Barge Adhesives & Cement

Barge has earned a reputation among cobblers, orthotic technicians, and prosthetic fabricators as the go-to adhesive when a bond simply cannot fail. If you work with leather, rubber, foam, or the layered materials found in shoe repair and custom footwear modification, this is the name you reach for when standard glues won't hold.

At the center of the collection is Barge All Purpose Cement (32 oz., DC031), a contact cement prized for its strong, flexible, waterproof bond. It's the quart-size can that keeps a busy shop stocked — enough to handle sole attachments, heel repairs, orthotic buildups, and shoe modifications without constant reordering. As a contact adhesive, it's applied to both surfaces, left to tack, then pressed together for an immediate and durable hold that flexes with the material instead of cracking under stress.

Two questions come up constantly with this product. First, how long does it need to dry before bonding? Barge tacks in roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on temperature and humidity — a light touch that no longer feels wet is the signal it's ready to join. Second, does it work on more than leather? Yes: it bonds leather to rubber, foam to fabric, and many combinations of these, which is exactly why the "all purpose" name fits shoe repair and orthopedic work so well.

Because contact cement releases strong fumes, always apply it in a well-ventilated area and keep the can sealed when not in use to preserve its shelf life. Proper storage keeps the cement workable can after can.

For more from this manufacturer, browse the full Barge Cement Inc collection.