USING CYANOACRYLATE AND EPOXY ADHESIVES

     Cyanoacrylates (CA's) have become the adhesive of choice for most hobby and household applications.  High quality CA's such as INSTA-CURE'", when used properly, form bonds that in many cases are stronger than the material that is being adhered.  INSTA-CURE 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 pre-sent 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 the performance of CA's.

    INSTA-CURE has a water-thin viscosity that wicks deep into joints by capillary action and cures in a matter of a few seconds. Surfaces to be bonded must be tight fitting and should be held together while you apply the CA around the edges of the seam. At the moment CA's cure, they give off a vapor that can irritate the nose and eyes, so be prepared. Thin CA's work very well on balsa since they penetrate in-to the wood and form more than just a surface bond.

     INSTA-CURE+ is a higher viscosity CA for loose fitting joints in which the adhesive must bridge gaps. Normally, the thicker CA is applied to one surface and then the parts are held tightly together for about 5 to 15 seconds. For large surface areas, including those with close fitting joints such as laminations, INSTA-CURE+  should also be used. To prevent premature curing, don't spread the glue into a thin film. Lay down a serpentine bead with about 1" separations on one surface, then assemble the parts, letting the pressure spread the CA out.

     INSTA-SET is a catalyst which acts as an accelerator that allows CA's to quickly cure in thick layers. When a light mist of INSTA-SET is sprayed on a surface to be bonded, it dries almost instantly, but remains active for several minutes. Apply INSTA-CURE+ to the opposite surface and the glue will set within a few seconds after the parts are held together. To allow more time for the parts-to be positioned correctly, wait to spray the INSTA-SET around the glue joints after joining. This will instantly hold the parts in place while the rest of the CA cures normally. A bead of INSTA-CURE+ can be placed over a joint for reinforcement, then sprayed with INSTA-SET. INSTA-SET + has a vanilla scent and is formulated without Freon. While INSTA-SET is compatible with opaque plastic and foam, INSTA-SET+ will attack some plastics.