Glues for rexine onto plastic - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

EF80TVVALVE · 7th Jul 2022, 9:53 pm

Hi all

I'm currently restoring a Bush MB60, valve version of the more popular TR82. The rexine was in very poor condition so I've removed it and found an almost identical one to replace it with.

This evening I attempted to glue it with contact adhesive, I've never had much luck with this, especially with fabric as it seems to soak it up leaving corners and patches un-stuck once dried. As expected the same thing happened and I was left dissapointed both in the glue and in myself for being foolish enough to try it again.

I normally use wood glue for things like record players, very slightly watered down and that always works well. Considering the MB60 is plastic I thought this would be a more difficult task for wood glue due to one material being non-porous, ideally it needs to be something that 'tacks' fairly quickly. My next consideration is to use pearl glue, aka hot hide or bone glue. As it sets during cooling a thicker mix should ensure that it doesn't completely get soaked up by the fabric and I would imagine it will make a good bond fast.

I have plenty of fabric to experiment but I thought I'd share the project here for any other thoughts before I go ahead with phase 2! Anyone else think hide glue is a good or bad choice, or any other suggestions of glue that will be a good choice?

Lloyd 1985 · 7th Jul 2022, 10:32 pm

I have successfully used fabric glue, available from Boyes, to stick some denim to a Roberts RD50 cabinet. It’s good stuff, you basically paste it onto both surfaces then stick them together whilst still wet, it doesn’t soak into the fabric and ruin it either. It’s like a thick wood glue, and dries clear, worth a shot!

Regards
Lloyd

joebog1 · 7th Jul 2022, 11:31 pm

I agree with contact glue, BUT not conventional solvent based. There is a product called " Acrylic Contact " . It doesnt string, it doesnt run, it dries perfectly clear, can be cleaned of with a water damp rag BEFORE it sets, and doesnt discolour anything. Its completely waterproof when dry. I use it for speaker cone, coil or surround replacement. Its esxtremely easy to use. A toothpaste sized tube costs about $25 and thats its biggest drawback. Its made by Selleys.

Joe

EF80TVVALVE · 9th Jul 2022, 4:41 pm

Thanks both for your advice, I will try some fabric glue first as it will most likely be cheaper than acrylic adhesive. I tried hide glue today, had the exact same problem of the fabric absorbing it so much that you'd never even know any was laid on it and I applied a good amount too! Luckily I have plenty of fabric left so I'll source some fabric glue and see how I get on with that.

Lloyd 1985 · 10th Jul 2022, 9:56 pm

This is the fabric glue I mentioned, hopefully the instructions off the back of the bottle are legible!

Regards
Lloyd

7th Jul 2022, 9:53 pm	#1
EF80TVVALVE Octode Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Leicester, UK. Posts: 1,433	Glues for rexine onto plastic Hi all I'm currently restoring a Bush MB60, valve version of the more popular TR82. The rexine was in very poor condition so I've removed it and found an almost identical one to replace it with. This evening I attempted to glue it with contact adhesive, I've never had much luck with this, especially with fabric as it seems to soak it up leaving corners and patches un-stuck once dried. As expected the same thing happened and I was left dissapointed both in the glue and in myself for being foolish enough to try it again. I normally use wood glue for things like record players, very slightly watered down and that always works well. Considering the MB60 is plastic I thought this would be a more difficult task for wood glue due to one material being non-porous, ideally it needs to be something that 'tacks' fairly quickly. My next consideration is to use pearl glue, aka hot hide or bone glue. As it sets during cooling a thicker mix should ensure that it doesn't completely get soaked up by the fabric and I would imagine it will make a good bond fast. I have plenty of fabric to experiment but I thought I'd share the project here for any other thoughts before I go ahead with phase 2! Anyone else think hide glue is a good or bad choice, or any other suggestions of glue that will be a good choice?

7th Jul 2022, 10:32 pm	#2
Lloyd 1985 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 2,820	Re: Glues for rexine onto plastic I have successfully used fabric glue, available from Boyes, to stick some denim to a Roberts RD50 cabinet. It’s good stuff, you basically paste it onto both surfaces then stick them together whilst still wet, it doesn’t soak into the fabric and ruin it either. It’s like a thick wood glue, and dries clear, worth a shot! Regards Lloyd

7th Jul 2022, 11:31 pm	#3
joebog1 Banned Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Mareeba, North Queensland, Australia Posts: 2,704	Re: Glues for rexine onto plastic I agree with contact glue, BUT not conventional solvent based. There is a product called " Acrylic Contact " . It doesnt string, it doesnt run, it dries perfectly clear, can be cleaned of with a water damp rag BEFORE it sets, and doesnt discolour anything. Its completely waterproof when dry. I use it for speaker cone, coil or surround replacement. Its esxtremely easy to use. A toothpaste sized tube costs about $25 and thats its biggest drawback. Its made by Selleys. Joe

9th Jul 2022, 4:41 pm	#4
EF80TVVALVE Octode Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Leicester, UK. Posts: 1,433	Re: Glues for rexine onto plastic Thanks both for your advice, I will try some fabric glue first as it will most likely be cheaper than acrylic adhesive. I tried hide glue today, had the exact same problem of the fabric absorbing it so much that you'd never even know any was laid on it and I applied a good amount too! Luckily I have plenty of fabric left so I'll source some fabric glue and see how I get on with that.

10th Jul 2022, 9:56 pm	#5
Lloyd 1985 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 2,820	Re: Glues for rexine onto plastic This is the fabric glue I mentioned, hopefully the instructions off the back of the bottle are legible! Regards Lloyd Attached Thumbnails