Tips and Tricks for Using BSI CA Glues | Big Jeff AudioUpdated 6 months ago

To blend granite joints, use granite dust (from cutting) and our INSTA-CURE™ super thin CA. This will saturate and harden the dust. Use INSTA-SET™ accelerator to speed up curing. Once hardened, the area can be sanded and polished to match the countertop finish.

To repair chips, tape along the edge of the granite to create a “dam,” fill it with granite dust, and apply INSTA-CURE™. Remove the tape and finish as with the joint process. Black IC-2000™ is ideal for black granite chips.

BSI uses CA (cyanoacrylate) as the correct chemical abbreviation. Some publications use CyA to avoid confusion with California’s abbreviation, CA. However, CyA is actually an abbreviation for Cyclosporine A. For accuracy, we always use CA.

Use fresh glue for CA hinges, as aged glue thickens. Use a capillary tip for precise application and start with a small drill hole in the hinge slot to allow glue penetration.

Insert pins in the hinge to ensure it doesn’t slide in too deep, then apply glue drop by drop. Avoid using an accelerator, which can make hinges brittle. Allow 10-15 minutes for curing before moving the hinge gently to break free any excess glue.

INSTA-CURE™ works well with 3/4 oz. to 6 oz. fiberglass cloth for reinforcing joints. Lay the cloth over the area and apply drops of thin CA to saturate the fiberglass completely.

To repair a bicycle inner tube, locate the puncture, pinch the rubber to open the hole, and add a small drop of INSTA-CURE+™ or IC-2000™. Release and spray with INSTA-SET™ to speed curing.

Alcohol-based acrylic hobby paints can be used to color epoxy without affecting its properties.

To thin epoxy, use 90-99% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid rubbing alcohol as it contains water. Denatured alcohol or acetone can also work but may affect curing or white foam.

CA glues are ideal for quick household repairs. For ceramics, use MAXI-CURE™ and clean up with UN-CURE™ if needed. For multi-piece repairs, assemble with tape, apply INSTA-CURE™ along joints, and clean with UN-CURE™ afterward.

Ensure adequate ventilation when using CA adhesives. Avoid placing your face directly above the work area to prevent irritation from fumes. Use gloves with slower-curing epoxies, especially if you may need to handle objects shortly after application.

To repair large plastic parts, mix plastic shavings with INSTA-CURE+™ to fill nicks. Once cured, the repair can be sanded smooth for an indistinguishable finish.

To prevent fraying, saturate the end of a rope or string with thin CA glue.

BSI’s CA tops are designed to minimize clogging. Loosen and retighten the cap to release internal pressure before cutting the tip. Squeeze the bottle upright after use to clear the nozzle and keep it clog-free.

FINISH-CURE™ thinned with isopropyl alcohol can be applied with a spray gun for a smooth final finish. Clean equipment immediately after use to prevent clogging.

IC-2000™ is a rubber-toughened CA adhesive that provides shock-resistant bonds for non-porous materials, like metals and fiberglass. It’s ideal for RC car tires, setting in 20-40 seconds with the help of INSTA-SET™.

To remove R/C car tires bonded with INSTA-CURE™, place them in boiling water to soften the adhesive.

FINISH-CURE™ provides a smooth finish on balsa surfaces, especially when paired with lightweight fiberglass cloth. The cloth ensures a thin application for a minimal, uniform layer, resulting in a strong, lightweight finish.

QUIK-CURE™ is not resistant to raw model aircraft fuel over time, so it’s best to use SLOW-CURE™ for firewalls in fuel-powered models.