Quick Overview

The Perfect Result in 7 Simple Steps

1️⃣ Prepare the Surface

2️⃣ Cut the Cork to Size

3️⃣ Apply the Adhesive

4️⃣ Allow the Adhesive to Flash Off

5️⃣ Position the Cork

6️⃣ Press Firmly into Place

7️⃣ Finished!

How to Glue Cork Properly – Strong, Clean and Professional Results

Using the right cork contact adhesive, you can permanently and securely bond cork rolls, cork sheets and many other cork materials. Achieving a professional result depends not only on choosing the right adhesive, but also on careful preparation, the correct flash-off time and a properly prepared surface.

Whether you are installing wall coverings, notice boards, furniture, interior fittings or insulation projects, the right bonding technique creates durable connections that will last for many years. Even small details—such as applying the contact adhesive to both surfaces or pressing the cork down firmly after positioning—have a significant impact on the final result.

In this guide, we explain step by step how to glue cork correctly, which adhesive is best suited for different applications, how to prepare various surfaces and which common mistakes to avoid. You will also find practical workshop tips based on more than 30 years of cork expertise, answers to frequently asked questions and recommended products for your project.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

• Choosing the right adhesive for cork
• Preparing different surfaces correctly
• Gluing cork rolls and cork sheets the right way
• Applying contact adhesive step by step
• Avoiding common installation mistakes
• Practical workshop tips based on over 30 years of cork expertise
• Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

💡 Our Tip

Many problems occur because the surface has not been prepared properly or the contact adhesive has not been allowed to flash off for long enough. Taking a little extra time to prepare the surface is the most important step towards achieving a strong, clean and long-lasting bond.

Which Adhesive Is Best for Cork?

For bonding cork rolls, cork sheets and many other cork materials, we recommend using a high-quality cork contact adhesive. It provides a strong, long-lasting bond and is suitable for a wide range of indoor surfaces.

Unlike conventional construction adhesives or universal glues, contact adhesive is always applied to both bonding surfaces – the substrate and the back of the cork. After the required flash-off time, the adhesive forms an immediate and permanent bond as soon as the two surfaces are brought together and pressed firmly into place.

Especially for large-area installations, cork wall coverings and notice boards, contact adhesive offers significant advantages. It provides reliable adhesion, remains flexible after curing and helps prevent tension within the cork material.

Benefits of Cork Contact Adhesive

• Strong and long-lasting bond
• Suitable for cork rolls and cork sheets
• Ideal for wood, MDF, plywood, OSB, plaster, drywall and many other surfaces
• Easy to apply with a roller or brush
• Flexible adhesive bond after curing
• Solvent-free and low-emission
• High initial bond strength after the flash-off time

Suitable Applications

• Cork rolls
• Cork sheets
• Cork wall coverings
• Notice boards
• Furniture making
• Interior fit-outs
• DIY and craft projects

➡️ Recommended Product: Cork Contact Adhesive for Cork Rolls & Cork Sheets

Prime Highly Absorbent Surfaces

Highly absorbent surfaces such as plaster, drywall, concrete and other mineral-based materials absorb moisture very quickly. As a result, the contact adhesive may dry too fast and lose its optimum bonding performance.

Applying a suitable deep primer reduces the surface's absorbency, improves adhesive performance and helps ensure a strong, even and long-lasting bond.

Preparation

Careful preparation is the key to achieving a strong, long-lasting bond. Even small amounts of dirt or an unsuitable substrate can prevent the cork from adhering properly or cause it to come loose over time.

Taking a little extra time to prepare the surface will make all the difference to the final result.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

The substrate must be clean, dry, sound and free from dust, grease, oil, silicone and loose particles. Remove any old adhesive residues, flaking paint or other contaminants before you begin bonding the cork.

Allow the Cork to Acclimatise

Store the cork in the room where it will be installed for at least 24 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, helping it remain dimensionally stable during installation.

Cut the Cork to Size

Cut your cork rolls or cork sheets to the required dimensions before applying the adhesive. Then check the fit carefully before starting the installation.

Tip: For detailed instructions, see our guides "How to Cut Cork Rolls" and "How to Cut and Machine Cork Sheets."

Stir the Adhesive Thoroughly

Stir the contact adhesive well before use to ensure all components are evenly mixed. Then apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Have the Right Tools Ready

Prepare all the necessary tools before you begin. This allows you to apply the adhesive evenly and position the cork without delay once the flash-off time has elapsed.

You will typically need:

• Cork contact adhesive
• Adhesive roller
• Brush for corners and edges
• Utility knife with a sharp blade
• Metal straightedge or straight ruler
• Tape measure
• Pencil

Maintain the Right Room Conditions

For the best results, we recommend a room temperature of at least 18°C (64°F) and a relative humidity of 50–60%. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect both the flash-off time of the contact adhesive and the overall bonding performance.

Common Mistakes When Gluing Cork

Even when using a high-quality cork contact adhesive, problems can occur if important installation steps are overlooked. The following tips will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a strong, professional and long-lasting result.

Joining the Surfaces Too Early

The most common mistake is positioning the cork while the contact adhesive is still white or wet.

Result:

• Poor adhesion

• Air bubbles

• The cork may come loose over time

Correct method: Join the two surfaces only after the adhesive has become completely transparent.

Applying Adhesive to Only One Surface

Contact adhesive only works when it is applied to both bonding surfaces. Always coat both the back of the cork and the substrate completely.

Result:

• Weak adhesion

• Delamination

• Hollow spots

Applying Too Little Adhesive

Using too little adhesive often prevents a continuous adhesive film from forming.

Result:

• Uneven bonding

• Loose areas

• Reduced durability

Insufficient Surface Preparation

Dust, grease, loose paint or highly absorbent surfaces can significantly reduce the adhesive's performance.

Result:

• Poor adhesion

• Delamination

• Uneven finish

Repositioning the Cork After Placement

Once the two adhesive-coated surfaces come into contact, the bond forms immediately.

Result:

• Damage to the adhesive film

• Uneven bonding

• Visible gaps or misalignment

Tip: Carefully plan the position before placing the cork.

Unsuitable Room Conditions

Low temperatures or high humidity increase the adhesive's flash-off time and may affect the bonding performance.

Recommended conditions:

• Room temperature of at least 18°C (64°F)

• Relative humidity between 40% and 65%

Bonding Cork to Unsuitable Wallpaper

If cork is bonded to wallpaper that is not firmly attached to the wall, the cork may initially appear secure. However, the wallpaper can later detach from the wall, taking the cork with it.

Result:

• The entire installation may come away from the wall

• Time-consuming repairs

• Avoidable complaints

Recommended Products for Your Project

For professional and reliable installation, we recommend the following products:

• Cork Contact Adhesive
• Adhesive Roller
• Utility Knife
• Metal Straightedge (not available in our shop)
• Primer (for highly absorbent surfaces – not available in our shop)