How to Glue Cork

Cork, often used in home-decor or craft projects, can be glued to other surfaces, including other pieces of cork. The best glue for crafting with cork varies depending on your craft’s purpose.

Step 1 - Prepare Materials for Gluing

Before gluing, you should make sure that the surfaces, including the cork, aren’t dusty or dirty. If they are, you can use a damp rag to clean the surfaces. Make sure to let the surfaces dry before applying the adhesive.

Step 2 - Apply Adhesive

For lightweight projects, a white school-glue like Elmer’s will work, but for larger projects that need to be waterproof, you should use a popular craft-store glue like Gorilla Glue.

Lightweight, Small Cork Projects

For smaller projects that don’t need to be waterproofed, such as children’s school projects or lightweight corkboards, a simple school glue like Elmer’s is suitable; however, take note that this glue won't bond well to plastics or metals.

To use, dot the glue on one of your materials and firmly hold the two materials together for a few seconds. For maximum bond, allow to dry for 24 hours.

Heavy-Duty Cork Projects

For larger projects, like heavy wall-art, or projects that need to be waterproofed, like wine-cork coasters, you should use glue that bonds well to multiple surfaces. One of the most popular glues is Gorilla Glue. Because this glue can be a skin sensitizer, it’s advisable you wear gloves and use a brush to apply the glue.

To use, dampen one of your materials and then evenly apply the glue to the other, dry surface. Then, clamp the surfaces together for 1-2 hours. If you can’t clamp them, place a heavy object on top of the materials and leave to cure for 24 hours.

Be sure to wipe off any excess glue from your project, as Gorilla Glue expands and will dry to be an eyesore.