Summary for copper bar top adhesive Discussion
Copper bar top adhesive questions are answered with a few workable woodworking approaches. Russell Cotton asked what adhesive to use between 3/4-inch plywood and thin copper sheeting for a bar top. Carson Maddox said he treats copper tops like other laminations, using white glue with a vacuum press, and noted that some people use contact cement, though he does not favor it for veneering because it can be messy and unstable. Michael Sean later described a successful method using warmed subfloor glue spread with a notched trowel, then rolled down firmly with a dough roller to avoid bubbles; he reported two years of trouble-free use. In 2010, Don Angelo said he has long used oil-based contact cement for thin 5 mil copper and also recommends commercial floor adhesive for a very strong bond. The thread also includes a later note about bubbles on larger tops, suggesting stronger adhesives may be needed.
We are covering 3/4 inch plywood w/ thin copper sheeting for a bar top. Does anyone out there know an adhesive we may use between the copper and the wood? We can’t find anything, please help soon.
Russell Cotton
– Louisville, Kentucky
2002
Russell, you’ve got more of a woodworking question than anything. When I’ve done copper tops I use white glue and my vacuum press, just like any other lamination. I know some folks who have used contact cement, but I’m not a fan of contact cement for veneering (too messy, too unstable). There are a number of excellent forums out there for wood veneering advice, I suggest checking them for more info.
Good luck,
Carson Maddox
– Chicago, Illinois
2002
I am doing the exact same thing, all I did was warm up some subfloor glue (available anywhere) in front of a heater, so it would spread easier. Then I used a trowel with ridges (like the kind used to put tile down) and simply spread it evenly on the wood. Afterwards, I used a dough roller from my kitchen to make sure the copper got pushed down tight without any air bubbles. I’ve had it for two years now and haven’t had any problems.
Michael Sean
– IF, Idaho
2005
Q. When you installed the copper top did you have to treat or protect it in any way or did you let nature take it’s course?
Rod Schwartz
– Kohler, Wisconsin
2006
We are in the process of designing a bar with a copper top for our rec room. After looking at countless pictures, we have not found one that has a copper top. If anyone has any pictures that they could share with us we would appreciate it.
Otto Kraft
remodeling – Erie, Pennsylvania
2007
I am having the same problem but it appears only when using the top size more than 48 inches dia. Bubbles appear on the surface. I assume that I should go for some stronger adhesives. Help me if somebody has a solution to this problem.
Ali Zain, Syed
– Wah Cantt, Pakistan
2007
Check out Stubenrauch Design
Janet Volpe
– Schofield, Wisconsin
March 1, 2010
I have been using contact cement (oil based) to adhere copper to wood or MDF for many years including bar tops. It works great on thin
5 mil copper. You can also use a commercial floor adhesive. It provides a very strong bond.
Don Angelo
Spring Hill, Tennessee
March 11, 2010