There are always questions from those having problems with a CA finish, or CA that hardend in less than 5-seconds. I am wondering if many of these problems might be from using the wrong material as an applicator.
Paper towels are not the best applicator for a CA Glue finish. The cellulose in the paper is a mild accelerator for the glue. You have to be quick if you use paper towel to apply a CA finish.
The best applicators are anything plastic because there is no reaction with the glue, and we will have a longer working time. Many use plastic bag material. Those plastic gloves that come in hair coloring kits are good. Latex gloves work.
I use synthetic dressmakers batting, with a piece of masking tape wrapped around it for a handle, because it acts like a foam brush; and then follow with a paper towel if I want to remove the excess and accelerate the cure.
If you insist on using a piece of paper towel, always wet it with a couple drops of linseed or mineral oil before using it for wiping the glue on the pen. The oil keeps the cellulose fibers in the paper from contact with the glue. However, Boiled Linseed Oil also acts as an accelerator for CA-Glues, so you might find that the slower glues work better. As side benefits, the lubrication should help to get a smoother film on the pen barrel as the glue dries, and there will be less chance of sticking the paper to the pen.
Some folks solve the "paper problem" with waxed paper. That works too because the wax keeps the paper and the CA apart, and there is no reaction between the wax and the glue.
Paper towels are not the best applicator for a CA Glue finish. The cellulose in the paper is a mild accelerator for the glue. You have to be quick if you use paper towel to apply a CA finish.
The best applicators are anything plastic because there is no reaction with the glue, and we will have a longer working time. Many use plastic bag material. Those plastic gloves that come in hair coloring kits are good. Latex gloves work.
I use synthetic dressmakers batting, with a piece of masking tape wrapped around it for a handle, because it acts like a foam brush; and then follow with a paper towel if I want to remove the excess and accelerate the cure.
If you insist on using a piece of paper towel, always wet it with a couple drops of linseed or mineral oil before using it for wiping the glue on the pen. The oil keeps the cellulose fibers in the paper from contact with the glue. However, Boiled Linseed Oil also acts as an accelerator for CA-Glues, so you might find that the slower glues work better. As side benefits, the lubrication should help to get a smoother film on the pen barrel as the glue dries, and there will be less chance of sticking the paper to the pen.
Some folks solve the "paper problem" with waxed paper. That works too because the wax keeps the paper and the CA apart, and there is no reaction between the wax and the glue.
]
