Contact Cement Substitutes

Many contact cement products are solvent-based and contain a chemical called methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane. This chemical is a volatile, colorless liquid with a mildly sweet odor. Exposure to methylene chloride can be through inhalation and skin contact. OSHA considers this chemical to be a potential occupational carcinogen---a cancer causing agent. Try one of the safer alternatives for your projects.

Titebond

• Titebond Cold Press for veneer, made by Franklin, is an economical alternative to contact cement for bonding veneers to large flat surfaces. It is specially formulated for cold press laminating of wood to solid woods, such as particleboard, MDF, plywood and other porous materials. Titebond has a moderate set speed and contains no harmful or corrosive fumes like those in most contact cement products.

Titan DX

• Titan DX by Better Bond is a water-based contact adhesive. According to the professionals at Veneer Supplies, this product meets the demands of professional cabinetmakers and artisans. OSHA has halted the use of solvent-based contact cements in cabinet shops, forcing them to find non-toxic and environmentally safe alternatives. According to Veneer Supplies, tests they performed have shown Titan DX to provide an instant full strength bond, stronger than any other water-based cement on the market as of 2010.

3M

• The U.S. division of the 3M Company makes three water-based adhesive alternatives with little to no volatile organic compounds. They are also non-flammable when wet. 3M Fastbond Contact Adhesive 30H has high immediate bond strength that bonds foamed plastics, laminate, wood, veneer and canvas. 3M's Fastbond Contact Adhesive 2000NF provides immediate bonding and strength for flexible polyurethane and latex foams, plastic laminate and wood. The 3M Fastbond Foam Adhesive 100NF is a water-based neoprene contact adhesive for bonding porous and non-porous substrates with a holding time of only 15 seconds.