Hair-On Hide Glue 3R - Hide-Safe™ Rip & Tear Repair Adhesive for Hair-On Hides

Formulated as a water-based, flexible soft-compact resin, Glue 3R is designed to be paired with a thin genuine lambskin sub-patch, reinforcing damaged areas from the suede/flesh side only.

Once cured, the bond remains elastic, allowing the hide to drape naturally while maintaining structural integrity.

Developed specifically for hair-on cowhide rugs, sheepskin, and natural hide décor, Glue 3R bonds securely while preserving the hide’s soft hand feel, flexibility, and natural hair flow.

Key Features & Benefits

Hide-Safe™ Adhesive Technology
Water-based resin glue that dries soft, flexible, and natural—never brittle.
No Stiffening, No Hair Disruption
Preserves natural suppleness, elasticity, and hair movement with no visible glue lines.
Designed for Hair-On Hides
Ideal for cowhide rugs, sheepskin, hair-on leather, and natural hide furnishings.
Sub-Patch Reinforcement System
Works with thin lambskin patches to strengthen tears invisibly from underneath.

Typical Uses

Repairing rips, tears, and splits in hair-on hide rugs
Reinforcing weakened or stressed hide areas without altering appearance
Restoring structural strength while maintaining original look and feel

Glue 3R vs. Standard Adhesives - Why Hair-On Hides Require a Hide-Safe™ Adhesive

Feature / Performance	Leather Doctor® Glue 3R (Hide-Safe™)	Standard Craft / General Adhesives
Designed for Hair-On Hides	Yes – engineered specifically for cowhide rugs, sheepskin, and hair-on décor	No – formulated for flat crafts, vinyl, fabric, or rigid materials
Flexibility After Drying	Remains soft, elastic, and pliable	Dries hard, rubbery, or brittle
Hide Stiffening Risk	None – preserves natural drape and hand feel	High – commonly stiffens and boards the hide
Hair Movement & Flow	Fully preserved – no hair lock-down or matting	Often restricts hair movement or causes clumping
Application Method	Sub-patch reinforcement from the suede/flesh side only	Often surface-applied or misused on the hair side
Bonding Behavior	Soft-compact resin forms a flexible structural bond	Rigid or overly aggressive bond that stresses fibers
Telegraphing Through Hair Side	Minimal to none when paired with thin lambskin patch	High – glue ridges and stiffness often show through
Cracking Over Time	No – moves with the hide during temperature and humidity changes	Common – hard films fracture as the hide flexes
Compatibility with Lambskin Patch	Optimized – bonds thin leather without bulk	Inconsistent – may soak, harden, or delaminate
Reversibility & Future Repairs	Hide-friendly – allows future reinforcement if needed	Difficult – hardened glue damages fibers permanently
Long-Term Hide Health	Preserves structural integrity and longevity	Accelerates fiber fatigue and failure

Why Standard Adhesives Fail on Hair-On Hides

Hair-on hides are organic, fibrous, and constantly moving. Standard glues are designed to lock materials rigidly, which works against the hide’s natural behavior. This mismatch leads to:

Stiff patches
Cracked glue lines
Restricted hair flow
Premature re-tearing around the repair

The Glue 3R Advantage

Glue 3R is not a “stronger glue”—it is a smarter adhesive system.
When combined with a thin lambskin sub-patch, it reinforces the hide without fighting its natural flexibility, ensuring the repair remains:

Invisible from the hair side
Soft to the touch
Structurally sound over time

Hair-On Hide Rip & Tear Repair Instructions:

Before You Begin

Perform all repairs from the suede/flesh/hide side only
Never apply adhesive to the hair side
Work on a clean, dry, flat surface

1️⃣ Step 1 – Clean the Repair Area (If Needed)

Lightly clean the suede/flesh/hide side surrounding the tear to remove dust, oils, or residues that may interfere with adhesion.
Allow the area to dry completely.
Leather Doctor® Principle: Clean bonding surfaces ensure maximum adhesive performance.

2️⃣ Step 2 – Prepare the Tear

Gently align the torn edges so they meet naturally without overlapping or tension.
Trim loose fibers on the suede side only if necessary.
Tip: Proper alignment ensures the repair remains invisible from the hair side.

3️⃣ Step 3 – Cut & Position the Lambskin Patch

Cut the 0.4 mm lambskin patch so it extends at least ½ inch (12 mm) beyond the tear on all sides.
Dry-fit the patch beneath the tear to confirm flat, full coverage.
Leather Doctor® Principle: Thin, flexible sub-patching prevents ridges, stiffness, and telegraphing.

4️⃣ Step 4 – Apply Glue 3R

Apply an even coat of Glue 3R to:

The suede side of the lambskin patch
The suede/flesh side edges of the tear

Allow the adhesive to become tacky (partially dry) before bonding.

5️⃣ Step 5 – Bond the Patch

Insert the lambskin patch beneath the tear.
Press firmly so the torn edges meet naturally.
Work from the center outward to eliminate air pockets and ensure full contact.
Hold with light pressure until the bond sets.

6️⃣ Step 6 – Dry & Relax

Allow the repair to dry naturally.
Do not stretch, fold, or stress the area during curing.

Gentle airflow is acceptable
Avoid heat

7️⃣ Step 7 – Groom the Hair Side

Once fully dry, gently brush or hand-separate the hair fibers on the grain side to restore natural hair flow and conceal the repair.
Result: A soft, flexible, structurally reinforced repair with no visible glue lines.

8️⃣ After-Care Notes

Avoid vacuuming or aggressive handling over the repaired area for 24 hours
Normal use may resume once the adhesive has fully cured
For weakened or aging hides, preventive sub-patch reinforcement from the flesh side is recommended

9️⃣ The Leather Doctor® System Advantage

Glue 3R preserves what matters most: