Hydroturf is an interesting invention in the realm of watercraft, but it’s not the easiest thing to install. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best glue for hydroturf and how to install it.
In a rush?
No time to read? The best way to attach Hydroturf is using a strong contact adhesive like Weldwood Contact Cement.
Table of Contents
What is Hydroturf?
Hydro-turf is a type of non-slip foam matting found on boats, jet skis, poolsides, jetties, surfboards, and other areas around water that are prone to slippery conditions.
It is made from hard foam and typically ridged, allowing it to wick away water while providing a grippy surface for you to stand on.
Hydroturf ensures the surface underfoot won’t be slippery when wet.
The best glue for Hydroturf is Weldwood Contact Cement – it’s even recommended by the manufacturer of Hydroturf!
Why is Hydroturf so difficult to glue?
Hydroturf is made from plastic foam, which is difficult to glue. Some solvent-based adhesives will melt the foam, ruining your project.
In addition, most use cases for Hydroturf involve regular contact with water, and sometimes seawater.
Using the wrong type of glue will result in an unsightly mess when the seawater deteriorates the bond, causing it to fail and your hydroturf to start peeling away from the surface.
The best solution is to use a strong, contact adhesive like Weldwood Contact Cement.
Do you even need glue for Hydroturf?
Some hydroturf pads come pre-cut in a specific shape designed for a certain model of personal watercraft.
Many of these pre-cut options come with a self-adhesive pressure-sensitive backing, meaning you won’t need any additional glue unless you make a mistake installing them.
Simply remove the backing and apply to the desired area.
Most large sheets come without any adhesive backing, so once you’ve cut them to the size you will need to use a contact adhesive to fix them in place.
Best glue for Hydroturf
The best glue for hydroturf is 3M Industrial Strength Contact Adhesive.
Hydroturf usually covers a large surface area, and it’s important to get a thin and even coverage to ensure a strong bond, which is why I recommend Weldwood.
The consistency is thin enough that it can be applied with a roller for large surfaces.
Weldwood Contact Cement is water-resistant, perfect for boats, pools, surfboards, and personal watercraft.
It adheres to foam, wood, most plastics, metal, and fiberglass.
Read some of the Amazon reviews from other customers here.
How to install Hydroturf
- Ensure the surface is completely clean, free from any dirt, grease or dust. (Don’t skip this step!)
- Cut your Hydroturf to the correct size
- Apply your Contact Adhesive to your surface and to the Hydroturf.
- Give the adhesive a couple of minutes to dry out, until both surfaces become tacky to the touch.
- Press the Hydroturf to the surface, use pressure and apply from one side to make sure you have no air pockets.
- Allow the adhesive a few hours to fully cure, and leave it for at least 24 hours before you take it out on the water.
Conclusion
Hydroturf is a neat invention, and it’s made right here in the USA.
The best glue for Hydroturf is Weldwood Contact Cement because it’s easy to apply over a large area, it adheres well to foam, fiberglass, wood, plastic, and metal, and it’s water-resistant, meaning it’s perfect for boats, pools, and surfboards.
Wishing you success with your hydroturf project!
Thank you for reading.
-Bill
