Selleys Shoe Fix - Specialist Adhesive for Shoe product guide

AI Summary

Product: Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair Brand: Selleys Category: Specialist glue — solvent-based contact adhesive Primary Use: Bonding shoe components including rubber soles, leather uppers, synthetic fabrics, and polymer parts during footwear repair.

Quick Facts

Best For: Home users and professional cobblers performing footwear repair
Key Benefit: Strong, flexible bonds engineered to withstand the flexing, impact, and mechanical stress of everyday footwear use
Form Factor: Liquid adhesive in a 50mL container (product code 101316)
Application Method: Contact adhesive applied to surfaces outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from all ignition sources

Common Questions This Guide Answers

What solvents are in Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair? → Acetone (30–60%), ethyl acetate (10–30%), n-butyl acetate (1–10%), and toluene (<1%) w/w
What PPE is required when using this product? → Chemical goggles, nitrile rubber gloves, overalls, safety shoes, and an organic vapour cartridge respirator when ventilation is insufficient
What should you do if this product is swallowed? → Rinse mouth with water, give a glass of water to drink, do NOT induce vomiting, and contact the Poisons Information Centre — 131 126 (Australia) or 0800 764 766 (New Zealand)

Product overview & purpose

Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair is a specialist solvent-based contact adhesive built specifically for shoe repair applications (SDS). Packaged in a 50mL container (product code 101316), it sits in the specialist glue category and is designed to handle the bonding demands of footwear repair — soles, heels, upper materials, the lot.

General-purpose adhesives don't cut it here. The solvent system and formulation chemistry are optimised for the materials that actually go into shoes: rubber soles, leather uppers, synthetic fabrics, and polymer components. The compact 50mL format keeps things practical whether you're fixing shoes at home or working as a professional cobbler. When the bond needs to be both strong and flexible, this is what you reach for.

Chemical composition & solvent system

Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair uses a four-solvent blend that carries the adhesive into the substrate and creates durable bonds with shoe materials. Each component plays a specific role (SDS):

Acetone (30–60% w/w) forms the backbone of the carrier system (SDS). Its rapid evaporation and strong solvency let it penetrate porous materials like leather and fabric whilst softening rubber and polymer surfaces to create mechanical interlocking at the molecular level. Low viscosity drives deep penetration into whatever you're bonding.

Ethyl acetate (10–30% w/w) is an ester solvent that moderates the overall evaporation rate compared to pure acetone (SDS). That slower pace extends open time, giving you a window to position shoe components accurately before the bond sets. It also helps the adhesive wet out diverse surfaces consistently.

n-Butyl acetate (1–10% w/w) is present in a smaller proportion and does two things: it extends working time further and contributes to film formation (SDS). As the faster solvents evaporate, n-butyl acetate briefly plasticises the adhesive film and promotes flexibility in the final bond — which matters a lot for footwear that bends with every step.

Toluene (<1% w/w) appears in trace concentrations but still adds meaningful solvency power to the blend, particularly for dissolving synthetic rubber compounds and improving adhesion to vulcanised rubber soles (SDS).

Together, these four solvents create a formulation that penetrates shoe materials effectively, gives you enough working time to position parts accurately, and produces flexible bonds that hold up to the daily mechanical punishment footwear takes.

Safety profile & hazard classification

You need to understand this product's safety classifications before you handle it. Under Safe Work Australia GHS 7 criteria, Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair is classified as a hazardous material with multiple danger classifications (SDS):

Flammable liquids — Category 2: The product is a highly flammable liquid and vapour, carrying hazard statement H225 (SDS). Category 2 means a flashpoint below 23°C and an initial boiling point above 35°C — the second-most severe flammability category. The high acetone content (up to 60%) drives this, since acetone has a flashpoint of -20°C. Vapours can travel to distant ignition sources and flash back, creating explosion hazards in confined spaces.

Eye damage/irritation — Category 2A: The formulation causes serious eye irritation (H319) (SDS). Change 'persists beyond 21 days' to 'is fully reversible within 21 days'. The solvent blend — particularly acetone and the acetate esters — can dissolve the lipid layer protecting the corneal surface, causing immediate pain, redness, and temporary vision impairment.

Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) — Category 3, narcotic effects: The product may cause drowsiness or dizziness (H336) (SDS). This reflects the central nervous system depression that occurs when solvent vapours are inhaled at sufficient concentrations. Acetone, ethyl acetate, and toluene are all narcotic agents that can impair coordination, judgment, and consciousness in poorly ventilated spaces.

Dangerous goods classification: Class 3 (flammable liquids) under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail and New Zealand NZS5433 (SDS). It carries Poison Schedule S5 (Caution), meaning it's available for general consumer purchase with appropriate labelling (SDS).

These classifications reflect real risks that emerge during improper use — particularly when working in confined spaces, near ignition sources, or without adequate PPE.

Personal protective equipment requirements

The hazard profile calls for specific PPE when handling this product. The SDS specifies a full ensemble (SDS):

Eye and face protection: Chemical goggles are mandatory (SDS). Standard safety glasses with side shields don't provide enough protection against splashes from a solvent-based adhesive. Chemical goggles seal around the orbital area, blocking both vapour intrusion and splash contact. Given the Category 2A eye irritation classification, this is non-negotiable.

Hand protection: Nitrile rubber protective gloves are recommended for intermittent contact (SDS). Nitrile resists ketones and esters well, though prolonged immersion will eventually degrade any glove material. The SDS notes that variations in glove construction and local conditions mean users should make a final assessment of suitability (SDS). Inspect gloves before each use and replace them if you notice swelling, stiffening, or breakthrough.

Body protection: Overalls and protective clothing guard against splashes and spills (SDS). The solvents in this formulation defat skin on contact, stripping natural protective oils and potentially causing dermatitis with repeated exposure. Full arm coverage matters especially when working in positions where drips might reach the forearm.

Foot protection: Safety shoes are specified (SDS). This covers both the flammability hazard — steel-toed boots reduce static electricity compared to synthetic footwear — and protection against dropped containers or spills.

Respiratory protection: A suitable respirator is required when ventilation is insufficient to keep vapour concentrations below occupational exposure limits (SDS). In practice, that means an organic vapour cartridge respirator, typically with P2 particulate filters. The narcotic effects classification (H336) means respiratory protection may be necessary even when flammability isn't the primary concern.

The SDS is clear on hygiene: always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking, or using the toilet, and wash contaminated clothing and protective equipment before storage or re-use (SDS). This prevents incidental ingestion and dermal exposure during breaks.

Safe application environment

The precautionary statements in the SDS establish clear environmental controls for use:

Ventilation: Use this product only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (P271) (SDS). This is a mandatory control, not a suggestion. "Well-ventilated" means airflow strong enough to keep solvent vapour concentrations below occupational exposure limits — outdoor use, local exhaust ventilation, or general dilution ventilation with multiple air changes per hour. Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours, or spray (P261) (SDS).

Ignition source control: Multiple precautionary statements address fire prevention. Keep the product away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces, with a specific prohibition on smoking (P210) (SDS). Ground and bond the container to receiving equipment (P240), use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, and lighting equipment (P241), use non-sparking tools (P242), and take precautions against static discharges (P243) (SDS).

These controls follow directly from the Category 2 flammability classification. Shoe repair work should happen outdoors or in a workshop with no pilot lights, spark-producing tools, or hot surfaces within vapour travel range. Static electricity from synthetic clothing or carpets carries enough ignition energy to ignite a vapour-air mixture.

Container integrity: Keep the container tightly closed at all times (P233) (SDS). Every time you remove the cap, solvent vapours escape — raising atmospheric concentrations, increasing fire risk, and degrading the product through evaporation of its most volatile components. Dispense only what you need, reseal immediately, and never leave the container open during application.

Storage & handling requirements

Proper storage extends product life and keeps hazardous situations from developing:

Storage location: Store locked up (P405), in a well-ventilated place (P403+P233), and kept cool (P403+P235) (SDS). "Locked up" addresses both the flammability hazard and the requirement to keep the product away from children (P102) (SDS). A locked metal cabinet in a temperature-controlled space away from living areas is best practice. Heat accelerates solvent evaporation through the container seal and increases internal pressure, so don't let storage temperatures climb.

Container management: Keep containers tightly closed at all times, not just during active use (SDS). Thread the screw cap completely and check for proper sealing. If the cap or container is damaged, transfer the product to an appropriate sealed container with correct labelling.

Segregation: As a Class 3 Dangerous Good, this product requires segregation from incompatible materials during storage and transport (SDS). Keep it away from oxidising agents, acids, and other reactive materials, and separate it from food, animal feed, and medications.

Transport: The Class 3 classification means commercial transport is regulated (SDS). Full compliance with the ADG Code (Australia) or NZS5433 (New Zealand) is required, including vehicle placarding, documentation, and load segregation. For consumers, keep the product in the boot or cargo area, ensure containers are sealed and upright, and don't leave it in a hot vehicle where temperature increases can cause container failure.

First aid & emergency response

When exposures occur, the SDS provides clear first aid protocols for every route:

Inhalation: Remove the affected person from exposure immediately, taking care not to become a casualty yourself (SDS). Remove contaminated clothing and loosen remaining clothing. Allow the patient to rest comfortably and keep them warm until fully recovered (SDS). Seek medical advice if effects persist (SDS). Narcotic effects can impair the victim's own judgment about their condition — drowsiness, dizziness, or coordination problems all indicate significant exposure requiring medical evaluation.

Skin contact: If skin or hair contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing immediately and flush with running water (SDS). For gross contamination, drench with water immediately and remove clothing, continuing to flush with plenty of water and soap if the material is insoluble (SDS). Seek medical assistance if swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation occurs (SDS). For skin burns, cover with a clean, dry dressing until medical help is available and do not break any blisters (SDS).

Eye contact: Hold eyelids apart and flush eyes continuously with running water (SDS). Continue flushing until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor, or for at least 15 minutes, then transport to a doctor or hospital (SDS). Remove contact lenses during flushing if possible. The 15-minute minimum reflects the time needed to dilute and remove solvent-based irritants from the ocular surface.

Ingestion: Rinse the mouth with water (SDS). Do NOT induce vomiting (SDS). Give a glass of water to drink, and never give anything by mouth to an unconscious patient (SDS). If vomiting occurs naturally, give further water (SDS). Seek medical advice (SDS). The prohibition against induced vomiting prevents aspiration of solvent-containing material into the lungs, which can cause chemical pneumonitis.

Emergency contact: For all poisoning incidents, contact the Poisons Information Centre — phone 131 126 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand (SDS). Have the product container or label at hand when seeking medical advice (P101) (SDS), so medical professionals can access toxicological data specific to this formulation.

Best practices for safe use

Beyond regulatory compliance, a few additional practices reduce risk and produce better results:

Pre-application planning: Read all instructions and follow them completely (P103) (SDS). Before opening the container, assemble everything you need — application tools, cleaning supplies, PPE, and the items being repaired — so the container stays open for the minimum time. Check the work area for ignition hazards and confirm ventilation is adequate. Preparation is what separates a clean result from a poor one.

Hygiene: Wash hands, face, and all exposed skin thoroughly after handling (P264) (SDS). This applies even when gloves were worn, since contamination can occur during glove removal. Keep contaminated materials and PPE away from areas where food is stored or consumed. Contaminated clothing must be washed before re-use (SDS).

Work area setup: Get exhaust ventilation running or move outdoors before opening the container. Position fans to direct vapours away from your breathing zone and toward the outdoors. If indoor work is unavoidable, use local exhaust — positioning the work at an open window with a fan exhausting outward works well. Don't rely on your ability to smell solvents as a warning. Olfactory fatigue reduces your ability to detect them after just a few minutes of exposure, even as concentrations climb to hazardous levels.

Waste management: Dispose of contents and containers in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations (P501) (SDS). Contaminated rags, applicators, and paper towels saturated with this product are Class 3 flammable waste and may require disposal as hazardous waste depending on your jurisdiction. Don't dispose of liquid product or contaminated materials in household trash or down drains. Contact local waste management authorities for the correct procedure.

Application technique: Reduce exposure time by developing efficient application habits before working on anything valuable. Practise on scrap materials to dial in the right quantity and positioning method. Working efficiently keeps the container open for less time and lowers cumulative vapour exposure — whilst also delivering the clean results that make the repair worth doing.

Understand the chemistry, respect the hazard classifications, put the right controls in place, and keep your work practices disciplined. That's how you get effective shoe repairs done right whilst managing the inherent risks of a specialist solvent-based adhesive. If it's Selleys, it works.

References

Source documents

SELLEYS_FIX___GO_SHOE_REPAIR-AUS_GHS.pdf (canonical)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair: A specialist solvent-based contact adhesive for shoe repair

What is the product code for Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair: 101316

What size does Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair come in: 50mL

What category does this product belong to: Specialist glue category

Is this a general-purpose adhesive: No, it is purpose-engineered for footwear repair

What shoe materials can this adhesive bond: Rubber soles, leather uppers, synthetic fabrics, and polymer components

Can it be used to repair heels: Yes

Can it be used to repair soles: Yes

Can it be used to repair upper materials: Yes

Is this product suitable for professional cobblers: Yes

Is this product suitable for home shoe repair: Yes

What type of adhesive is this: Solvent-based contact adhesive

What is the primary solvent in this adhesive: Acetone

What percentage of acetone does the formula contain: 30–60% w/w

What does acetone do in the formula: Penetrates porous materials and softens rubber surfaces

What is the second solvent in this adhesive: Ethyl acetate

What percentage of ethyl acetate does the formula contain: 10–30% w/w

What does ethyl acetate do in the formula: Moderates evaporation rate and extends open time

What is the third solvent in this formula: n-Butyl acetate

What percentage of n-butyl acetate does the formula contain: 1–10% w/w

What does n-butyl acetate do in the formula: Extends working time and promotes bond flexibility

What is the fourth solvent in this formula: Toluene

What percentage of toluene does the formula contain: Less than 1% w/w

What does toluene do in the formula: Improves adhesion to vulcanised rubber soles

Does this adhesive form a flexible bond: Yes

Why is bond flexibility important in shoe adhesive: Footwear flexes and moves with every step

What is the flammability classification of this product: Flammable Liquids Category 2

What does the Category 2 flammability classification mean: Highly flammable liquid and vapour

What is the hazard statement for flammability: H225

What is the flashpoint of this product: Below 23°C

Can vapours travel to distant ignition sources: Yes

Can vapours flash back from a distant ignition source: Yes

What is the eye hazard classification: Eye Damage/Irritation Category 2A

What is the eye irritation hazard statement: H319

Does eye exposure cause permanent damage: No, effects are fully reversible

What organ toxicity classification does this product carry: Specific Target Organ Toxicity Category 3, Narcotic Effects

What is the narcotic effects hazard statement: H336

Can inhaling vapours cause drowsiness: Yes

Can inhaling vapours cause dizziness: Yes

What dangerous goods class is this product: Class 3, flammable liquids

What poison schedule is this product: S5 Caution

Is this product available for general consumer purchase: Yes, with appropriate labelling

What eye protection is required when using this product: Chemical goggles

Are standard safety glasses sufficient eye protection: No

What hand protection is recommended: Nitrile rubber protective gloves

Why is nitrile recommended for gloves: Nitrile resists ketones and esters well

Should gloves be inspected before use: Yes

What body protection is required: Overalls and protective clothing

What foot protection is specified: Safety shoes

Is a respirator required: Yes, when ventilation is insufficient

What type of respirator cartridge is appropriate: Organic vapour cartridge respirator

Where must this product be used: Outdoors or in a well-ventilated area

Is using this product indoors without ventilation acceptable: No

What precautionary statement covers ventilation: P271

Should you breathe the vapours during use: No, per precautionary statement P261

Must ignition sources be eliminated during use: Yes

Does the SDS prohibit smoking during use: Yes, per P210

Should non-sparking tools be used: Yes, per P242

Can static electricity ignite the vapours: Yes

Should the container be kept tightly closed during use: Yes, per P233

Should you ground and bond the container during use: Yes, per P240

Where should this product be stored: In a well-ventilated, cool, locked location

Should this product be stored away from children: Yes, per P102

Should this product be stored away from oxidising agents: Yes

Is this product regulated during commercial transport: Yes, under ADG Code and NZS5433

What should you do if this product is inhaled: Remove person from exposure immediately

What should you do if this product contacts skin: Flush with running water immediately

Should contaminated clothing be removed after skin contact: Yes, immediately

How long should eyes be flushed after contact: At least 15 minutes

Should contact lenses be removed during eye flushing: Yes, if possible

Should vomiting be induced if this product is swallowed: No

What should be given if this product is swallowed: A glass of water to drink

What is the Australian Poisons Information Centre number: 131 126

What is the New Zealand Poisons Information Centre number: 0800 764 766

Should you wash hands after handling this product: Yes, per P264

Can olfactory fatigue reduce vapour odour detection: Yes

How should waste materials be disposed of: Per local, regional, national, and international regulations

Are saturated rags considered flammable waste: Yes

Should liquid product be disposed of down drains: No

What is the regulatory standard referenced for hazard classification: Safe Work Australia GHS 7

Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

Product identification

Product name: Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair
Product code: 101316
Container size: 50mL
Product category: Specialist glue
Product type: Solvent-based contact adhesive

Chemical composition (SDS)

Acetone: 30–60% w/w
Ethyl acetate: 10–30% w/w
n-Butyl acetate: 1–10% w/w
Toluene: <1% w/w

Hazard classifications — Safe Work Australia GHS 7 (SDS)

Flammable Liquids: Category 2 (H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour)
Eye Damage/Irritation: Category 2A (H319 — causes serious eye irritation)
Specific Target Organ Toxicity, Single Exposure: Category 3, Narcotic Effects (H336 — may cause drowsiness or dizziness)
Dangerous Goods Class: 3 (flammable liquids)
Regulatory frameworks: Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail; NZS5433 (New Zealand)
Poison Schedule: S5 (Caution)
Flashpoint: Below 23°C
Initial boiling point: Above 35°C

Precautionary statements (SDS)

P102: Keep out of reach of children
P210: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces — no smoking
P233: Keep container tightly closed
P240: Ground and bond container to receiving equipment
P241: Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, and lighting equipment
P242: Use non-sparking tools
P243: Take precautionary measures against static discharge
P261: Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours, or spray
P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P403+P233: Store in a well-ventilated place; keep container tightly closed
P403+P235: Store in a well-ventilated place; keep cool
P405: Store locked up
P501: Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand
P103: Read label before use

Personal protective equipment (SDS)

Eye/face protection: Chemical goggles (mandatory)
Hand protection: Nitrile rubber protective gloves (recommended for intermittent contact)
Body protection: Overalls and protective clothing
Foot protection: Safety shoes
Respiratory protection: Suitable respirator required when ventilation is insufficient (organic vapour cartridge respirator)

First aid protocols (SDS)

Inhalation: Remove from exposure immediately; rest in comfortable position; seek medical advice if effects persist
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately; flush skin and hair with running water; seek medical assistance if irritation, swelling, redness, or blistering occurs; do not break blisters
Eye contact: Hold eyelids apart; flush continuously with running water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses during flushing if possible; transport to doctor or hospital
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do NOT induce vomiting; give a glass of water to drink; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; seek medical advice
Australian Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
New Zealand Poisons Information Centre: 0800 764 766

Storage & transport (SDS)

Store locked up, cool, and in a well-ventilated place
Segregate from oxidising agents, acids, and reactive materials
Keep away from food, animal feed, and medications
Commercial transport regulated under ADG Code (Australia) and NZS5433 (New Zealand)

General product claims

Described as a "purpose-engineered solution" for shoe repair
Stated to handle "unique bonding demands of footwear repair"
Acetone described as creating "mechanical interlocking at the molecular level"
Ethyl acetate described as enabling "accurate positioning before the bond sets"
n-Butyl acetate described as promoting flexibility "critical for footwear that flexes and moves with every step"
Toluene described as improving adhesion to vulcanised rubber soles
Product described as delivering "strong, flexible bonds"
Described as suitable for both home users and professional cobblers
General-purpose adhesives stated to be insufficient for shoe repair applications
Olfactory fatigue cited as a reason not to rely on odour detection as a safety warning
Efficiency in application described as reducing cumulative vapour exposure
Tagline: "If it's Selleys, it works"

Selleys Shoe Fix sits within Selleys' dedicated shoe-repair adhesive range alongside Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair, a closely related specialist adhesive available in a 50 mL tube. Both products target the same repair tasks — reattaching soles, heels, and uppers — but they differ in formulation approach. Selleys Shoe Fix is described as forming a strong, flexible, weather- and impact-resistant bond that dries clear and reaches full cure in 24 hours, making it suited to ongoing wear stress. Selleys Fix & Go Shoe Repair, by contrast, uses a solvent-heavy formula based primarily on acetone and ethyl acetate, which points to a faster-tack contact-adhesive chemistry. Buyers choosing between the two should consider whether they need the flexible long-term durability of Shoe Fix or the rapid-grab characteristics of the Fix & Go formulation.

Selleys is a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd and is well established across the adhesives and sealants category. The brand's range spans general-purpose and specialist glues, and the shoe-repair products represent the specialist end of that portfolio — purpose-built for a specific substrate combination (rubber, leather, canvas, and EVA foam) rather than general bonding tasks. Selleys Shoe Fix's placement in the Home & Garden > Adhesives & Glues category reflects that it is positioned as a household repair product rather than a trade or industrial adhesive.

From a use-case standpoint, someone reaching for Selleys Shoe Fix is likely mid-repair and may also need surface preparation supplies. Clean, dry, and grease-free surfaces are critical for adhesive bonds on shoe materials, so products such as a solvent-based cleaner or isopropyl alcohol wipe would be natural companions — though no specific surface-prep products from the Selleys range are confirmed in the available graph context. Similarly, clamps, rubber bands, or masking tape are commonly used to hold repairs under pressure during the 24-hour cure window, and these would typically be found in the same hardware or home-repair aisle as this product.