I don't really frequent model making websites and the like, so I was unaware of Super Glue accelerants until Geordie mentioned them on a private discussion group.
I'm sure Super Glue has got weaker over time. Or it could be because I only buy the cheap stuff, but I recall it sticking almost instantaneously. Of course, that could be just that when it came out it stuck quickly compared to everything else. If I want a quick bond these days I've tended to resort to hot melt adhesive. Alas it isn't always suitable, as it does leave a blob after it has cooled. If you need a join that is flush and clean it isn't ideal, so we are left with Super Glue. Which sometimes doesn't stick quickly enough for fiddly bits and pieces, and can be awkward to hold in a vice as it can stick to the vice.
This problem is solved with an accelerant that acts as a catalyst. This activates the bonding pretty much immediately. But £5 a can? Not for me.
Turns out what you need is a solution of baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate - NaHCO3) in water. Then you just need a handy refillable spray bottle. I found a set of three mini travel pumps on Amazon for £2.99. There's websites that'll tell you the exact mix you need, but they're using large spray bottles, so I just guessed.
You can pre-spray the parts to be glued then put on the glue (that's what the experts recommend), or spray over the top. I've done both. The latter was the best when fixing the leg of a 15mm horse back to the base when it had snapped in straightening. If you blob an area with glue then spray it'll also turn it into a filler.
It's now a firm part of my model making armoury.
Good tip, I'll remember that and make a bottle now. I have discovered that regular liquid super glue works as a catalyst with Gorilla Glue and often times use the combination to connect parts that just refuse to work together.
ReplyDeleteThat'll be to do with the fluid in the Gorilla glue probably activating the super glue. Similar effect.
DeleteI'd found out about baking soda acting with super glue but didn't think about diluting it! That's a genius tip. I had been sprinkling some onto the glue join and carving off any excess.
ReplyDeleteThe water will help it bind as well; that's why it's so good at sticking skin, as that is what it was invented for!
Oddly it came out of research into developing gun sights....
Neil
I didn't know about the gun sights fact. I knew about its role in gluing skin. I also keep it handy for when I stab myself with a modelling knife. so much more effective than a sticking plaster.
DeleteDribbling a bit of water or PVA over the superglue has much the same effect. I also think superglue isn't as sticky as it used to be, I haven't glued my fingers together irretrievably for years.
ReplyDeleteWater on its own will do it, but adding baking soda makes it more scientific.
DeleteI'd heard of using water via a mister/spray was good as an accelerator, but not mixing it with baking soda. Thanks for this very useful info!
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity, I'd also read that using water, whilst helping, it also creates a weaker bond than just super glue alone. Does adding baking soda negate that effect in your experience?
I haven't noticed that I'm getting a weaker bond with the baking soda in the mix. Then again I'm not putting a lot of strain on the join.
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