Hi - first post here. I bought some sandal materials from a group on etsy that usually sells completed sandals, but I wanted sizing flexibility on the straps so they sent it in parts. I put it together and the straps (cream) interfere with the insole touching the outsole because they are so thick around the side of the insole. They separated after two wears. I don’t think it’s a skiving issue, and I’ve already filled the bottom of the insole in with some black leather to create a flat surface. I’m thinking I just need a pretty powerful glue to overcome this?
Open to any other feedback, I’m still pretty new, have only made 4 pairs or so, nothing lasted.
Sandals from a kit sounds like a great way to get started. I’m sorry you’re having a hiccup with them, but that couldn’t be more normal for an early project.
What adhesive did you use to try to hold the layers together?
Very often shoe bottoms are made with solvent-based, neoprene / polychloroprene / synthetic-rubber cement, which is common in hardware and home repair stores, but not like most common craft or household glues. It’s also applied very differently, and applying it right is key to bonding strength.
If you didn’t use contact cement, I’d probably pull apart, clean off old glue, buy a small tube of Barge TF in a blister pack or a similar cement, and reattach. If you did use contact cement, we can talk about other ways you might strengthen the lamination.
Also that finish looked scratched up but you may want to deglaze it with some acetone as well so there’s not a layer of finish interfering with your bond too
Thanks, I can reapply the contact cement and acetone first. I used evoweld. The issue may be that I wasn’t pressing it together hard enough (i feel like I almost need a hydraulic press!) due to the strap position interfering with the soles glue together. I used a hammer but didn’t want to harm the straps and don’t have an anvil so it was difficult to get the soles together. Advice on getting a good seal?
Ecoweld is the right kind of adhesive. Make sure you are brushing on, letting dry per instructions, and only then sticking together. Two coats may be wise.
If they’re for you, stand in them to press together.
