Choose a marine vinyl flooring adhesive by the brand of flooring first. For MariDeck flooring, use MariDeck adhesive, and pick it by the surface you are gluing to. MariDeck recommends its own adhesive. If you use a different one, it must be PVC-compatible, or it can affect how the vinyl looks, bonds and performs. In addition, some aftermarket glues can damage the flooring. For DuraVinyl flooring, use 390 Professional instead, because it is on the manufacturer’s list of recommended adhesives.
| Adhesive | Use it on | Type | One gallon covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| MariDeck MD-101 | Unsealed plywood, under MariDeck flooring | Water-based | About 125 square feet |
| MariDeck MD-102 | Aluminum, fiberglass and sealed wood, under MariDeck flooring | Solvent-based, flammable, nonreturnable | 50 to 60 square feet |
| 390 Professional | Fiberglass, aluminum and plywood. For carpet and for DuraVinyl flooring. | Water-based | An 8 ft x 10 ft area |
| 290 | Marine plywood, concrete and asphalt. For carpet. | Water-based | An 8 ft x 10 ft area |
| Spray contact adhesive | Lids, lockers and vertical surfaces. Not for whole floors. | 12 oz spray can | Small areas only |
Marine Grade Vinyl Floor Glue
MariDeck MD-101 water-based adhesive: Use it on unsealed plywood, because it needs a porous surface to bond.
MariDeck MD-102 solvent-based adhesive: Use it on aluminum, fiberglass or sealed wood instead.
Boat Carpet Adhesive
We have the boat carpet glue you need, for any project! All our adhesives are top quality and specially selected, based on our years of industry experience, to give you the best results.
390 Professional Boat Carpet Adhesive: It bonds to wood, marine plywood, aluminum and fiberglass, so it suits both floors and locker lids. It also gives a long-lasting bond and is easy to work with.
290 Boat Carpet Adhesive: Use it on marine plywood flooring or DIY concrete projects only. It is a great value, and it is made in America. In addition, it is an easy-to-use, water-based glue.
Spray Contact Adhesive: Use it for vertical surfaces, locker lid wraps and small touch-ups. However, it is not for whole floors.
Glue And Adhesive Coverage Details
For carpet, plan on one gallon for each 8 ft x 10 ft of floor. For example, an 8 ft x 20 ft roll needs two gallons.
On aluminum and fiberglass, one gallon covers 50 to 60 square feet.
MariDeck MD-102 is a solvent-based marine vinyl flooring adhesive made specifically for MariDeck flooring. Therefore, MariDeck recommends it for aluminum, fiberglass and sealed wood floors. If you use a different adhesive, it must be PVC-compatible, because some aftermarket glues can affect how the vinyl looks, bonds and performs.
However, solvent-based adhesives are flammable and need attention to detail during installation. Therefore, use caution and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
On marine plywood floors, one gallon covers about 125 square feet.
MariDeck MD-101 is a water-based adhesive made specifically for MariDeck marine vinyl floors. Therefore, MariDeck recommends it for the best bond on unsealed plywood. If you use a different adhesive, it must be PVC-compatible, because some aftermarket glues can affect how the vinyl looks, bonds and performs. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results.
How Many Gallons Do I Need?
Measure your floor in square feet (length x width), then divide by the coverage for your adhesive. Always round up. Running out halfway through a glue-down is much worse than having a little left over.
| Floor size | MD-101 (plywood) | MD-102 (aluminum / fiberglass) | 390 Professional (DuraVinyl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 ft x 10 ft (85 sq ft) | 1 gallon | 2 gallons | 2 gallons |
| 8.5 ft x 16 ft (136 sq ft) | 2 gallons | 3 gallons | 2 gallons |
| 8.5 ft x 20 ft (170 sq ft) | 2 gallons | 3 to 4 gallons | 3 gallons |
| 8.5 ft x 24 ft (204 sq ft) | 2 gallons | 4 to 5 gallons | 3 gallons |
MD-101 covers about 125 square feet per gallon. MD-102 covers 50 to 60 square feet per gallon, because it goes on both the floor and the back of the vinyl. A 1-gallon pail of 390 Professional covers an 8 ft x 10 ft area (80 square feet). Not sure of your deck size? See our guide on how to measure a pontoon deck for vinyl flooring.
Marine Vinyl Adhesive FAQ
Which glue do I use on a plywood pontoon deck?
For MariDeck flooring, use MD-101, the water-based glue made for unsealed plywood. For DuraVinyl flooring, use 390 Professional, the adhesive the DuraVinyl manufacturer recommends.
Which glue do I use on an aluminum or fiberglass deck?
For MariDeck flooring, use MD-102, the solvent-based glue for aluminum, fiberglass and sealed wood. For DuraVinyl flooring, use 390 Professional, which bonds to fiberglass, aluminum and marine plywood.
Can I use carpet glue for vinyl flooring?
For DuraVinyl, yes: 390 Professional works for both carpet and DuraVinyl flooring. For MariDeck, MariDeck recommends its own adhesive. If you use a different one, it must be PVC-compatible, or it can affect how the vinyl looks, bonds and performs.
Do I need spray adhesive too?
Only for lids, hatches, vertical sides and edges where the vinyl folds over. Spray contact adhesive is not for whole floors, so glue the deck itself with a floor adhesive.
