Searching the web for advice on attaching rubber to Ikea melamine has been dicey. PVA is said to not adhere well to non-porous surfaces like melamine, as I would expect. But then several articles say “use a good quality wood glue” and suggest particular brands. I thought wood glue is PVA, no? Maybe reputable proprietary brands are more than PVA, but I’m not interested in buying anything and generally not enthusiastic about paying for a brand’s reputation. Which means I’m not going to use the special-purpose melamine glue either.
I already have on-hand:
- contact cement
- construction adhesive
- expansion foam (which is like super glue IIUC, but the nozzle is clogged so I would rather avoid it); some articles say super glue is good for attaching rubber to melamine
- epoxy (as 2-component liquid)
- epoxy (as 2-component putty/filler+hardener)
- cheap generic wood glue
- PVA sold in 5 liter jugs for mixing with plaster or concrete
I am tempted to try the contact cement because it is intended for gluing two non-porous surfaces. Should I sand the melamine first? Obviously the answer is yes for epoxy, but contact cement is meant for non-porous surfaces.
To be clear, I am covering up the unsightely edge of Ikea melamine using an old bicycle tyre. The particle board edge is trivial and will have construction adhesive. As the tyre wraps aound the edge, there is about 10mm of rubber that must be glued to the melamine. Staples would work but I prefer to avoid them.
Contact cement is great for putting soles back on cheap shoes and slippers, and I’ve seen it used on wood. I think it would work. Try a small patch overnight maybe? Remember to let it get tacky before bringing them together.