.

[@RickWright-d2w]

This topic is one of my main frustrations. I wont bore you with the detail, suffice to say, I cant buy the solvent based glue you can in the US. Thank you again for your content Robert have a great day.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks Rick. I can understand the frustration of limited availability of products.

[@mhein681]

Great video! Great information!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to respond. I have an interesting new project video coming out Saturday

[@Terry-n1i]

Good video.. never used the Dapp, but did but a pint to try, last week.. ive always used Barges. And Aquile ,.which i like, because its easier to use..little learning curve with it. The Dapp Woodweld is definitely easy to get..

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yes it is easy to find. That is just how I started. I have never tried the water based Weldwood. I need to maybe try that one. Yet, I normally stay with what has been working for me until it doesn’t

[@lewislaw6835]

My favorite bonding agent is Tanners Bond.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I have heard that it works well. I’ve just never tried it.

[@ChrisGordan]

I’ve been meaning to try a water based adhesive, but have always got a great bond with either Weldwood or Barge. You really need to ventilate with those, especially for large pieces. Thanks for the video 👍🏻

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yes ventilation is very important. I’m in a large garage and able to open the door and window. If needed I also have a fan. If I was in a closed space like a house I would be looking harder at other options

[@lesharp5748]

I use wildwood but I had a chance to by some masters damaged gallon can been using to it works as good as the weldwood. But when it's gone I'll go back to weldwood unless I find another deal.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the feedback on Masters. I have heard it was a good product as well.

[@kettlebuilt5191]

Hey Robert, I live in AZ too and went through two of those TS boy- type pots, both splitting at the seam like yours. I thought maybe it was the heat. I ended up realizing that as often as I go to the contact cement, it was just as easy to pop the lid of the Weldwood and replace it. 🤷‍♂ But I only use a half gallon or so per year.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah when I called Springfield Leather they said it was a common issue and sent me this new one. I think it’s because when you put the lid on it you are putting stress on the seam. It would appear that is model is maybe made of heavier duty materials. I enjoy that the depth in the well allows me to just dip and go.

[@MrMeddle2243]

weldwood is all ive ever used, around 20 years now, it's never let ne down, I made my belt and was in a hurry and never went back to sew it together around 2 years ago now still holding tight, like you I use 2 to 3 gallons a year

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That’s a good work history for the product. I do tend to not change products or processes if they are working. I appreciate the feedback

[@larrycumba2741]

Problem I have with the Boy style is the thinning once it gets thick. Takes too long to get it thoroughly mixed. I have switched to the Renia white glue and like it. Keep it in a squeeze bottle. Mainly use it for card holders etc for stitch lines. For belt backing still use barge.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

It’s definitely not for everyone that’s for sure. I use it up fast enough that I don’t need to thin the adhesive. I do think it’s important to find what works best in your shop. I appreciate the feedback so that those picking supplies see all perspectives

[@deangrieger5241]

Great video, thanks for your insight! I tried a bunch, I use Weldwood for the same reason you do. I can buy it locally.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks Dean. I hope the weather has been kind to you.

[@deangrieger5241]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop All good here.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Good. I hope you enjoy your day.

[@Hi5Y5]

Great video. I want to like this stuff, but the smell is just too strong for me. It’s wicked, lol. I use Aquilium 315 now and love it. It’s pretty strong (better than EcoWeld by far) and almost odorless. I also use FabriTac for some applications as well.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Maybe one day I will look at the Aquilium. Thanks for the feedback

[@blueshirtmonday]

I started with Barge but it was hard to get sometimes. Then I found out that you can get Weldwood at the hardware store. I actually prefer it over Barge now. I've never tried the water based stuff.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the feedback. It sure is handy buying the Weldwood

[@OpenAirAdventure]

We accidently got high using contact cement. We were installing a kitchen and the owner wanted arborite on the wall for a backsplash. Before we knew it we were sitting on the floor laughing and then realized we have to get outside. Boy what a headache I had.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That can be a concern. The solvents in it are pretty strong. Thanks for watching.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I use the Dap weld wood and still do. But recently, I bought some Masters contact cement, and it really seems to have a much stronger bond. I haven't done a side by side pull test, and I only bought it out of curiosity. I've been so happy with it I bought another can. But after watching your video, it's got me thinking, is it really any better because it is really quite expensive in comparison. So I'm going to do a side by side test and decide if I really do prefer one over the other. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the information. It’s hard to know and sometimes it’s hard to gage if they both work like we want them to. I have tried before to pull the adhesive apart and it’s much stronger than the leather and the leather fails first.

[@waynemcmanus2634]

Mr. Robert, what is the name of the leather co. that you buy your blue punches from, Thanks.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

You bet. Landwerlen Leather, Eric Landwerlen [phone] tell him I said hi. [e-mail]

[@Earth-Chiming]

I use weldwood because it's less expensive and easy to get. It also works well on leather

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I appreciate your support!

[@outfitr9703]

I had one of those plastic glue pots for a while but it didn't work out for me. Mine was red maybe slightly different than yours. I've completely switched from Barge to Aquilim water based glue and I kept getting black mold growing on the glue in my glue pot. I don't think it sealed well enough. Bummer because I liked it but it ended up in the garbage.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

The color of the cover varies in their pots. I think it’s container size but must just be by chance. You brought up an important point and now you have me thinking. I worked for paint companies for over 30 years…. I always recommended that when brushing paint like touch up that you poured a small amount out of the can and paint from that don’t brush out of the can. The reason why is because you pickup dirt and such from the wall/surface and then dip the brush back in the can. You can introduce mold spores into the can. Then the next time you open the can of paint you find stuff growing in there. They do put additives in the paint to help prevent this…. But it can still happen. So now you have me thinking about that with the water based adhesives….

[@outfitr9703]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop Ya not sure why, I just assumed it was because the container wasn't tight enough. I asked around a little bit and nobody else seemed to have that issue either. I messed around with it long enough to just toss it. I sure do like the water based adhesive though. Got tired of the Barge fumes and for my projects the water based stuff seems more than adequate. I don't make saddles, mostly smaller stuff.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Sounds good. Thanks!

[@jamesw.3491]

I stay away from gallon containers. Just as easy for me to buy a can with a brush in it locally. Don't care that it costs more, it's an extremely minor cost in each project. Not like any of us are using a 55 gal drum a year. Whatever glue costs, everyone should be covering that cost in the sale price of the product. Again, it's a very minor expense in each project. Whatever each of us prefers, is all that is important. I use Barge and Weldwood. I am not a fan of water based. Doesn't hold as well. Not a fan of glues sold specifically to leather crafters. I feel like the price is jacked up just because they can. All glue IMO, is just a temporary hold so you can stitch it. All I need a glue to do is hold materials until it's sewed. The two I use perform well enough to my needs.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

All good points. I used the can with the brush in it for at least a year. Thanks for the feedback on the water based.

[@JohnLittle-ie4ok]

Those darn FedEx trucks. lol

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah…. Funny. They take the “express” part seriously

[@orion7741]

for me it will always be Barge. there really is no substitute. weldwood does work ok, but it just doesnt hold as strong as barge does. I do more heavy duty items and its worth the extra cost so that I know it will hold strong for many years into the future.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I appreciate the feedback. I learn from other’s experiences. For me it’s not about saving money. It’s about being able get pick it up nearby

[@richardalves-cd5me]

That is the same glue i use. We can "Still" get it in California!!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That’s good to know. Thanks for letting me know.

[@brucelutz5699]

i buy a gallon and put some in glass ball containers and put masking tape around glass and meta land put ina plastic pag sealable bagand date every thing

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That’s a great idea as well. Thanks for the suggestion

[@1littleSher]

Looks like a sticky situation.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That is for sure.

[@kboleather]

😂😂😂

[@jenkins1979]

trust me when I say this.... ventilation or not...please wear protection for breathing.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Good advice. Thanks

[@V3leathercraft]

I stopped using solvent adhesives... The smell😥😥... Now happy with ecostik 1816b

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I will look that adhesive up. Thanks for watching and commenting