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How to Glue Tolex

Tolex consists of a flexible and hard-wearing vinyl material most often used for Fender amplifiers, musical cabinets and guitar cases. Specialty glues to properly bond Tolex to wood or wood substrates is commercially available to make your repair job a durable one. You can use Tolex glue, a non-flammable, water-borne adhesive that will not stretch or shrink the vinyl material when making repairs. Clean up excess glue easily with a bit of warm soapy water and a sponge.

Things You'll Need

  • Damp sponge
  • Tolex glue
  • Paint brush
  • Water
  • Mild soap
  • Pinch or J-roller
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure both surfaces appear clean before bonding. Scrape off any residual glue on surfaces and rinse with a damp sponge. Allow surfaces to dry thoroughly before gluing.

    • 2

      Apply a thin coat of Tolex glue with a brush to both surfaces. Extremely porous surfaces may require two thin coats; the first to seal the surfaces. Apply the second coat only after the first has dried completely and is transparent.

    • 3

      Allow the glue to "flash off" for 20 to 30 minutes before bonding the two surfaces together. Glue should be glossy and transparent, not cloudy, when bonding the materials together.

    • 4

      Line up the two surfaces carefully before bonding. Some types of Tolex glue create an immediate bond that you will not have a chance to reposition once the surfaces meet. Press slowly together, applying even pressure over the seal.

    • 5

      Use a pinch roller or j-roller to help secure the surface seal and strengthen the bond. Roll slowly from one end of the surface to the other.

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