CA Accelerator Question
 

I'm wondering if anyone knows if CA manufacturers use proprietary formulas?

I bought some Stick Fast accelerator because it came in an aerosol can which produces a really nice, fine spray. Only thing is, it doesn't seem to accelerate the CA I'm using.

Do manufacturers deliberately make accelerator to work only with their glue?
(Or do I have a different problem?)

I have used at least four different accelerators with at least five different brands of glue (including Stick Fast) and never had one not work, so it is not the norm at least. The Stick-Fast accelerator says it will work with any CA on their Amazon sales pages it doesn't sound proprietary from their end. Perhaps to limit the foaming the accelerator is slower acting so it generates less intense heat, and foaming, during the cure. Though that would be just a guess.

If you want no foaming, I recommend Glu Boost Accelerator. Their CA is also very good. Comes in Extra thin, Thin and Fill & Finish (thick), All remain clear even when accelerated. Available at LMII and Amazon. Not inexpensive, but extremely good stuff. I have no connection with the company, just a user. It is the only CA that does not aggravate my Asthma (Might not be true for everyone).

I also have had allergic reactions to regular CA fumes.
Bob Smith Industries also makes odorless CA that is non-foaming, and does not give me any allergic problems.
'BSI Super Gold'

Two things I'm not certain of but suspect:

- when ca is old, it , among other things, takes a long time to harden

- accelerators need to be shaken

You can also get Bob Smith odorless CA super glues and accelerators at most hobby stores that deal with radio-controlled airplanes, etc. You cannot always mail-order these, because they are flammable and often won't ship by air.

Thanks to the wisdom shared in these posts and a bit of experimentation, I have discovered that the CA I was using was the problem. This begs the question: how do you know the CA you're buying is fresh?

Some manufacturers guarantee it. Glu Boost, for example, and others. But, you may have to buy it direct, rather than from store shelves where it might have sat for extended periods.