Expert: Jamie Yocono - 2/18/2005

Question
There are various types of vinyl plastic.  I need aglue that can permanently affix a VINYL RECORD to wood.  Gorilla glue does not. What does?  It must be available in large amounts i.e.pints, quarts, etc.,  not little squeeze bottles or small epoxy mixes.  

Answer
Hi Lou,

I think the adhesive you might want to use to glue vinyl records to wood would be contact cement. This adhesive is available in many different formulas, and depending on the one you choose, can be either rolled or sprayed. I consider it to be permanent, although there are some ways you could separate the two parts from each other if you really needed to. It's not easy, though.

There are basically two kinds of contact cement- a latex (water based) version, and a solvent based one. The latex is fairly safe, with no fumes and easy cleanup. The solvent based stuff is VERY flammable, and you definitely need to apply it with good ventilation.  Trust me- I didn't follow this advice one time when I was using it, and I got very sick.  I was "drunk" from the fumes and had quite a headache. I was amazed at how much I was impaired, and I didn't even know it was occurring!

But most woodworkers claim the latex type isn't very good, and I agree. But it's safe and benign, and probably will work just fine for your situation. You'll need a paint roller to apply the contact cement- I use one of those cheap 3" or 4" rollers for this. Sponge brushes sometimes melt with this glue-especially the solvent based formula, so don't use one!

Contact cement works by painting a coat of it on both surfaces to be mated. When the glue is dry (you will know this by it's dull look) you put the two sides together. This stuff grabs instantly, so be careful when you put the two pieces together. Be REALLY careful. Since this glue can be a pain to clean up, you'll want to apply it neatly. If I were doing it, I wouldn't coat the whole back of a vinyl record, I would stay an inch or two from the edge.  The same goes for the wood area where you are going to place it- I don't think it's necessary to apply a large circle of adhesive. A smaller circle of glue will be enough to hold the record in place.

I've used Hybond brand and had great success, but there are many brands out there.

Here's some info about the solvent based version, taken from a website: Hybond 80- Our finest, most versatile premium brush or roller adhesive. Superior performance for your most critical applications, including postforming. Excellent spreadability for ease of application. Color is natural (light tan.) Provides 200 sq. ft. per gallon coverage. Fast dry. Extremely flammable. 120 minute open time.

The stats on the latex version are: Hybond 30WB- A multipurpose water-base adhesive for  
applications to a wide variety of substrates. Contains no VOCs. Suitable for spray application. Provides 700 sq. ft. per gallon coverage.  Ready to bond in approximately 20 minutes.  Easy cleanup with cold water, 60 minute open time

These glues are avaliable in large quantities,  pints, quarts, gallons, five gallons and 55 gallon barrels. One last thing- there are spray versions of this stuff, and it's very convenient to use. You might want to check and see if you can find some in your area.

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV