Replies

1. 
   lat_axe | Jan 24, 2025 03:18am | #1

   Given that superglues "dry" and grab very quickly without activator, I've always avoided the activator stuff. If you slightly misplace together two parts with glue on one and activator on the other then you have no chance of replacement. Using superglue alone, you have an admittedly very small time period to move the parts into the correct alignment.

   My own use of superglue is only to stick back on a bit that's split off from a part as some untoward force or other during working it runs along the grain and splits it. The two parts generally exhibit complex matching faces that have to be wiggled a bit to get them into exact alignment. Activator would eliminate that wiggle room/time.

   I don't know if activators can interfere with finishes but whether they do or not probably depends on the finish. On the other hand, one property of supergluing tech is supposedly the quick and easy chemical stabilisation of the stuff once applied.

1. 
   SeattleBernard | Jan 24, 2025 10:59am | #4

   Thanks. Off-splits would be the application in question.

2. 
   rob_ss | Jan 24, 2025 03:49am | #2

   I have used the activator extensively and never noticed an issue. It evaporates very quickly so I doubt would have any effect.
   It is wise to make a test piece with any finish concerns anyway so just spray it and see.
   I find CA glue quite unpleasant to use from an odour perspective, and with activator it really gets up my nose so I have been using an organic cartridge respirator, which is really worth it for the comfort.
   I did a dive into medical hazards of CA glue, but there really don't seem to be any - it either irritates you or it does not. One paper considered the possibility of carcinogenicity, but the risk is considered low.

3. 
   thehistorydude | Jan 24, 2025 09:47am | #3

   CA glue activators typically contain acetone, ethanol, and other nasties. From personal experience, I can tell you that the activator will damage a lacquer finish and I'd guess the ethanol would do the same to shellac. In addition to the aerosol activator, Starbond has one that can be applied with a brush in a much more controlled manner which I love. Hope this helps.

1. 
   SeattleBernard | Jan 24, 2025 11:00am | #5

   Excellent specific suggestion. Thanks.

4. 
   stantheman | Jan 25, 2025 09:01am | #6

   There's baking soda too. I use CA a lot to fill small cracks and dents, and to fix damaged edges. I use activator when I want to prevent runs, or so I can get to the next step more quickly. And you kind of have to use it when using CA to finish parts on the lathe (like pens). I wouldn't spray it on a finished surface, and I dont think OP was asking about that.

5. 
   thehistorydude | Jan 25, 2025 09:28am | #7

   You're right, re-read the OP. The only place I've had and have seen issues of CA, not necessarily the accelerator, with subsequent finishes is with an oil finish, e.g., pure tung oil, where the wood that has absorbed CA does not absorb the oil at the same rate as the non-CA applied wood. I too, use CA for small cracks and checks, usually on bowls, and rely primarily on medium thick, tinted CA. I've found that CA and sawdust, like wood glue and sawdust, doesn't match the surrounding finish well if at all. Hope this is more on point.