GluBoost and Humidity

[montmill]

We're in the summer season which means heat and humidity. Yesterday while finishing a pen using GluBoost I got a first hand experience the difference humidity and heat can make. This was even with the air conditioning on in the shop. Interesting stuff.

 

[ScooterSteven]

We're in the summer season which means heat and humidity. Yesterday while finishing a pen using GluBoost I got a first hand experience the difference humidity and heat can make. This was even with the air conditioning on in the shop. Interesting stuff.

Agreed! Try 5 minute epoxy at 100 degrees :-(

 

[montmill]

Funny, it speeds up and I slow down. Just came in from the garden and it's brutal. Prefer winter. Not much to do outside and more shop time too.

 

[ed4copies]

My advice, fwiw, avoid frustration!!
If the humidity is over 75%, wait to finish wood or acrylics.

 

[Smokey S]

Danged, it is typically over 75% humidity almost all year long down here in South Texas on the west side of Copano Bay. Oh well, I certainly hope the Glue Boos has a long shelf life before opening. And yes, thanks Ed for the advise, I definitely respect your advise and opinions. ……..Smokey

 

[bsshog40]

I was almost gonna my the gluboost deluxe set and get away from CA. It's very humid here in E.Tx. I may just have to stay with CA.

 

[ed4copies]

As I said a few days ago, Artificial Intelligence can give very good information. It draws on all the information on the internet. Here is the answer Chatgpt gave regarding finishing pens in humidity over 75%:

When the ambient humidity is over 75%, finishing pens becomes tricky because many common finishes—especially those that rely on evaporation or curing—can suffer from clouding, slow drying, or poor adhesion. However, there are a few finishes that perform better under high-humidity conditions:

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Best Finishes for High Humidity (>75%)

1. CA (Cyanoacrylate) Finish
   • Why it works: CA glue cures through a chemical reaction, not evaporation, and is less affected by humidity (though extremely high humidity can accelerate curing).
   • Tips:
     • Use thin coats to avoid fogging.
     • Work quickly; high humidity can cause it to set faster than expected.
     • Consider a dehumidifier or small fan nearby to help regulate conditions.
2. Oil-Based Finishes (e.g., Danish Oil, Tung Oil)
   • Why it works: These finishes cure by oxidation, which is slower but less affected by ambient humidity.
   • Best for: Penmakers who like a natural, hand-rubbed finish.
   • Caveat: Long cure times—allow several days between coats.
3. Wax Finishes (e.g., Carnauba, Renaissance Wax)
   • Why it works: Waxes don't rely on curing or drying, just buffing.
   • Best for: Quick finishes or over other sealed layers.
   • Drawback: Not very durable by themselves.

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Finishes to Avoid in High Humidity

• Lacquer Sprays or Nitrocellulose Lacquers
  • Tend to blush (turn milky) in humid air due to trapped moisture.
• Shellac
  • Can absorb moisture, causing cloudiness or poor adhesion.
• Water-Based Finishes
  • Often struggle with proper curing and clarity in damp conditions.

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Pro Tip:

If you consistently work in a humid environment, a small climate-controlled finishing cabinet or portable dehumidifier can greatly improve your results—especially for consistent CA or oil-based finishes.


Let me know what type of look or durability you're aiming for, and I can tailor the recommendation further.

Hope this helps!
Ed