Diluting CA

[jdiven]

I have seen many references to " dilute CA".  What is the diluting solution?  Is there a prefered ratio?

 

[mtaylor]

Are you sure it's not "dilute PVA"?  PVA can be diluted with water.   CA, I'm not sure can be diluted.

[jdiven]

Yes, I am sure, I use diluted PVA, but had never heard of "diluted CA".

[mgdawson]

Hi jdivan,

 

I've not heard of ca thinned in the way I think you mean, although I have heard of thinning aged ca which has thickened with fresh thin ca, presumably you could also use this method to thin down thick or medium viscosity ca's to get an intermediate viscosity.

 

Mark D

[bogeygolpher]

It would seem that you could use acetone to thin CA.  I use acetone to remove excess CA as well as for getting it off of my fingers.

 

I have never tried it, but have read that card/paper modelers use thinned CA to treat edges prior to sanding.

 

After some further research I have found that using acetone will thin the CA but it will also decrease it's strength. 

It is best to purchase manufactured thin CA in order to retain it's holding power.  Further, as has been suggested, if your CA becomes thick, add some fresh CA to thin it.

 

I actually avoid using CA unless it is absolutely necessary and then I primarily use it in place of a clamp when I cannot get a clamp in place.