baking soda and super glue question

QUOTE: I have also heard that the baking soda and super glue technique produces cyanide gas.

If I understand the reaction, cyanide will be released as part of the curing process regardless of whether or not you use an accelerant. But not to worry, not enough cyanide is being released to cause any concern.

The TRUE medical emergency exists if you get superglue in your eye(s). In this case, get to the emergency room pronto; do not pass "go", do not collect $200.

Gip Winecoff

I might just go back to regular putty filler or try polyester putty. I keep hearing stories of strange reactions or growths over time in areas where this technique was used. I have also heard that the baking soda and super glue technique produces cyanide gas.

Darn, I was hoping I had found the perfect filler.

Thanks again for the replies.

Thanks for the replies.

I think Gip might be right, I might have had too much superglue and when the baking soda came into contact with it it hardened on the outside but never made it within. I will do it in thin layers from now on. I have not had this problem in the past..

The possibility for yellowing is a concern. I guess I should use this technique selectively.

Thanks

QUOTE: Bad guess, it's the baking soda rotting over time.

Please enlighten me. How does baking soda "rot over time"? I've used the material for its accelerative properties and have never experienced the effect described in the originator's post.

Gip Winecoff

QUOTE: Originally posted by styrene My guess is that the liquid you describe is unreacted material. When you added the baking soda, it reacted with what it came into contact with and no more. It could be you started with way too much super glue and not enough reactant.

Bad guess, it's the baking soda rotting over time. The best bet is to use any inert material, resin dust works well as do microballons. Personally I don't bother with any of them, if that gap's that big I use epoxy putty or polyester putty over shims.

Baking soda is great for super glue, since it's a cheap powder form of accelerator. The bicarbonate acts as the base the cyanoacrylate reacts with, and it sets up instantly. Talc should also act as somewhat of an accelerator since it is a hydrated magnesium silicate, and does provide hydroxy ions necessary for the reaction to occur; however, talc is hydrophobic (repels moisture), and moisture is what super glue needs to set up properly. Actually, straight, old-fashioned water should probably work just as good, since both the methyl and ethyl fractions polymerize quickly in the presence of moisture.

My guess is that the liquid you describe is unreacted material. When you added the baking soda, it reacted with what it came into contact with and no more. It could be you started with way too much super glue and not enough reactant.

Gip Winecoff

Another option. Try mixing Future with talcum powder. Although you need to let it cure for a day or so, it cleans up with light sanding.

Mike M

yikes, i actually had this happen before. maybe it is better to use baby powder. i got frustrated and scrapped my model it was a 1:72 junker

I don't recommend to use either baking soda or baby powder. They will both yellow over time and this yellowing can show through paint. They can also deteriorate over time. Just use thick, gap filling CA or putty.

Instead of baking soda, try baby powder and crazy glue.The baking soda glue mix is acid (As you've guessed) and baby powder is cheaper!

I have never heard of this, super glue - yes, super glue and baking soda - no. I do no know what to tell you, but if I were you I would get that stuff out and a)use just super glue or b)use putty

Hope that helps, Anthony.