Best Glues For Rubber : Reviews and Buying Guide 2023

Many people often wonder about the use of a rubber adhesive as rubber bonding is still quite uncommon to the world.

There are often instances when we dispose various objects used in our everyday life instead of repairing them.

Repairing an object may seem like an additional hassle, but it is an easy and simple task if you have access to the right adhesive.

There are plenty of formulas and brands of adhesives or glue available in the market. But one type of glue is not sufficient for every need.

The wide range of glue and adhesives can often feel overwhelming to the majority of people. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the best glues for rubber.

Top 10 Best Rubber Glue Reviews 2023

1. Boot-Fix Rubber Adhesive

The Boot-Fix Shoe Glue is a cyanoacrylate adhesive that has been specially formulated and manufactured for the shoe repairing industry.

We think this because people working in the shoe repair industry are using this type of adhesives or glue for decades now. And we have found this glue to have the best formula of shoe glue till date.

This shoe glue is the strongest adhesive for footwear and works on all the different materials used to make shoes. Boot-Fix is flexible even after drying, so you do not have to worry about your footwear breaking apart ever again.

Manufacturers have specially formulated the consistency of this glue in such a manner that it easily bonds to all materials used to manufacture shoes. 

This glue does not require clamping in the majority of shoe repairs, a feature that is not commonly seen in other shoe glues.

Boot-Fix is 100 percent waterproof and dries within a few seconds, so you do not have to wait for hours or days. The waterproof feature holds the glue even in the scorching heat of summer or the bone-chilling cold of winter.

As we mentioned before, Boot-Fix glue works on all types of shoes, including rubber-soled dress shoes, sneakers, work boots, and so on.

Highlighted Features:

• 100 percent waterproof
• Dries completely within a few seconds
• Works perfectly will all types of shoe materials
• Specially formulated for the shoe repair industry
• Does not require clamping in the majority of cases

2. Gear Aid Glue for Bonding Rubber

If you are looking for the best rubber glue to make your shoes long-lasting, then the Gear Aid shoe repair adhesive is perfect for you.

The Gear Aid Aquaseal Repair Adhesive helps you to permanently fix your footwear at home or in the field. This shoe repair adhesive was previously known as Freesole, and it efficiently seals the leaks in all sorts of footwear. You can easily seal the leaks in your hiking or leather boots, climbing or running shoes, and even cleats.

The adhesive dries clear, and the flexibility of this glue prevents cracking or peeling. You can completely repair a boot, make long-lasting toe protectors, and rebuild old heels by using only a 1 oz. small tube. The waterproof feature of this glue prevents it from being affected by heat or cold.

The Gear Aid glue is durable as it permanently bonds to surfaces. The abrasion resistance keeps your shoes good-looking by protecting them from scratches and scrapes.

It is an all-purpose adhesive as it bonds to all types of footwear materials, including leather, rubber, neoprene, suede, and so on.

Thus, you can repair and reinforce all your footwear using this adhesive, starting from leather boots to toe-protecting shoes and everything in between.

Highlighted Features:

• Completely waterproof adhesive
• Flexible and dries as clear glue
• Abrasion resistant
• Permanently bonds with all sorts of footwear material
• Repairs soles and heals that last a long time.

3. Gorilla Super Glue Gel

If you are looking for the best adhesive for rubber, then the Gorilla Super Glue Gel is here for you.

The Gorilla Super Glue Gel is one of the strongest super glues available in the market right now. Compared to the liquid Gorilla Super Glue, this gel has a more controlled and thick formula. It is an easy-to-use adhesive and is perfect for various types of surfaces and vertical applications.

Manufacturers developed this formula to make long-lasting bonds and repairs within seconds. It is a clear super glue gel that dries within 10-45 seconds of application. This super glue gel is formulated to absorb impacts and drops.

Due to the strong adhesive of this glue, it does not require clamping to bond permanently. You can paint over the glue as it dries clear, but it is not waterproof. This glue bottle comes with an anti-clog cap with a metal pin inside to make sure that the glue remains airtight.

This super glue, also known as a cyanoacrylate, is versatile as it bonds and works on a wide range of materials such as metal, rubber, ceramic, paper, plastic, and so on.

Manufacturers do not recommend the use of this super glue on polypropylene, polyethylene, or similar plastic materials. This high-performance glue is available in four different sizes: 3g, 15g, 20g, and 25g.

Highlighted Features:

• Dries quickly within 10 to 45 seconds
• Paintable clear glue
• Versatile super glue suitable for multiple surfaces
• Anti-clog cap ensures maximum reusability
• Clamping is not necessary

4. Glue Masters Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate – Medium Viscosity

The Glue Masters Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate glue is a must-have if you are in need of a versatile adhesive.

This Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate offers premium quality industrial glue strength as the cyanoacrylate resin forms the strongest bonds.

It is an easy-to-use adhesive that settles quickly within 45 seconds. The medium viscosity of this glue offers easier control to the user, so you can easily get your work done without causing a mess.

A small amount of this premium quality glue is enough to stick materials and will give you an even and nice application flow.

This glue is one of the most favorite adhesives of hobbyists as it helps them to bond their puzzles, models, and so on easily. This glue is also the top adhesive choice of model builders as it provides a clear and strong bonding to different models.

You can use this super glue on fabric to plastic , wood, rubber, and many more. We recommend wearing protective eyewear, gloves and work in a well-ventilated environment.

Highlighted Features:

• Perfectly balanced medium viscosity of 100cps
• Takes no longer than 45 seconds to dry
• Compatible with all kinds of materials
• Reusable and does not clog easily
• High bond strength and waterproof

5. Loctite Adhesive for Rubber

One thing that the majority of people like about the Loctite ultra gel is that it is a gel and not a liquid.

Gel control super glue is easier to work with, and the best part is, it does not drip or make a mess. The no drip formula of this glue makes it suitable for vertical applications.

It is the best glue for rubber to rubber. The bond stays stable and permanent as the glue also contains rubber in it. The rubber strengthened formula of the Loctite ultra gel allows the glue to form permanently strong bonds. It also allows the user time to align the pieces before it starts drying.

However, this glue is an instant adhesive and forms bonds within a few minutes, so do not spend too much time aligning the pieces.

Apart from rubber, the versatile ultra gel control super glue also works on a wide range of materials including metal, leather, paper, ceramics, plastic, and so on.

The material you use the glue on does not matter as it forms a naturally strong bond with every material. This super glue is resistant to impact, vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures.

Highlighted Features:

• Easy to use rubber super glue
• Partially waterproof
• Easy to use rubber super glue
• No mess due to the no drip formula
• Works on several materials and surfaces
• Sets within a few minutes

6. E6000 Craft Adhesive

If you are looking for the best glue for rubber to plastic waterproof, then get your hands on the E6000 Craft Adhesive.

The E6000 Craft Adhesive is a great adhesive for bonding rubber to plastic or any material. It is an easy-to-use glue, and you can see it start the bonding process within 10 seconds of application.

As this adhesive can glue rubber to plastic and is 100 percent waterproof, you can use this to fix the taps, tiles, sinks, and so on.

This craft adhesive works on a wide range of surfaces and materials, such as glass, ceramic, leather, rubber, plastic, and many more. The bond strength of this glue is ideal for any type of repairing work. This glue dries as a clear adhesive, and you can easily paint over it once it dries.

It is famous in the shoe repairing industry due to its instant bonding and high bond strength. This instant adhesive takes no longer than 60 seconds to dry completely and becomes highly flexible once dried.

You can even use the craft adhesive on photographs, and it is non-flammable once it completely dries. It is resistant to extreme temperature, and the 100 percent waterproof feature makes it safe for dryers and washers.

Highlighted Features:

• 100 percent waterproof
• Dries within 50-60 seconds
• Flexible and non-flammable once dry
• Versatile and resistant to extreme temperatures
• Safe for photographs, dryers, and washers

7. 3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Glue

We often take auto weatherstripping for granted until it starts failing. However, now we know how to fix weatherstripping with the 3M Black Super Adhesive.

Manufacturers designed and formulated the 3M black super weatherstrip and gasket adhesive to join gaskets and seal to metal. This joining or bonding ensures a waterproof and airtight seal inside a car. Auto professionals have been using this adhesive for decades now.

3M developed this strong adhesive to bond weatherstripping around doors, windows, sunroofs, and so on. Not only that, but this adhesive also bonds with several other materials such as rubber, vinyl, fabric, metal, gaskets, etc.

It is easy to use as all you need to do this spread the adhesive from the tube and brush it on the surface as needed. This glue requires 24 hours to dry completely and is completely flexible and waterproof once dry.

This black super adhesive successfully resists oil, detergents, solvents, vibration, and extreme temperatures. This high strength rubber adhesive securely bonds weatherstripping and ensures a long-lasting effect.

Even though the adhesive requires 24 hours to dry properly, it will not stick to your knuckles if you touch it after 4 minutes of application.

Highlighted Features:

• Completely waterproof and durable
• Requires up to 24 hours to dry completely
• Resistant to vibrations, oils, solvents, and high temperatures
• Suitable for weatherstripping inside the car and around doors, trunks, windows, etc.
• Easy to use and saves time

8. Slime Rubber Cement

If you are looking for a quick fix to temporarily patch a rubber tire or tube, then the Slime Rubber Cement is for you.

This classic can of this rubber cement surely brings many memories back from the days of our elementary school and is enough to make us nostalgic.

This Slime cement adhesive is the perfect glue to fix all the patches in your tire or rubber tube. It comes with a brush applicator, which means easy application of glue without making a mess.

You can use this rubber cement glue on all sorts of rubber repairing works. If you want a proper repair kit, partner this adhesive with a plug or patch kit from Slime. This glue dries quickly within a minute or so and is clear when dry.

You must clean the area around the puncture properly before applying a moderate amount of rubber cement.

Spread the cement evenly, work the glue into the area, and carefully scrape off the excess. Apply the repairing material directly over the punctured area and firmly press the material.

This glue contains a toxic and flammable formula. Thus, do not use the rubber cement in a place without proper ventilation. This rubber adhesive is not waterproof.

Highlighted Features:

• Compatible with all kinds of rubber materials
• Dries within a minute
• Not waterproof
• Dries clear and comes with a no mess brush applicator

9. Barge All Purpose Cement

If you are looking for a versatile and all-purpose adhesive, then the Barge All Purpose Cement is a must-have for you.

The Barge All Purpose Cement, as the name suggests, is an all-purpose glue that has a wide range of use around the house and the garage. This glue can be used on cork, wood, rubber, leather, glass, metal, and many more.

This versatile cement glue is also ideal for a long list of projects, such as glass repairing, weather stripping, windows, shoe repairing and leather bonding. You can also use this glue on car doors, windows and replace wall brackets and tiles.

This all-purpose cement glue is easy to spread and is available in various sizes. Sizes of this glue include 0.7 oz tube, 2 oz tube, pints, quarts, and gallons. It is a waterproof adhesive and takes 10 to 15 minutes to dry completely.

You can leave the glue on the surface of the materials unattended for 4 hours before bonding them together. If you leave the glue unattended for more than 4 hours, you can simply heat the glue using a hairdryer and bond the materials together.

A toxic solvent called toluene is often found in adhesives, paint thinners, and nail polish removers. Barge has made an effort to remove toluene from its adhesives as there are health risks associated with inhaling its fumes.

Highlighted Features:

• 100 percent waterproof
• Can be left open for about 4 hours
• Dries completely within 10 to 15 minutes of bonding
• Strong bond strength
• Versatile adhesive, as the name suggests

10. IC-2000 Rubber Toughened Adhesive Glue

If you are in search of cyanoacrylate or super glue suitable for non-porous surfaces, then the IC-2000 Rubber Toughened Adhesive is the one for you.

The IC-2000 adhesive is a rubber toughened super glue that forms strong bonds on non-porous materials and surfaces.

It is a black-colored cyanoacrylate glue that adds flexibility to the strong bonding of metals, rubber, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and various other materials.

It works well for the majority of hobbies, electronic and automotive projects. This glue takes about 20 to 45 seconds to start setting and dries in a shiny black color.

The glue is pliable enough and can easily be carved with the help of a hobby knife once it dries completely.

The rubber toughened adhesive comes with a tip for easy spread and application. It forms strong bonds that are shock resistant and dissolves easily with acetone.

You must use this glue carefully and with proper protective gear as it can cause irritation to the eye and bond instantly to the skin.

You will find the use of IC-2000 adhesive in several industrial applications. For example, rubber to rubber bonding, rubber door seals, carbon composite bonding, and many more.

Highlighted Features:

• Dries quickly within 20-45 seconds
• Forms strong bonds that are resistant to shock
• Easy to apply and use
• Easily dissolves with acetone
• Not waterproof

Comparison Table of Top 10 Glues For Rubber

Rubber Glue Buying Guide

As rubber is a specific kind of material, it is vital to consider a few factors in order to choose find the right glue for bonding rubber to rubber or other materials.

Flexibility

The first thing you must check before buying a rubber adhesive is whether the glue is flexible or not. The bond of the adhesive will not last if the glue is not flexible.

Rubber bonds often move even after drying, and a non-flexible adhesive will cause the bond to break. Thus, the best glues for rubber would be the ones with great flexibility.

Waterproof

Make sure that the adhesive or glue you are using is waterproof. It is important especially when you are using the glue on a material that comes in contact with water.

However, if you are using glue to bond materials that do not come in contact with water, then waterproof glue is not essential. There are some glues that are 100 percent waterproof, and some are partially waterproof. So, check the waterproof feature of the glue before using it.

Setting Or Drying Time

Sitting around and waiting hours and days for your glue to dry completely is highly frustrating. Before applying the glue to the surface of the materials, check the setting or drying time of the glue carefully.

Do not forget to check whether you need to clamp the materials together after applying the adhesive or not. However, there are a few types of glue that have a longer setting time but form a very strong bond.

Color

While the majority of the adhesives or glue dry clear, there are a few adhesives that dry into a different color. This color of the glue can cause problems in your project.

Let us say you are trying to repair a shoe with adhesive, you clearly do not want white colored glue visible on your shoes. Although there are a few projects where the drying color of the glue does not matter, it is better to check the drying color before using it.

Size

Buying a bigger tube or bottle of glue will save you both hassle and money if you use glue frequently or need it for a big project. Consider using a small tube or can of adhesive if you only need glue occasionally to use on rubber or other materials to make small repairs and fixes.

Non-Toxic

Non-toxic glue or adhesive is a great option for people who are looking for glue that is safe and can be regularly used around children. There are many types of glue that are not non-toxic but provides a great bond strength.

You must wear proper protective gear if you are using glue that is not non-toxic, as inhaling fume can cause health problems.

How To Glue Rubber To Plastic?

While bonding two or more different materials together, you cannot just pick any glue or adhesive and join the materials.

There are different types of adhesives available for different types of materials, and the use of the incorrect type of glue often causes problems. Bonding two different types of materials together is not an easy task in any way.

We all know that it is difficult to bond rubber with plastic. When it comes to rubber and plastic bonding, these two can either be the easiest materials to work with or the hardest.

Whether these two materials are easy to work with or not completely depends on one factor. This factor is the type of glue or adhesive you use to join rubber and plastic together.

You can easily bond rubber to thermoplastic by using heat. But keep in mind that not all types of plastic will bond in this method.

There are many adhesives available in the market that you can use to join plastics or rubbers.

But, only a few specific types of glue or adhesives can bond plastic and rubber together. The adhesive that bonds plastic and rubber must meet all the necessary requirements.

In order to glue rubber to plastic, you must use a strong adhesive that bonds both rubber and plastic together and follow a few steps. Following these steps will make sure that the bonding between the rubber and plastic works well.

Steps Of Bonding Rubber And Plastic Together

Prepare The Surfaces

Before applying the glue or adhesive, you must clean the surfaces of both rubber and plastic. If the surfaces are unprepared, then the adhesive for rubber to plastic will not work. Clean the surfaces by degreasing both rubber and plastic and remove any oil, lubricant, grease, or debris present.

Glue Rubber To Plastic

Once you have properly cleaned the surfaces, apply the adhesive to the rubber and press these two materials together for bonding. Clamp both the glued surfaces together if deemed necessary.

Wait

After clamping both the materials together, all you have to do is wait for the glue to dry completely and the materials to bond.

Clean The Mess

Sand the surfaces or paint over the glue to remove the presence of any excess glue on the surface.

There are many different types of rubber available in the market. But the most common ones are silicone, EPDM, natural rubber, and butyl rubber.

All these different types of rubber need different types of glue/adhesives. Cyanoacrylate is generally the first choice we consider for bonding rubber with any other material.

Cyanoacrylate, also commonly known as Super Glue, is popular for its instant bonding.

Note: Cyanoacrylate cannot be used on all kinds of plastic as it eats away a few types of plastic.

Rubber Adhesive Vs Acrylic Adhesive

There are several types of glue and adhesives available in the market, but rubber and acrylic adhesives are the most popular ones. Each type of adhesive has its own properties and features, and the adhesive you use will affect the final result of your project.

We cannot label one adhesive better than the other as each of them is different and better in its own elements. Let us take a look at the differences between rubber adhesives and acrylic adhesives.

Rubber Adhesive

When compared to acrylic adhesives, the rubber adhesives provide a much higher adhesion strength. Rubber glue effectively bonds with the majority of the different types of materials and is suitable for most of the adhesion situations. The setting time of a rubber adhesive is short, and it sets or dries faster compared to acrylic adhesives.

Even though rubber adhesives do not take much time to form bonds, there is a chance that they may not be able to form a long-lasting bond. Rubber adhesives are vulnerable when exposed to UV light. High or extreme temperatures cause the adhesive to break down over time.

Out of all the types of adhesives available, the temperature resistance of the rubber adhesive is the lowest. Low temperature resistance makes the rubber adhesives more suitable for indoor projects compared to outdoor projects.

This is because the outdoor temperature change is significantly greater than the indoor temperature change. Rubber adhesives cost less than acrylic adhesives, but form a stronger bond to plastic than acrylic adhesives do.

Acrylic Adhesive

People usually prefer the use of acrylic adhesives on materials such as wood, glass, metal, waterproof materials and many more. If we talk about the most significant differences between the two adhesives, then acrylic adhesives can be used on a wider range of surfaces and materials compared to rubber adhesives.

Acrylics adhesives have more noticeable qualities such as waterproofing, resistance to elements and are unsusceptible to the exposure of UV.

When exposed to chemicals, acrylic adhesives can resist extreme temperatures and form a better bond compared to rubber glues. Unlike rubber adhesives, acrylic adhesives take a long time to form bonds.

Acrylics take about a day or more to dry completely, forming a stronger and durable bond in the process. Even though acrylics do not have the ability to provide the instant bonding that rubber adhesives do, they are more sustainable than rubber adhesive.

It is quite easy to decide whether to use acrylic adhesive or rubber adhesive. All you have to do is take the surfaces and products you will join and the location of the project into consideration.

If you need adhesive for a project that will stay indoors or includes a plastic material, then using rubber adhesive is the better option. But when you are completing a project outdoors, it gets exposed to a lot of things like UV and continuous temperature changes. In that case, the use of acrylic adhesive is the more recommended option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Glue Is Ideal For Rubber To Rubber Bonding?

Cyanoacrylate glue, also commonly known as super glue, is the most ideal rubber to rubber glue. You only have to use a small amount of super glue to bond the materials together. The glue will dry instantly and form a strong and durable bond. However, if the bond breaks apart after drying, it may happen because of the type of rubber.

2. What Are The Features That A Good Rubber Adhesive Must Have?

There are several brands and formulas of rubber adhesive available in the market, but not all of them fall under the category of an ideal rubber to rubber adhesive. The features that every good rubber adhesive must have are:

• Good temperature resistance
• Great bonding strength
• Waterproof
• High flexibility
• Durable bonding

3. How To Prepare Rubber For Gluing?

It is essential to take your time and prepare the rubber before gluing; the type of rubber you are using does not matter. Begin cleaning the rubber by using a solvent and remove all kinds of grease, oil, dust, debris, mold, and so on. You can also use isopropanol to get rid of all sorts of oils, debris, etc.

In order to clean rubber, you can also use acetone. However, we do not usually recommend the use of acetone as it can be too strong for a few types of rubber.

4. Does Hot Glue Work On Rubber?

We generally apply hot glue through rolling, extruding, or spraying. The high melt viscosity of hot glue makes it suitable for permeable and porous surfaces. Hot glue will work with the majority of rubber types, but it won’t work well with rubber that contains high oil content or plasticizer.

Also, hot glue won’t form a strong bond with plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. If used on them, the bond may not be durable and fall apart easily.

5. Can Hot Glue Bond Rubber To Plastic?

Yes, hot glue can bond rubber to a wide variety of surfaces and materials. However, using hot glue to bond rubber to all sorts of plastic won’t work. Heat sensitive plastics will melt when they come in contact with the hot glue.

Final Words

So, these were some of the best glues for rubber in the market, but we have to be careful when choosing them.

It is necessary to find the right type of adhesive or glue when it comes to bonding rubber to rubber or any other material. Using the wrong adhesive type can cause damage to the materials and also form an extremely weak bond.

When it comes to bonding rubber to rubber, cyanoacrylate or super glue is a popular choice. But cyanoacrylate is not effective in all cases.

Cleaning the surfaces properly can help to form a strong bond, but sometimes, you might need a completely different kind of adhesive. Therefore, you must take the material, climate, temperature, and purpose into account before choosing the adhesive.

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