CA's and Epoxies

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Cyanoacrylates (CA's) have become the adhesive of choice for most hobby and household applications. High quality CA's such as INSTA-CURETM, when used properly, form bonds that in many cases are stronger than the material that is being adhered. INSTA-CURETM is a highly refined CA which, combined with its freshness, gives a guaranteed 2 year shelf life.

CA's are reactive monomers that chemically link (polymerize) when pressed into a thin film. The very thin layer of water moisture present on most surfaces acts as an alkali, or weak base, which is the catalyst that results in bonding; however, the presence of detectable amounts of water usually degrades teh performance of CA's.

CA (Cyanoacrylates)

Accelerators

Epoxies

Accessories

MATERIAL WORKS GOOD WORKS BEST

Hobby Adhesive

QUICK-CURE Epoxy

MID-CURE Epoxy

SLOW-CURE Epoxy

EX-SLOW-CURE Epoxy

FINISH-CURE Epoxy

INSTA-CURE CA

INSTA-CURE+ CA

MAXI-CURE CA

SUPER GOLD CA's

HINTS AND TIPS

• INSTA-CURE works very well with ¾ oz to 6 oz. Fiberglass cloth for reinforcing joints. Lay the cloth on the surface and apply drops of the then CA until capillary action saturates the fiberglass.
• INSTA-CURE+ is the quickest way to repair bicycle inner tubes. Locate the puncture by immersing the inflated tube in water, mark it with a pen or pencil, and then deflate and dry off the tube. Pinch the rubber to open up the puncture, then put a very small drop of gap-filling CA on the hole. Release the tube to return it to its normal shape and then spray the drop with INSTA-SET. Any drop larger than 1/8" doesn't improve the seal and with use will crack as the rubber flexes. Reinflate the tube and double check for holes you may have missed.
• Hobby paints that are alcohol based (acrylic) can be used to add color to epoxies with little effect on ;the epoxy's characteristics.
• Saturate the end of rope or string with thin CA to prevent it from becoming frayed.
• Cured CA is actually acrylic plastic. Thick CA with an accelerator can be used to quickly build-up layers to replace or modify plastic parts. Unfortunately, neither CA nor epoxy works well on most polyethylene or polypropylene, i.e., the flexible, waxy plastics.
• QUIK-CURE epoxy is the best choice for bonding clear plastics. It will not fog the plastic and if the epoxy gets on the wrong spot, it can be carefully removed with a razor blade without leaving a mark.
• Small bits and shavings of plastics can be mixed with INSTA-CURE+ to repair nicks and other damage to large plastic parts. Once cured, it can be sanded smooth to create a surface indistinguishable from the main part. This technique is used for the repair of vinyl automotive bumpers and allows the recycling of existing parts.
• QUIK-CURE, like all other fast setting epoxies, if not resistant to long term exposure of raw model aircraft fuel. It can be used to tack glue firewalls into place but should be coated over with SLOW-CURE 30 MINUTE EPOXY for permanent installation.
• R/C car tires that have been bonded to wheels using INSTA-CURE can be removed by putting them into boiling water.
• For the application of very small amounts of INSTA-SET accelerator, use our fine tip CA applicator for dispensing one drop at a time.

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