JT my opinion of Gluboost is based on my experiences using it. I'm not one to say if it's not broke don't fix it, I'm always looking to improve my process and product. I can share my experience with it, but it's probably one of those products you'll have to try in your process to see if it does what you're looking for.
Its been around for years, but before it was known in the pen making world, it was used in the guitar building and repair world, until Mark Dreyer and the owner of the company had a conversation about using it on pens. I was fortunate enough to be included in that trial, which worked great… no acetone in the accelerator to leave blemished or crusty curing, self leveling, flexible hard finish and easy to apply with less time and buildup. My finishes went from taking 30 plus minutes down to less than 10 minutes with the finish I was striving for because it goes on and sets quickly. I've now been using it for year with no issues of its longevity or durability in use. I've had other brands crack over months of use or discolor a bit with age.
Here's what I know about their products… They sell CA for adhesives and for finishing…2 types. I've used both along with most other brands out there. I like their red label "ultra thin" for sealing open pours in wood and cast items like pinecones. The blue label is a fill and finish - thicker for deep fill. The orange label is the "thin" finish for smooth surfaces. I usually apply 4-5 layers and micromesh. I apply both CA and accelerator with the lathe on as low as it goes. That way I use less at a time. I was able to finish 52 Sierra pens with one can of Glu-Dry accelerator.
Their green and red labels are their CA adhesives without the added finishing qualities but the orange and blue also work great for adhesives. They also have whips to attach to the bottles for more precise application in small areas. I've also use their gel glue and black transparent adhesive with great results. I just wish the black was solid black and not transparent but they have master tints for that, which break down in the glue and allow you to add color to things. I've used them and they work great. I just don't do a lot of coloring at the moment.
Here's a link to their site with questions, answers, and videos of it being used.
Unlock the potential of your woodworking projects with GluBoost's leading Fine Wood Glues, Fills & Matched Repairs. Click to explore our Glues, Tints, Fills and our GluDry Accelerator. Available Nationwide.
gluboost.com
Like most competitive companies I would not expect them to share "what" they add to make it better than other brands, but here's what they said about the finishing products…
"CA like many other glues "by definition" are very brittle. While the rigidity of a bond can often be a very good attribute, there are circumstances where this can be a negative. Take for example cracks or crevices that will move over time, such as a guitar ding or dent or even an entire wood finish for that matter. While other products leave witness lines, our Fill n' Finish products leave zero to minimal witness lines.
Several years ago, the Gear Up Products lab formulated a process where we added specialized market-specific additives to the formula, giving the product the ability to resist age and temperature changes, as well as impact. As a result, Fill n' Finish Pro Formula and Fill n' Finish Pro Formula Thin were born. Fill n' Finish products are flexible and non creeping so they can be used in areas where CA, and other adhesives have been used before (but now with increased performance and super-clear results), such as to create wood finishes and repair all types of dings and dents. Fill n' Finish is the ideal finisher for ding and dent repair or for entire finishes. It's great for pore filling as well. Use it with GluBoost Glue Dry Accelerator for super-fast finish and repair work with zero to minimal witness lines on any finish."
