When gluing laminate, surface preparation, glue application and drying time are all critical to the process. The type of glue to use is as important as the method of drying when gluing laminate. Tips for gluing laminate can aid in proper clamping and the speed at which the materials are glued into place. Other tips for gluing laminate can include proper laminate preparation methods, correct book matching of laminate wood grains and finishing techniques for the laminated surface.
A white glue is commonly the best choice for gluing laminate. Using a paint roller to apply the glue can help to apply it in a uniform manner as far as thickness and even coverage are concerned. The glue should be applied sparingly so as not to create a thick layer of glue that requires a long drying time. While contact cement usually offers fast drying and setting times, it can be very unforgiving when attempting to relocate a piece of laminate that has been laid down slightly skewed. Contact cement is so fast-drying that once the glue is applied, the laminate should be immediately placed into its exact position.
Another tip is to use a clean roller to remove any air bubbles when gluing laminate. Once the laminate is glued, a roller can be used to remove any trapped air bubbles that might ruin the finish. A tip in rolling is to start in the middle and work toward the outer edge. This will push any trapped air out of the laminate and allow the air to escape into the atmosphere. Slow and steady rolling motions will typically produce the best results when rolling laminates. Another tip in this area is to use the widest roller available and to overlap rolling lines by one-half the width of the roller.
Using heat when gluing laminate will aid in the speediness of the curing process. The heat will allow the glue drying time to be reduced, which can eliminate some minor flaws that are often the result of prolonged contact with moisture in the glue. This can lead to small bubbles in the laminate's surface, as well as water stains if the glue is applied too heavily. One tip when gluing laminate is to place wax paper over the laminate when clamping. This can aid in the non-damaging removal of the clamping materials that may come into accidental contact with any glue while drying.