The glue trap for beginners

[chocomocha]

I used to put way too much contact cement on my pieces and it would squeeze out and ruin the finish. I learned that you need to let it get almost completely dry and tacky before you press the two sides together. If you rush it the bond will fail and you will have a sticky mess on your hands. Do you use the stinky solvent stuff or have you switched to the newer water based glues?

 

[midNight]

I found that using a small silicone spreader helps me get a much more even coat of cement. If the glue is too thick in one spot it takes forever to dry and creates a bump under the leather. You want it to be so thin that you can almost see through it.

 

[realt@lk]

If you do get glue on the grain side of your leather do not try to wipe it off while it is wet. Wait for it to dry completely and then use a "crepe" rubber eraser to gently rub it away. It will ball up and lift off the surface without leaving a stain most of the time.

 

[Rebel Dave]

I also use the silicone brushes, and spreaders, they work good and clean up easily. I use the water base white glues. you don't get that obnoxious smell with the water base glues either.
Dave

 

[skull panda]

Does anyone use double sided tape instead of glue for their mock-ups? It is great for holding pieces in place while you stitch but I worry that the adhesive might migrate through the leather over time. I usually only use it for very small parts like zipper ends.