Renia Aquilim 330 Water-Based Contact Adhesive

Description

If you ask us which adhesive to start with for leatherwork, the answer is this one. Aquilim 330 is Renia’s most advanced water-based contact adhesive — a newer formulation built specifically to outperform the well-established 315 on absorbent materials like leather. It bonds faster, holds stronger, and gives you up to 8 hours working time in the pot before it skins over. For a busy bench session, that matters.

The working principle is the same as any contact adhesive: apply to both surfaces, let it dry until clear (30 to 60 minutes depending on how thickly it’s applied and the temperature in your workshop), then press firmly together. But 330 grips leather faster than 315 does once the surfaces meet — useful when you are working with panels that need to hold position immediately on contact.

Flesh to flesh shortcut. When bonding leather to leather flesh side to flesh side, there is a faster method confirmed by Renia directly: apply to one surface only and press the other piece directly into the wet adhesive — no waiting. The leather fibres absorb the glue and the bond forms immediately on contact. This works only for flesh-to-flesh bonding. For grain side surfaces, or any other material combination, use the standard two-sided application and allow the full drying time.

It is water-based, which means no heavy solvent smell in the workshop, no VOC concerns, and no fume extraction needed for brush application. The adhesive dries clear — no visible residue at the seam. Full bond strength builds over 48 hours, but the join is solid enough to work with long before that.

Apply with a brush, roller, spreader or spray. Thin, even coats outperform heavy application every time. Drying can be accelerated with a hair dryer or heat lamp in cold or damp conditions. Never use an open flame.

One rule that cannot be ignored: store above 4°C at all times. Freezing destroys the emulsion permanently — a frozen Aquilim product cannot be recovered. Do not leave it in an unheated outbuilding, garage, or vehicle in winter.

For a complete breakdown of all four Aquilim products, read our Renia Aquilim guide.

• Grips faster on leather than Aquilim 315 — stronger final bond
• Up to 8 hours working time in the pot before skinning
• 30–60 minutes drying time before joining
• Full bond strength after 48 hours
• Flesh to flesh: apply one side only, press directly into wet adhesive — no waiting
• Water-based — no solvents, no fumes, dries clear
• Suitable for leather, cork, felt, textiles, wood, rubber, foam and most workshop materials. Not suitable for soft PVC.
• Store above 4°C — will not recover if frozen
• Made in Germany by Renia

Technical Data Sheet (PDF)

Renia Aquilim guide — how to choose and use each Aquilim adhesive
Renia Aquilim at Hideout Craft — full product range and specifications
About Renia — who Renia are and why we stock them