How Long Does It Take for Contact Cement to Dry? Proper Explanation

Contact cement is an adhesive used to create a fast, flexible, and permanent bond. The contact cement is different from the regular types of cement and the usage of this is different as well. It uses a different method, and the curing and drying time is also different than the regular cement types.

If you are willing to use contact cement then you will need to know about the drying time of it. Basically, contact cement has a very lower settings time and it can be dried up in less than one hour. Though it will depend on the weather too.

In today’s article, we have discussed the drying time for contact cement. So, be with us till the end and learn about what the drying time of contact cement is.

What is the Drying Time of Contact Cement?

Generally, contact cement isn’t like the regular types of cement and it doesn’t come in powder form. In easy words, you can name it as glue. Though it’s like glue, it will require a proper drying time and as well as curing time for getting a proper outcome.

The drying time of contact cement will depend on the surrounding temperature and humidity. Basically, contact cement needs about 15 to 20 minutes for drying. After applying the cement on both surfaces, you will need to wait 15 to 20 minutes for drying and then you can assemble both surfaces.

However, while applying the contact cement, the surrounding and surface temperature should be more than 18°C or 65°F. Otherwise, it will require more time for drying. It is the initial drying time. After assembling both surfaces, you will need to keep them for 24 hours for drying and curing properly. 

How to Identify that Contact Cement is Dried

After 15 to 20 minutes, if you find out that the surfaces appear glossy and after touching the surface if you feel tacky or there is no legginess then it means the cement is dried and now you can assemble the items.

NOTE: If the surrounding temperature is less than 18°C then you will need to use a heater or dryer for drying the cement. Also, while working with contact cement, it’s better to work in a well-ventilated area.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – FAQs

How can I speed up drying contact cement?

If you are applying the cement in a highly humid area then you will need to use a blow dryer or a heat lamp for speeding up the drying time of contact cement.

Why wait for contact cement to dry?

After applying contact cement, it’s mandatory to wait till the cement is dry. Because, after drying, it will help to achieve a strong bond, less chance of bubbles, and can easily align the surfaces.

Why is my contact cement not drying?

The drying time will depend on the humidity and surrounding temperature. The reason why the contact cement isn’t drying is the surrounding humidity is higher than 80%. In this case, you can use a dryer for drying the cement quickly.

Does contact cement bond instantly?

Yes, after drying the cement, if you assemble the surfaces, they will bond instantly. The bond can not be removed and that’s why you will need to be careful when aligning the surfaces.

Conclusion

To sum up, though the contact cement isn’t like the regular ones, it will need the ideal 24h of curing and proper drying time. Just you will need to assemble the surfaces and then leave them for 24 hours to make the bond stronger and dry properly.