By Tom Scalisi | Updated May 25, 2022 10:29 AM

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If you appreciate top-quality leather goods, you may have noticed that a lot of attention goes into the stitching along the seams. But much of a leather product’s quality relies on the adhesive used to bond those seams—and not just any type of glue will do.

Whether repairing a jacket or sofa or venturing into leatherworking as a hobby, the best glue for leather will yield better results, ensuring longer-lasting repairs and bonds. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right product and why the following options are among the best glues for leather.

The ancient Romans used a mix of tar and beeswax as their leatherworking adhesive of choice. Luckily, modern options are more advanced. When choosing a product, shoppers should keep several factors in mind, including the type of glue, the leather surface, and drying time.

A few different types of glue are suitable for leatherwork and repair, each with pros and cons.

Depending on the task or the type of leather, certain glues might work better than others. For instance, if crafting a simple wallet or knife sheath, a basic leather glue can typically handle the job. But if creating a complex bag that requires a lot of stitching, a leather cement is probably best, as the seams will be less likely to separate. Leather cement forms a near-permanent bond, so it’s excellent for intricate projects as well as for gluing shoes and boots and other items that receive stress.

When repairing a piece of furniture or car seat—or any piece that cannot be stitched easily—super glue might do the trick. However, the resulting seam won’t be very flexible, so it could eventually separate.

Some leathers are well suited for wet conditions, including latigo and bridle leathers, which are treated with waxes and oils. When working with them, choose a leather glue that can hold up under occasionally damp conditions.

Because it’s extremely tacky and has a chemical base, leather cement creates a waterproof seam when applied evenly across two surfaces. It’s the best choice for a backpack or briefcase that might be used during inclement weather.

Super glues usually are waterproof or at least highly water-resistant. Leather glues, on the other hand, may offer some water resistance but aren’t suitable for truly wet conditions.

Leather can be a challenging medium because it’s a natural product that often seems to have a mind of its own. When crafting large leather goods or making repairs on furniture or car seats, drying time can be a big deal. All leather adhesives dry relatively quickly, but different types dry at different rates.

Applying leather glue isn’t difficult, but a bit of preparation and technique help ensure good results. For instance, almost all glues adhere better if the user scuffs the smooth side (the “grain”) of the leather a bit to increase the fibers and surface area. Use a sharp knife to scrape the area to be glued before starting.

After applying glue, always apply pressure to the seams until it forms a bond. Many leather crafters pound their seams with a small mallet to ensure they lie flat and create a secure bond. Others opt for small butterfly-style paper clips along the seam to apply even pressure. However, note that many leather glues can be difficult to remove once applied.

Leather is tough and durable, yet it feels luxurious. Check out the following compilation of some of the best glues for leather on the market to help choose the right product for leather craft and repair projects.

For glue-like workability and cement-strength bonding, consider Fiebing’s Leathercraft Cement. This product features a low-VOC, non-toxic formula that flows easily from the squeeze tip, making for safe and easy application. The resulting bond is very strong and flexible, so it’s suitable for almost any leather project, such as shoes, bags, wallets, and furniture.

To use, apply a thin layer of this leather adhesive across the two surfaces to be bonded, and, unlike other cements, press them together while still wet. This allows a few extra moments to position the leather perfectly before creating a permanent bond.

Get Fiebing’s glue for leather at Etsy.

If trying to get a few more miles out of leather goods, Loctite’s Ultra Gel Control Super Glue can get the job done for less than the price of a professional repair. This super glue creates permanent bonds in leather as well as on plastic, wood, paper, ceramics, and other surfaces.

Unlike most other super glues, Loctite’s formula creates a flexible bond that leather goods typically require for a permanent repair. Use the tip to apply this glue to a small area, such as a seam, small tear, or other separation. It dries clear and provides a water-resistant bond, making it suitable for repairs in nearly any leather product.

Get Loctite glue for leather on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Professional shoe repair is expensive, and some conventional leather glues can’t complete a quality DIY job. So rather than toss those shoes, give Aleene’s Leather & Suede Glue a try. This product creates a flexible, durable bond between layers of leather, providing the fusion required for various shoe repairs.

Aleene’s leather adhesive has a customizable tip that makes application straightforward. Simply cut the tip to the desired opening size and squeeze a bit onto the leather before applying pressure to create a permanent bond. While this formula flows well, it won’t soak all the way through and cause discoloration—a big plus when repairing expensive leather footwear.

Get Aleene’s glue for leather on Amazon.

Repairing a leather jacket, skirt, or pants requires a flexible, strong adhesive that dries quickly and lasts for a long time. For these kinds of repairs, rely on the Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive for its waterproof, washable, and UV-resistant formula.

Though it is safe to use on leather, it can also be used on fabrics seen on backpacks, shoes, and sweaters. This water-based leather glue dries in just three minutes and can be washed fifteen minutes after application, leaving behind a permanent bond. The only downside with this pick is that it does not dry clear.

Get the Tear Mender adhesive on Amazon or at Ace Hardware. 

A leather glue occasionally must do more than just stick two pieces together. When repairing damage on a leather couch or chair, for instance, the Coconix Vinyl and Leather Repair Kit can create flexible, long-lasting, and color-matched repairs. This leather repair glue kit comes with 10 colors, allowing users to mix and blend to create an ideal color match.

The kit comes with a mixing cup, brush, and canvas backing material for large rips. After mixing, dip the brush in the glue and dab it over the affected area. Once dry, even it out by rubbing with the included alcohol pads until smooth.

Get the Coconix glue for leather on Amazon.

A tear in a car or motorcycle’s upholstery can be a big problem. The tear can rip more over time allowing for the plush interior of the seats to fall out, making the seat warp or lose its comfortable shape. To prevent these tears from getting worse and causing more damage, the right leather glue for the job is in the FORTIVO Leather Repair Kit.

This versatile kit has a 5-step process that can be used on vinyl or leather projects including cracks, tears, holes, rips, and burns. It comes with a fast-drying repair adhesive, seven color options for mixing your perfect shade, a spatula, a mixing bottle, two pieces of backing fabric, a practice leather sample, a color mixing guide, and detailed instructions for use.

Get the FORTIVO repair kit on Amazon.

When gluing leather requires precision, Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue allows users to work just the right amount of glue from the tip and onto the exact area in need of repair. This type of control allows users to fix a small tear fast—and prevent it from spreading.

Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue works on leather as well as plastic, metal, paper, ceramics, and other materials. This Gorilla glue also dries in 10 to 45 seconds, making quick work of small repairs.

Get Gorilla glue for leather on Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Target.

Those looking to use the same product as pros and experienced crafters will want to check out Barge All-Purpose TF Cement. This contact cement instantly creates flexible bonds between pieces of leather as well as rubber, wood, glass, cork, and other materials. The powerful, pliable bond is so strong that professional cobblers have relied on Barge for years.

Applying theBarge All-Purpose cementis fairly easy, though it does require a bit of technique. Using an acid brush, apply a bit of the contact cement along the entire seam on both pieces of leather. After the Barge All-Purpose cement dries for a minute or so, press the pieces together for an instant, durable bond. Just be careful not to get Barge on any of the finished surfaces, as it’s nearly impossible to remove. Moreover, Barge is a classic contact cement, which means it contains potentially irritating VOCs and solvents.

Get Barge All-Purpose cement on Amazon or at Ace Hardware. 

Super glue has many versatile uses around a home or job site when making minor repairs. But, the two-pack of the Gorilla Clear Grip Waterproof Contact Adhesive can do more than just repair small nicks and chips around the house. This versatile Gorilla glue is suitable for bonding leather, fabric, glass, ceramic, wood, paper, plastic, and metal and dries completely clear.

After it is applied, this Gorilla glue can develop a permanent hold in seconds and fully dry in two minutes making it easy to repair tears, rips, and holes in your car’s upholstery, leather jacket, or shoes. Though there are only 3 fluid ounces in one container, it has a small tip for precise application and a small amount goes a long way.

Get the Gorilla Clear adhesive on Amazon, Ace Hardware, and Lowe’s.

For a reliable option that can glue leather, lasts for years, and is safe to use in homes with children and pets, we recommend Fiebing’s glue for leather. This non-toxic, versatile glue contains low VOCs and creates a strong bond that lasts forever on leather. Alternatively, the Loctite glue for leather is a budget-friendly pick that can be used on leather, wood, rubber, glass, metal, and more and dries in just 5 minutes.

We researched the most sought-after glues for leather projects in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by the type, drying time, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and the other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best glues for leather, super glues, leather glues, cements/ contact cements, and leather repair kits were the most popular among users for their strong adhesive quality and ease of use. Though many of these options take 24 to 36 hours to fully cure, select options dry immediately or in a matter of minutes and leave no residue behind after drying. Plus, many come with squeeze tips for precise application.

While each can bond leather, some are also safe to use for household projects with ceramics, wood, rubber, glass, metal, plastic, paper, and more. Moreover, we included glues that resist moisture, abrasions, vibrations, and heat, and some can even be color-matched to blend with various materials.

For a bit more information on buying and using leather glue, keep reading for the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these products.

Several types of glue work on leather, including contact cements, super glues, and traditional leather-specific glues.

Gorilla Glue does work on leather shoes, but it can be difficult to work with in its traditional form. DIY cobblers might prefer something with a bit more control, like Gorilla Super Glue, as it’s one of the best precision-oriented super glues.

If using leather glue to adhere flesh side to flesh side (the rough sides of the leather), simply apply the glue to the grain side of one piece and to the other side. Then clamp or pound the seam flat until bonded. If gluing grain (the finished side of the leather), rough it up first with a knife or piece of sandpaper before applying glue.

For contact cement, apply a thin layer to both pieces, allow them to dry for a minute, and then stick both seams together. Scratch the grain side of the leather before applying cement.

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