Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500261
06/24/03
Re-Gluing Wood Furniture Joints
Buy a glue that says on label it is made for wood.
Remove all old glue from both parts to be re-glued with
sandpaper or steel wool. Sometimes vinegar will soften
some old glues, but be sure wood is clean and dry before
re-gluing. Check fit of parts before gluing. If joint is
loose, put narrow strips of cloth over ends of loose-
fitting piece to fill space, and check fit again. (Vis. 1)
Traditional wood glues call for a priming coat of
glue on each part, to set until tacky, and then a second
coat of glue before joining parts at once. Follow
directions exactly on glue you use as there are many
different types. Spread glue evenly as directed, and join
parts. Apply pressure on joint for time specified on glue
label. Use a C-clamp, or tourniquet of rope of
clothesline for pressure. Pads of folded cloth, paper
towels, or magazine pages may be placed at points of
pressure to prevent marring wood. (Vis. 2)
Weak corner joints may be braced with angle irons,
and triangles of wood.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from California
Extension bulletin How to Re-Glue Furniture.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .