- Apply a thin, even coat to both surfaces, along the whole seam.
- Let both sides dry slightly before bonding (check your glue’s open time — usually 1–10 minutes)
- Don’t apply too much, the glue should not look too wet.
Chapter 4 - How to Glue Latex (Bonding)
Where the forms finally grow and come to reality...
Now that you are finally prepared, we can come to the most tricky part – the gluing.
But no panic, nothing magical about this part.
But no panic, nothing magical about this part.
Step 1: Apply Glue on your seams
1. Tools
Use a small brush (flat or angled), sponge, or dedicated glue spatula. We prefer the spatula, as it gives the most even results.
2. Application
3. Let it Rest
No worry, if the latex seems to roll and changes the shape. This is a normal behavior and it fades, when the glue is ready to be aligned. Be careful, it should not stick together accidentally. Don’t use too much glue. You can support the edge with a bit of paint tape, to avoid heavy curving
Step 2: Align & Press
1. Align
- Slowly put both pieces together, while working from end to end. Never start in the middle of a seam, unless you really know what you do.
- Use position markers to make sure nothing slips — latex loves to stretch unpredictably, but the patterns should still fit together.
2. Press
- Press firmly but don’t drag
- Avoid air bubbles: smooth out gently, with fingers, roller, or bone folder
- Use a small silicone or wooden roller. It applies extra pressure, needed for the contact glue.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t stress it right away — the glue bond continues to strengthen over the next 12–24 hours. Usually, other seams will eat your time anyway.
- Avoid oiling or polishing until you are sure everything is in place.
- If there is glue, where it shouldn’t be: Remove it with a little bit of thinner, but be careful, as it may make your latex shine dull…
Common Mistakes:
There are some typical mistakes, we tried all of them…
- Too much glue: Can create hard bits within the seam
- Not letting it dry before putting it together: It won’t bond properly, be patient
- Keep any oily bits away (like other garments): Oily latex will hardly bond…
- Sharp Tools: Avoid them, if you are not cutting the latex
- Jewelry: It’s a great hack to remove any jewelry from the fingers, to avoid interference…
Pro Tip:
The Cling Film Trick
Latex seams loves to stick to itself. Especially when you’re not ready. So for long seams, sleeves, curves, or anything that’s hard to line up in one go — try this:
How it works:
- After applying glue and letting it dry a bit, place a strip of strong cling film, small stripes of packing foil or wax paper onto the seam.
- Align your seam carefully without fear — the glue won’t grab yet.
- Starting at one end, slowly peel back the film as you press the seam into place — section by section.
- Smooth and roll each part as you go.
- No panic. No sticky chaos. Just clean, gorgeous seams.
Bonus: The cling film Can be reused a couple times before getting too gluey.