Super Glue Accelerator and Filler

No BS!! You use BS (Baking Soda)

With cracks, gaps and holes galore, baking soda has helped make my super glue the SUPER HERO it’s toted to be.

Often when creating or fixing we get gaps and holes that need filling.

Sure, you can use epoxy, wood filler or modeling clay, but if you already have the super glue and baking soda you can use it instead. Besides time sometimes is a factor. This is quick.

Here are some quick fixes with BS and Super Glue.

Step 1: Supplies!!!

Baking Soda
Super glue ( Liquid runny type) not gel.

Sanding tools

Small spoon

Tape

Paper towls

And of course cracks,holes,splits and divots. Or anything else you can think of .

Always remember when using Super glue be very careful.

Step 2: What the Two Really Do.

We can’t just fill with super glue, because it would take time to cure and may even seep out.

Cyanoacrylates are fast curing adhesives but not always designed for mass filling applications. That is where the true super hero comes to the rescue (Baking Soda).

When super glue meets Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) it starts the polymerization process fast. There have been tests with other powders but nothing as readily available and affordable as BS.

Together they form a cement like substance that is extremely durable. Water as well accelerates the curing.

I will show variations on how you can use this super duo to repair and create in a flash.

Step 3: Filling a Hole to Accommodate a Eye Screw.

This is a threading bracket I made from recycled paintbrush handles.

The hole is large but I just needed to fill it in so I can put the eye screw in.

I simply tape the back put in a little baking soda, then a little super glue (the reason you want runny super glue is so that it penetrates the BS).

You also want to do in layers till it gets filled. Alternating between glue and baking soda.

After I put the first layer in, the screw is set in place. Back-fill around it as described. This helps the items to have tooth. Let rest a couple minutes dust away leftover BS, remove tape and finished.

This technique can be used in many ways. Just remember do not do on anything that is hanging or on an item that can cause damage, if it fails or can harm anyone.

Step 4: Broken and Cracked Tile.

This tile was cracked and a chip missing. first the piece was glued together.

Then a little glue was put into crevasse then a little baking soda. Let it sit for a minute then wipe the surface. Nail sanders are used to flatten the repaired area.

I have done this type of fix many times. A bathroom tile area, counter top, foyer area. It can handle a normal amount of ware. But affordable enough to repeat if necessary.

A friend of mine was doing a new back splash and had purchased clearance tile. One of the tiles fell and broke causing this same type of problem, she was concerned about color. You can add color in powder form to the baking soda, eye shadow works well, matte colors preferred. Repair completed.

Step 5: Hole in What?

Holes and cracks in wood plastic etc. Clean the area, fill in layers, sand and paint.

Test before staining, depends on stain used.

If the object being filled isn't for mechanical purpose, you can pack a hole with paper towel first, add some glue then finish with the baking soda and glue.

So just remember this is not the answer for every repair or creation but it is a Super quick way.

Always wear protective gear and be very careful!

Thank you! The Juliart

Comments

[ChrystalAlmeda87]

Whatever happened to thold days when we used toothpaste to fill the nail holes..?

[CoconutPi]

where do you get Runny SG? How wil I know it,s right? Canyoumould shapes with it? Thanks.

[The Juliart]

If you see in my picture I do have a silicone mold,I decided at the last minute not to talk about that ,because it takes some practice. But yes it can, I use to make gears . But now I use resin. So in a pinch you can. Just need to pack tightly and let dry well.

[CoconutPi]

Thanks for your replies ☺ I noticed what looked like silicone moulds ... I thought it might be wishful thinking to want to mould with those... So superglue won,t bond or damage silicone? What I really want is a cheap, easy safe alternative to concrete for small projects. Also any ideas for cheap or free coloured plastic suitable for cutting and shaping easily and with minimal and most basic tools? Many thanks ☺

[Mattcais3]

In a similar vein....If you mix Baking soda with silicon (1:1 but experiment for different jobs) caulk or sealer you end up with a fairly good Sugru replacement. Food colouring or ink can be used to change the tint.

[CoconutPi]

Cool. Thanks ☺️

[The Juliart]

No it won’t stick but it can etch the surface of silicone if repeating process.

How small is small? Jewelry or sculptures?

I use all plastics,from packaging,resins,styrene sheets. You can take packaging and cut out shapes ,form with hairdryer,embossing heat tool,etc.

It can be remolded and formed easy. Recycling is always #1

I cast with resins and they are fairly affordable and can be clear or colored. You can use shape-crete it is a fiber reinforced Portland cement product used for art. Like a clay.

Maybe polymer clay it is priced good and lots of coupons. Toaster oven and it bakes hard. Just some ideas. There are lots of Instructables on all of these materials so you are never alone when creating! Will always help!

[CoconutPi]

Thanks☺☺ It would be more likes small sculptures. There are two main objectives, to create attractive garden ornaments and artificial plants to fill out may garden "" while I wait for the real plants to take hold, and to protect the area from being driven on and protect the plants. Possibly both at the same time. Trouble is I don,t have transport or a suitable outdoor work space or much of an indoor workspace... It has to look good enough not to get thrown out, but not worth stealing. Similar dilemma with planting bulbs, to plant deep enough I need to use a container, but won,t have room for one that,s too heavy to lift.

[The Juliart]

Here is my suggestion then use the plastics that you recycle to create the art. Minimum room required and as needed and of course if it doesn’t turn out you can recycle. Next we save packing foam and block foam to create insulated planting chambers. And line them. And add a couple holes for drainage. Then when the get big enough you transplant or put bigger holes gor roots. I sculpt with aluminum foil ,paint and put outside. Wish you the best. Julia

[CoconutPi]

Roughly what ratio of bicarbonate of soda to superglue do you use? Thanks ☺ BTW I used the method to splint a broken leaf on one of my plants!

[The Juliart]

It’s about 2 parts BS to one part glue. It really depends on how and what you fill. I just look for the BS to turn from white to a gray color. Like when you wet sand. Hope that helps.

[The Juliart]

Hello! Most of the thin wicking super glues are sold for hobbyists. Just choose one that doesn’t say gel or thick. You can still use them ,but if you do I mix on a plastic sheet with the baking soda and then quickly press in to place.

Some of the cheap super glues are runny like fake fingernail glue.
Hope that helps.

[Mattcais3]

I use this recipe for emergency repairs when I crack or break a piece off the nut. (the little ivory piece that holds the strings in place at the top of the neck on my electric guitar) If you sand a little of the bone dust from the broken piece of ivory into it then it’s a pretty good temporary fix until you can buy a new nut.

[titchtheclown]

I use the opposite approach. Super glue first then sprinkle baking soda. Tip off exess baking soda and build in layers.

[The Juliart]

Hello! If you read the Instructable I do that on something’s and different on others. Just depends. Thank you for sharing.

[submariner_ss]

Good improvisation. I am, however, inclined to use dedicated products for my filling needs. Acrylic adhesives are expensive. Siomething like$5for less than an ounce. Sure, if there is a time crunch go with the rubber bands & paper clips . approach

[The Juliart]

We are artists and crafters,so sometimes it’s about availability and money. We have dollar stores everywhere and it is only a dollar for the glue. Super glue / nail glue is a product most people have in a drawer and Bs in kitchen cabinet. It is just an option that works.

Those who have access to various materials can do just about any repair. And well as for time the average person is away from home for many hours so yep I guess it’s paper clips and rubber bands for some.
Thank you for your comments .

[submariner_ss]

Anything that works for you is fine. My experience with super glues has had its ups and downs. The variety store “bottles” clog up at the tip. The good stuff costs an arm and a leg and also clogs t the tip. I have tried the latest Loctite variety and would recommend it highly. It sets very quickly so you may not need the BS. My personal favorite is titebond glue and course sawdust mixture. By the way,Ilikethediligent experimentation you did to develop your process.

[The Juliart]

I get it! I agree Loctite is in my arsenal. Thank you!
I have been a product developer for over 20 years and an artist all my life. I love testing things.

[petrovich23]

I used super glue and baking soda as a form of liquid bandage. It works well on fingertips.
What in Boy Scouts, we used to refer to as finger carving merit badge....