What glue to use? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Mike Brett · 2nd May 2014, 12:31 pm

I have a cassette recorder with some thin dimpled flexible plastic type material stuck to each side of the case. At some time where this has peeled back from the edges some one has attempted to stick it back on with evo-stick. This had created a right mess with the glue eating into the plastic surface.I have managed to remove the trim plus all the old glue from the plastic surface.The original glue put on by the manufacturer is still in place on the back of this flexible trim apart from the edges. Not sure what this adhesive is but it is not dry but permanently very tacky. Has anybody any idea what this glue could be, or could they recommend something for sticking the trim around the edges where the glue is absent.
Many thanks for any suggestions.
Mike

emeritus · 2nd May 2014, 12:43 pm

I use silicone rubber sealant where the material would be damaged by Evostik.

FIXITNOW · 2nd May 2014, 12:46 pm

I use RTV 3140 silicone but have to tape the parts as it not a fast setter

Phil G4SPZ · 2nd May 2014, 10:34 pm

Copydex and PVA craft adhesives are very versatile and don't generally attack materials.

paulsherwin · 3rd May 2014, 1:00 am

I would clear all the old adhesive before trying anything else. White spirit / WD40 and Acetone / nail varnish remover are the first things to try.

Evo-stik and other contact adhesives don't usually attack plastics, but it's always a good idea to try an adhesive in an unobtrusive place before slapping it on in quantity.

Mike Brett · 3rd May 2014, 7:23 pm

Thanks for the many suggestions. I have been looking in the Screwfix catalogue and found a spray contact adhesive glue. Reminds me of a spray I used to use years ago for sticking photographs in an album. I remember you had to get it positioned just right the first time as it was very strong stuff. It says it is high tack with low viscosity, which is very much like the original adhesive that is still present in places on the material, so I might give this a try.
Mike

Valve'n'vinyl · 3rd May 2014, 11:16 pm

Hmm. I would try the spray glue on a piece of card first, just to check the spray pattern. I use this on classic cars for the carpets and it is VERY messy stuff , It IS a good adhesive though, just BEWARE as it has got a strong solvent in to keep it "fluid" . When it is sprayed it fizzes quite a bit and runs everywhere. Not easy to clean. I personally would avoid it for delicate work.

2nd May 2014, 12:31 pm	#1
Mike Brett Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 452	What glue to use? I have a cassette recorder with some thin dimpled flexible plastic type material stuck to each side of the case. At some time where this has peeled back from the edges some one has attempted to stick it back on with evo-stick. This had created a right mess with the glue eating into the plastic surface.I have managed to remove the trim plus all the old glue from the plastic surface.The original glue put on by the manufacturer is still in place on the back of this flexible trim apart from the edges. Not sure what this adhesive is but it is not dry but permanently very tacky. Has anybody any idea what this glue could be, or could they recommend something for sticking the trim around the edges where the glue is absent. Many thanks for any suggestions. Mike

2nd May 2014, 12:43 pm	#2
emeritus Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK. Posts: 5,339	Re: What glue to use I use silicone rubber sealant where the material would be damaged by Evostik.

2nd May 2014, 12:46 pm	#3
FIXITNOW Octode Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,975	Re: What glue to use I use RTV 3140 silicone but have to tape the parts as it not a fast setter

2nd May 2014, 10:34 pm	#4
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: What glue to use Copydex and PVA craft adhesives are very versatile and don't generally attack materials. __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

3rd May 2014, 1:00 am	#5
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,943	Re: What glue to use I would clear all the old adhesive before trying anything else. White spirit / WD40 and Acetone / nail varnish remover are the first things to try. Evo-stik and other contact adhesives don't usually attack plastics, but it's always a good idea to try an adhesive in an unobtrusive place before slapping it on in quantity.

3rd May 2014, 7:23 pm	#6
Mike Brett Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 452	Re: What glue to use Thanks for the many suggestions. I have been looking in the Screwfix catalogue and found a spray contact adhesive glue. Reminds me of a spray I used to use years ago for sticking photographs in an album. I remember you had to get it positioned just right the first time as it was very strong stuff. It says it is high tack with low viscosity, which is very much like the original adhesive that is still present in places on the material, so I might give this a try. Mike

3rd May 2014, 11:16 pm	#7
Valve'n'vinyl Pentode Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Scarborough , North Riding of Yorkshire Posts: 202	Re: What glue to use Hmm. I would try the spray glue on a piece of card first, just to check the spray pattern. I use this on classic cars for the carpets and it is VERY messy stuff , It IS a good adhesive though, just BEWARE as it has got a strong solvent in to keep it "fluid" . When it is sprayed it fizzes quite a bit and runs everywhere. Not easy to clean. I personally would avoid it for delicate work.