Glue FAQ

How can I be sure I'm getting glue with a maximum shelf life?
It's important to remember that CA glue has a shelf life, and can eventually harden and become unusable.  The danger in buying from a supplier is that you may get bottles that have used up some or most of their shelf life.  B&L Distributing takes care in making sure that the glue you buy is just as fresh and long lasting as if you were buying directly from the manufacturer.

Does Hot Stuff work on everything?
Almost any materials or combination of materials can be bonded with Hot Stuff glues.

How Do I Know which Hot Stuff to use?
Use Hot Stuff Original (red label) when the fit is very tight and the material is non-porous (i.e. piece of plastic and piece of flat rubber)

Use Super 'T' (yellow label) or Special 'T' (green label) when parts do not fit well (i.e. two pieces of unsanded wood) or for very porous materials such as the end grain of a piece of wood.  Naturally, more porous material requires thicker glue


How do I know how much glue to use?
A good rule of thumb is that one drop covers one square inch of non-porous material.  However, more glue is needed if the material is porous and soaks up the glue.

How do I align the parts before the glue cures?
If the materials are relatively non-porous, do all the positioning first.  Once a perfect fit is achieved, apply Hot Stuff Original (red label) to the joint.  If necessary, Hot Stuff may be applied to more than one location along the bond line.  Example: bonding two one-inch rubber cubes together.  Four small applications, one at each side, would be in order.

Why doesn't the glue always dry Instantly?
The more glue that is used in a  given bond area, the slower the cure will be.  For instance, a puddle of glue on a glass surfacemay not cure for hours.  In these circumstances, instant glues tend to act like they're still in the bottle.  Should a large quantity of glue be necessary, as with making a filler, using our accelerator will cause an almost instant cure even in this extreme scenario.

How do I keep from using too much glue?
Remember the rule of thumb: "one drop covers a square inch".  Keep in mind that more may be necessary to accomodate a poor fit, porous materials, or both.

How do I keep my glue fresh?
Bottles in use should be stored in a cool, dry area.  Extra, unopened bottles can be stored in the freezer.  But, remember, NEVER return an opened bottle to cold storage - it shortens the shelf life significantly.

Accelerators

Do I need an accelerator?
Almost always, yes. This doesn't mean that you'll always use accelerator, but once you used it you'll find that you don't want to be without it.  Accelerator contains special ingredients that clean the bonding surface and act as a catalyst to start the thermal reaction, resulting in a stronger bond.

When would I not use Accelerator?
In situations where the glue is applied first and some positioning time is needed.

Solvent

Why Do I Need A Solvent?
With glues this strong, it is always a good idea to have a bottle of solvent on hand.  Unbonding misaligned parts and removing glue from fingertips are common uses of Super Solvent.

Is Super Solvent a Thinner?
No. Super Solvent is only meant for dissolving cured glue. Any foreign matter mixed with these glues, like using solvent as a thinner, will cause an unstable condition resulting in a decreased bond strength and shelf life.

How Do I Use Super Solvent?
Hands - Wet a paper towel with super solvent and wipe hands clean. Repeat as necessary. NOTE: Do not use this method while wearing fingernail polish.  Then wash hands with soap and water.
Clothes - It is rare for Super Solvent to affect colors, but to be safe, first test material for color fastness in an area that will not show.  Wad the material so the spot of glue is at the tip and put a rubber band around the material to hold it in place.  Place a small amount of solvent in a small container and submerse the glue spot.  Let set for a few mintues, then when the glue is soft, work it gently until gone and wash or have cleaned.  Repeat as necessary.  NOTE: Do not use this method while wearing fingernail polish as material could become discolored.
Surfaces - It is advisable to test on a hidden area first to confirm surface is not affected by solvent.  Apply Super Solvent directly on the cured glue then cover the area with a piece of wax paper or a plastic bag to keep it wet.  Let set a few minutes then wipe up softened glue.  Repeat as necessary.