Cyanoacrylate Complete finish

[The Watchman]

But its a plastic. I use it for small repairs in woodworking, and pens too. But I cant imagine it would be any better than other options as a complete finish. Too hard to control and repair over a large flat surface. And its a plastic.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by The Watchman

But its a plastic... And its a plastic.

Uhm, what did you think lacquers, urethanes and similar finishes are?

It's pretty easy to control the application of CA glue, particularly over larger areas. A trowel is one method of application.

In turning, it is applied like any other "turner's polish": lathe on low speed, material on rag, present rag to turning wood. Thin coats, with or without subsequent polishing at higher speeds. I've done that numerous times on turnings.

[Bruce Sexauer]

I did a CA a finish on a whole guitar about 20 years ago. It can be applied a drop or two as a time by put the hand in an acetate bag and rubbing it on a bit like applying French polish. I use seal-a-meal bags. I found it challenging to create an even film thickness, and that is a deal breaker for me.

In retrospect, CA produces an acrylic finish which is very hard and has a serious structural component. Both of these qualities are the last thing I want on my guitars.

[TomB'sox]

I know nothing, but no one has mentioned the potential effect on tone?

[tadol]

I only ask because when you talk finish, its about protecting the material underneath - and for that protection, you look at different qualities that the material offers. Like I said, UV resistance, scratch resistance, flexibility, ease of application, ease of repair, etc. Finish is not just about hardness - it’s rarely about hardness. And even after you consider all the other qualities, you have to consider the costs - financial, and possibly, health -

I’ve used CA on small turnings. I know it works, but I also know most CA formulas aren’t designed for the qualities you usually want in a finish, and at least the stuff I’m buying for my business, is NOT cheap, and so I wonder what people would really be hoping to gain from using it? I only ask, because it seems like I see alot of downsides, and very few upsides - what am I missing?

[rouxwood]

Originally Posted by Dave Abrahamson

How is it applied?
Do you pour it on? Dip? Drop? Brush? Spray?
I've just never head of using it for anything but a drop fill for finish work.

When I do lathe turnings (duck calls mostly) and finish with CA, I use piece of paper to apply the glue in multiple thin coats. The guys who use it for pore filling mostly push it around with a spatula or old credit card or something similar.

[rouxwood]

Any thoughts on acoustic sound performance?

[Bruce Sexauer]

Uneven thickness, super hard, and structural are all comments about tone!

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by rouxwood

Any thoughts on acoustic sound performance?

You need to read between the lines somewhat, but Mr. Sexauer alludes to it here:
"In retrospect, CA produces an acrylic finish which is very hard and has a serious structural component. Both of these qualities are the last thing I want on my guitars. "

edit - and he responds as I was typing....

[John Arnold]

The advantage is speed. You can have a completely cured finish in a minute or two. I mainly use it for repair of dings, and in one case, belt buckle damage that was pretty large. I also have used it for neck shafts where the neck has been reshaped. But I would not consider finishing a whole soundboard with it, much less a whole guitar, for the reasons cited.
I compare it to the polyester finishes on Asian guitars (not exactly a ringing endorsement).

[Colin North]

I recently refinished an acoustic guitar neck in GlueBoost, worked out beautifully, but it's a little bit sticky under the fingers when new, see how it beds in.