Searching the web for advice on attaching rubber to Ikea melamine has been dicey. PVA is said to not adhere well to non-porous surfaces like melamine, as I would expect. But then several articles say “use a good quality wood glue” and suggest particular brands. I thought wood glue is PVA, no? Maybe reputable proprietary brands are more than PVA, but I’m not interested in buying anything. Which means I’m not going to use the special-purpose melamine glue either.

I already have on-hand:

  • contact cement
  • construction adhesive
  • expansion foam (which is like super glue IIUC, but the nozzle is clogged so I would rather avoid it); some articles say super glue is good for attaching rubber to melamine
  • epoxy (as 2-component liquid)
  • epoxy (as 2-component putty/filler+hardener)
  • cheap generic wood glue
  • PVA sold in 5 liter jugs for mixing with plaster or concrete

I am tempted to try the contact cement because it is intended for gluing two non-porous surfaces. Should I sand the melamine first? Obviously the answer is yes for epoxy, but contact cement is meant for non-porous surfaces.