Repair

Bostik All Purpose adhesive's drying time is generally within 10 minutes, with the bond fully set in a few hours. However, type of surface the adhesive is bonding affects when the surfaces should be stuck together, and for how long they should be left to adhere. Please refer to our ‘How to use’ section for further information.

Bostik All Purpose Glue is a clear, multipurpose adhesive suitable for most materials. It is a solvent-borne adhesive which produces a dried film which is virtually colourless and non-staining, making it great for everyday repairs and minor household DIY projects.

This All Purpose clear glue is quick-drying, clean and easy-to-use and provides an ultra strong, water-resistant bond with excellent ageing properties.

Choosing the right glue for your surface depends on additional factors such as the environment you are working in, the drying time required, if the glue is to be applied in a vertical or horizontal application and more.

ALL PURPOSE ADHESIVES

Either our All Purpose clear glue or Power Repair strong multipurpose glue is a great all-rounder that bonds to many different surfaces. Both repair adhesives offer an ultra strong, long-lasting bond to materials including glass, wood, stone, metal, leather, rubber, plastics, ceramics, mirror and much more.

SUPER GLUES

Bostik has a selection of super glues within our repair range that again will bond to multiple surfaces, including wood, rubber, metal, ceramics, hard plastics, leather and much more. The super glues available are Fix & Glue Gel, Fix & Glue Liquid, Super Glue Liquid, Super Glue Non-Drip Gel and Super Glue Easy Flow.

Bostik's contact glue is a solvent-based adhesive that achieves full strength immediately on contact, creating a clear, ultra strong, long-lasting bond.

Contact adhesive is mostly used to bond materials such as wood, glass, mirror, ceramic, leather, hard plastics and similar. The high strength formula makes it perfect for repairing items subject to harsh or extreme conditions, including constant flexing, due to their durability and resilience.

Bostik Fabric Glue forms a permanent bond by adhering to the fibres of the fabric.

We recommend allowing for around 24 hours for Bostik Fabric Glue to completely cure, though it may be dry to the touch in less time.

Yes, Bostik Fabric Glue is machine-washable so is perfect for clothing repairs and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Absolutely. Bostik Fabric Glue provides a strong, flexible bond that prevents fraying.

Rinse your fingers immediately with plenty of warm soapy water and do not pull on the skin that has been glued. If glue remains after using warm soapy water, it will often de-bond within a couple of days due to general wear and tear and the natural oils in the skin. If skin irritation occurs, consult a doctor.

You should only use Bostik Leather Repair glue to repair your damaged leather or imitation leather. The unique formula of the adhesive provides important flexibility to ensure a long-lasting, strong, water-resistant bond so that your repair remains intact for years to come.

Super glues do not provide the necessary flexibility that leather requires for an effective repair.

A super glue liquid has a low viscosity, meaning the liquid flows easily. This type of formula is great for filling horizontal surface cracks and fractures where the adhesive can flow into the cracks. We have three types available: Super Glue Liquid, Super Glue Easy Flow and Fix & Glue Liquid. 

A super glue gel has a higher viscosity, making it less 'runny' and less likely to drip. Gels are ideal for vertical application and for porous surfaces and tend to be easier to apply as they are harder to spill. For this purpose we have Super Glue Non-Drip Gel available.

Yes, all Bostik super glues remain highly effective providing a strong, long-lasting bond in the cold, including temperatures as low as -20°C.

All Bostik super glues are non-flammable meaning they do not readily catch fire and do not burn easily.

Yes, all Bostik super glues are heat resistant up to +80°C.

Safety warning: Persistent heat may affect the strength and longevity of the bond and therefore should be avoided.

All Bostik super glues are not waterproof and therefore we cannot recommend that they are safe for use in or around water.

Fix & Glue Gel and Fix & Glue Liquid are water-resistant meaning water has minimal effect on them, although we do not recommend using them in water-related projects.

Most super glues are made from cyanoacrylate, a fast-curing acrylic resin that creates strong bonds in seconds. Products such as Bostik Super Glue Easy Flow, Bostik Super Glue Liquid and Bostik Super Glue Non-Drip Gel are based on ethyl cyanoacrylate.

Once applied, cyanoacrylate reacts with moisture on the surface and cures quickly, making super glue a popular choice for household repairs, crafts and DIY projects.

The main difference between a multipurpose glue and a super glue is the drying time. A super glue bonds within seconds (almost instantly) and an all purpose adhesive bonds within minutes (typically within five minutes). Multipurpose glue is ideal for use on a wide range of substrates, including paper, whereas super glue is more suited for use on solid surfaces only.

Before applying glue, ensure that all surfaces are of sound nature and clean, dry and free from dust, grease or any other contamination.

The shelf life of adhesives varies from product to product, but typically ranges between one and two years from the date of manufacture when unopened and stored correctly in dry conditions - usually between +5°C and +25°C. Once opened, the life of the product will be more limited – this is dictated by variables including the type of adhesive, how it is stored, and how much adhesive is left unused. For more information, refer to the product’s Technical Data Sheet.

Yes, if you choose a washable fabric glue and allow it to dry completely first. Once dry, Bostik Fabric Glue can be machine-washed, tumble dried and ironed, while remaining flexible and permanently bonded.

Yes, for many fabric repairs and projects, adhesive can be used as a substitute for sewing.

Bostik Fabric Glue can be a handy no-sew option for jobs such as hems, trouser turn-ups, patches, labels, badges and soft furnishings. It creates a permanent, flexible bond on porous fabrics including cotton, denim, linen, felt and leather.

Whether contact adhesive dries clear depends on the product. Some contact-style adhesives dry clear, while others don’t. Bostik Contact Adhesive dries to a virtually colourless, non-staining film, making it useful when you want the finished repair to look neat. In contrast, our EVO-STIK contact adhesives are amber in colour.

Yes, when you choose a glue designed for leather and prepare the surfaces properly. Bostik Leather Repair Clear Glue is formulated for leather and imitation leather, creating an ultra-strong, long-lasting and flexible bond that’s also water resistant.

Yes, when you match the tape to the weight, surface and job. Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape provides strong adhesion and can hold up to 1kg per 20cm of tape, with up to 7.5kg total strength. For the best hold, apply it to a clean, dry and even surface and press it firmly into place.

Yes, some super glues are clear. All of Bostik's super glue range offers clear, fast-acting adhesives, making them a good choice for small repairs where you want the adhesive to be less noticeable.

Super glue isn’t designed to stop water leaks. Bostik's super glue range is made for strong, fast bonding rather than creating a waterproof seal. For a leak, use a waterproof sealant, repair tape or specialist leak repair product instead.

For flexible PVC, start with clean, dry surfaces and lightly sand very smooth, shiny areas if needed. Apply Bostik Soft Plastics Adhesive evenly to both surfaces, leave for around 5 to 10 minutes until almost dry, then press the pieces firmly together. Maximum bond strength develops after approximately 48 hours.

To use Bostik All Purpose Clear Glue, start by making sure both surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust or grease. For non-absorbent materials such as metal or glass, apply a thin layer to both surfaces, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully position and press them firmly together. The bond is instant, so you won’t be able to reposition it. For absorbent materials, apply a generous layer to one surface, join the pieces straight away and hold them firmly in place while the adhesive sets.

To use Bostik Leather Repair Glue, start with clean, dry and grease-free surfaces. For absorbent materials such as leather, apply a generous film of glue to one surface, join the pieces immediately and hold them together under pressure. The glue takes around 5 minutes to dry, with a handling time of around 1 to 2 hours.

Bostik Fabric Glue develops an initial bond after around one minute, allowing for gentle handling. Allow it to dry before rough handling. Exact drying time can vary depending on the materials and conditions.

Drying times vary between Bostik adhesives. For Bostik Contact Adhesive, allow the adhesive to sit for 4 minutes to get tacky before pressing the surfaces together. Then, the bond fully sets within 24 hours with no clamping required. When bonding non-absorbent surfaces such as metal or glass, allow the adhesive to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before pressing the surfaces firmly together.

How long mounting tape stays in place depends on the surface, weight of the object and conditions. Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape is designed for long-lasting indoor mounting and can be removed, washed and reused without loss of performance.

For a small repair to leather upholstery on a sofa or couch or similar, make sure the area is clean, dry and free from dust, dirt and grease. Avoid getting glue on the shiny, visible side of the leather, as it may leave a mark. For absorbent surfaces, apply the glue to one surface, immediately bring the pieces together and hold them under pressure. Bostik Leather Repair Clear Glue is suitable for upholstery repairs.

To glue tent materials, first check what your tent is made from, as not every adhesive suits every material. Bostik Soft Plastics Adhesive can be used for repairing compatible plastic tent materials and includes a PVC patch if needed. Apply an even layer to both clean, dry surfaces, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then press them firmly together.

If you’re using Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape, you can wash and reuse it. Simply peel off the tape, wash it with washing-up liquid and water, then leave it to dry completely before sticking it back into place.

No - Bostik Contact Adhesive is not waterproof, however, it is water-resistant to create a durable and resilient repair that'll withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. The bond must not be subject to constant or frequent wetting as it will deteriorate.

Contact adhesive is generally intended to create a strong, long-lasting bond rather than a temporary one. Once the surfaces have been pressed together, separating them can be difficult and may damage the materials, so it’s important to position everything carefully before bonding.

Yes - contact adhesive is a type of glue, but it’s designed to create a strong bond when two prepared surfaces are pressed together. Unlike many everyday glues, contact adhesives are often applied to both non-absorbent surfaces and allowed to become tacky before the pieces are joined. We have handy Contact Adhesives in 50ml tubes as well as super high-strength impact adhesives under EVO-STIK depending on your project requirements.

Whether or not Fabric Glue is transparent depends on the glue you're using. Bostik Fabric Glue is white when applied but dries clear in thin layers, helping to give your finished repair a neat appearance.

Leak seal tapes aren't typically permanent fixes, however, it depends on the tape, surface and type of damage. Some repair tapes are designed for long-lasting, heavy-duty repairs rather than simply providing a temporary patch. Bostik Max Repair Tape is designed to provide a long-lasting repair, with full adhesive performance reached after around 24 hours.

Whether or not mounting tape provides a permanent fix depends on the tape. Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape is designed for temporary mounting, making it ideal when you may want to remove or reposition an item later. It can be removed without leaving residue and reused.

Not all mounting tapes are waterproof. Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape is designed for indoor use only, although the tape itself can be washed with water when you want to clean and reuse it. For areas exposed to water or outdoor weather, choose a tape specifically designed for those conditions.

Generally, yes. Textile glue and fabric glue are both names used for adhesives designed to bond fabrics and textiles. Always check which materials your chosen glue is suitable for, as not every fabric adhesive works with every type of fabric.

Some fabric glues offer water-resistant or washable bonds, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re completely waterproof. Bostik Fabric Glue has very good resistance to water once it is completely dry, meaning it can be machine washed.

Yes. Bostik Max Repair Tape Clear is both transparent and waterproof, so it’s useful when you want a water-resistant repair without an obvious patch. It can be used indoors and outdoors and resists UV, humidity, frost and changing temperatures.

Look for a glue specifically designed for fabric, but always test it on a scrap or hidden area first. Even fabric glue can seep through open-weave, light-coloured or delicate fabrics, particularly if too much glue or pressure is used. Applying only the amount you need can help reduce the risk.

If a glue is suitable for vinyl depends on the type of vinyl. For flexible PVC or vinyl, choose a strong, flexible adhesive designed for soft plastics. Bostik Soft Plastics Adhesive bonds flexible PVC and creates a strong, flexible and water-resistant seal, making it useful for flexible plastic repairs.

Contact adhesive is useful when you need a strong, long-lasting bond between materials. Depending on the product, it can be used with materials such as metal, wood, glass, leather, fabric, PVC and other plastics, making it handy for repairs and household projects.

Mounting tape is a simple way to fix lightweight objects and decorations without nails or screws. Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape is a transparent, double-sided tape designed for temporary indoor mounting on smooth and semi-smooth surfaces, including glass, wood, metal, ceramics and many plastics.

Repair tape is a versatile choice for everyday fixes around the home. You can use it to repair and seal cracks, join broken or torn pieces and bundle objects together. Bostik Universal Repair Tape provides good adhesion, wear resistance and water resistance, and works on materials including plastic, metal, rubber, wood, leather and stone. It’s designed for indoor use. There is also Bostik Max Repair Tape which is a waterproof repair tape.

If you're looking for a glue that will dry clear on leather, you should use Bostik Leather Repair glue. It dries to a virtually colourless, non-staining finish and is formulated for both leather and imitation leather. Take care to avoid spills on the shiny side of leather, as these can leave a mark.

Look for a glue that creates a strong, flexible and water-resistant bond and is compatible with your inflatable’s material. Bostik Soft Plastics Adhesive is specifically designed for soft plastics and is ideal for repairing inflatables, including those made from compatible flexible PVC and polyurethane.

The best wall mounting tape depends on what you’re hanging, how heavy it is and the wall surface. For lightweight indoor objects on smooth or semi-smooth surfaces, Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape offers a strong, transparent and removable option. Make sure the surface is clean, dry, even and free from grease or dirt before applying it.

PVA Glue and general-purpose glue are designed for different applications. Bostik PVA Glue is a water-based adhesive that works best on porous materials such as wood, paper, card and fabric, making it popular for DIY, craft and woodworking projects.

“Normal glue” is a broad term and can refer to many different adhesive types, including instant glue, solvent-based glue, fabric glue, leather glue or multi-purpose glue. These may be designed for faster grab, stronger repairs, flexible materials or specialist surfaces. The best choice depends on what you are sticking and how the finished bond needs to perform. 

Within the Bostik Super Glue range, Super Glue Easy Flow is the quickest-setting option. Its fast-acting liquid formula bonds in seconds, making it ideal for quick repairs when you need a strong, precise bond without heat or clamps.

Strength varies between mounting tapes, so check the maximum weight rating before choosing one. Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape offers up to 7.5kg total strength and is designed for small objects, with a recommended loading of up to 1kg per 20cm of tape.

Bostik's super glue range shouldn’t be used on soft plastics such as polythene, absorbent materials such as paper, objects that hold hot food or liquids, or high-stress joints. For these jobs, choose an adhesive specifically designed for the material and application.

For a small leak or puncture, look for a strong waterproof repair tape that’s suitable for the material you’re fixing. Bostik Max Repair Tape is waterproof, resistant to immersion and designed to seal broken or punctured surfaces indoors and outdoors.

Contact adhesive is a glue designed to bond surfaces together on contact once the adhesive has been applied and allowed to become tacky. Some contact adhesives are solvent-based and use rubber and resin to create a strong, durable bond.

For areas exposed to water, choose a tape specifically rated as waterproof and resistant to immersion, rather than simply water resistant. Bostik Max Repair Tape offers both and can be used indoors or outdoors on a wide range of materials.

Start with surfaces that are clean, dry and free from dust and grease. For a contact-style application on non-absorbent materials, apply a thin layer to both surfaces, allow 4 to 10 minutes for it to become tacky, carefully line up the pieces and press them firmly together. Position them carefully, as the bond can be instant and difficult to adjust.

The main difference between a contact adhesive and spray adhesive is how they’re applied. Contact adhesive is usually spread directly onto the surfaces before they’re pressed together, while impact spray adhesives are sprayed on in a fine, even layer. Spray adhesives can be convenient for larger areas, while contact adhesives are useful when you need a strong, precise bond.

Impact adhesive is a type of contact adhesive. Both are designed to create a strong, immediate bond when the prepared surfaces are pressed together. “Impact” is commonly used to describe contact adhesives intended for particularly strong, durable bonding. Discover our impact adhesives today.

Duct tape will only hold its bond in the wet, depending on the type of duct tape you are using. Not every duct or repair tape is waterproof, so check the product before using it somewhere exposed to water. For wet environments, choose a tape specifically described as waterproof and suitable for the surface you’re repairing such as Bostik Max Repair Tape.