Woodchipper
Member
I have seen a lot about Glu-Boost which is formulated specifically as a pen coating. Chemically, what is GB? Researched CA many years ago and had some questions for a chemical engineer. Inquiring mind wants to know.
Technical question
- Thread starter Woodchipper
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duncsuss
Member
I'm not sure where you got that idea, Gluboost was initially marketed to luthiers for instrument repair, not pen makers.
The company website is gluboost.com, I just nosed around looking for the material safety sheet (which would typically list the ingredients) but couldn't find one.
If you click the "contact" button and ask them for the safety sheet they'll likely share it.
Woodchipper
Member
"I'm not sure where you got that idea, Gluboost was initially marketed to luthiers for instrument repair, not pen makers."
This was a statement earlier but aware that it was for other crafts. At first, I found all kinds of info which showed nothing about the chemical formula but had to revert to other sources. Finally tracked down the info, there were five chemicals that fell under the CA designation. There was lots of information on CA adhesives. I get a chuckle from a large archery catalogue, each supplier saying their CA glue is the best...when there are only a five CA glue formulas that I could see; three were specialized. One even said their CA was different. Doubt if they have a factory that makes their own CA.
This was a statement earlier but aware that it was for other crafts. At first, I found all kinds of info which showed nothing about the chemical formula but had to revert to other sources. Finally tracked down the info, there were five chemicals that fell under the CA designation. There was lots of information on CA adhesives. I get a chuckle from a large archery catalogue, each supplier saying their CA glue is the best...when there are only a five CA glue formulas that I could see; three were specialized. One even said their CA was different. Doubt if they have a factory that makes their own CA.
JohnU
Member
GB has adhesives and fill and finishes. Both have adhesive qualities but only the "fill and finish" is meant for finishes because it has a flexible quality making it less brittle so it doesn't crack like others.
The Orange, Blue and Teal labels are the " fill and finish" while the Red, and Lt. Green are straight adhesives. There are also white and black tinted versions of the fill and finish.
My understanding is this… not all manufacturers use the freshest or best quality materials out there making them all different, and some that come from over seas have to add additives to help the product survive the travel time and elements, effecting the quality of the product. GB said they only use the best ingredients to make their product because they don't want to compromise quality over investment, which is why it's a bit more expensive than some. They said they don't have any of those extra additives since it's made in the U.S. and they strive to make the best product they can.
Like said above, GB has been around longer than just in the pen making world. It was manufactured for the luthiers in the guitar world and they have many videos on the GB YouTube site. The fill and finish line was introduced to pen making around 2017-2018. It's become my Go To finish because it gives me the best results, durability, and longevity, that I've never found in other brands.
Safety Data Sheets will inform you on how to use the product safely but it's not a recipe.
Woodchipper
Member
JohnU, thanks. Will go to the website and see what videos are available.
LMLangevin
Member
I was at a conference and also heard that the new formulation of Gluboost was designed with pen makers in mind. It's flexble vs rigid.
Woodchipper
Member
More pen makers than luthiers?