Attaching Backs to Projects

[jblock9907]

I know we all attach backs to projects. I was using glue applied with a small glue brush. It kind of worked but if it wasn't applied just right there was some cleanup. I started using a spray, Loctite 77. Has anyone used a spray and if so, what did you use and how did you apply it, other than pushing the spray button.   Thanks in advance

[Dan]

Hi John. This question comes up frequently so you'll hear the best of what works from each of us. I always use wood glue if the backer is wood or some form of a wood product. If the project if framed I just spread a few drops of glue very thin to the project, just enough to hold it in place. No need for more than that. For larger, unframed projects I do the same thing only add a few extra drops in critical places. I uses weights or clamps to hold the backer in place until the glue dries. With practice you'll figure out what the right amount of glue is. I go very light with it. Never had an issue. I did this owl in 2013. It's about 3' tall and 1' wide, with picture matting material, glued with Titebond II. It's still hanging today.

[kmmcrafts]

I also use wood glue for the most part.. that's if they are both unfinished wood. If the backer is painted then I use WeldBond glue. 

My application process is to use wax paper or a plastic trash bag.. pour a pile of glue and spread it around evenly a thin layer large enough area to be able to dip the cutout into the glue.. this gets a even coat of glue on the entire piece quickly.. Then just set it onto the backer piece and add weight or clamps etc.. I usually stack books on top for weight. This works awesome if you're gluing a larger batch of projects all at one time.. I usually am stack cutting things so typically gluing up 3-6 projects at a time.. I just use a old credit card or something to spread the glue around for good coverage for each piece I'm gluing.. Seems to be the best method I have found.. I used to just place a few drops as Dan mentioned.. But this is my go to way now..

[Paladin]

17 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

I also use wood glue for the most part.. that's if they are both unfinished wood. If the backer is painted then I use WeldBond glue. 

My application process is to use wax paper or a plastic trash bag.. pour a pile of glue and spread it around evenly a thin layer large enough area to be able to dip the cutout into the glue.. this gets a even coat of glue on the entire piece quickly.. Then just set it onto the backer piece and add weight or clamps etc.. I usually stack books on top for weight. This works awesome if you're gluing a larger batch of projects all at one time.. I usually am stack cutting things so typically gluing up 3-6 projects at a time.. I just use a old credit card or something to spread the glue around for good coverage for each piece I'm gluing.. Seems to be the best method I have found.. I used to just place a few drops as Dan mentioned.. But this is my go to way now..

Kevin,

What type of weldbond glue do you use and how thick is it?  I've been doing a lot of layered projects lately and have fallen in love with a glue bottle with an attached roller that I got from Rockler that works excellently with wood glue.  For painted backers I've been using Aileen's tacky glue for years with great results, but I haven't tried it in one of these bottles because it is so thick I'm afraid it wouldn't work well.  If the weldbond is thinner and will still hold onto a painted surface that might be the perfect solution.  Hand applying the Aileen's to a fretwork piece gets kind of tedious.

[kmmcrafts]

The weldbond glue that I had purchased was quite thick.. so much so that I had to dilute it some.. I was told that it's not normally that way and I must have gotten a old dried out bottle that had been sitting on the store shelf for some time. The bottle I have is the only one I've used.. but it's quite low and I probably going to need a new bottle soon.. I think normally it is supposed to be similar to the Aileen's tracky glue.. that is another that I have used too without issue.. The weldbond bottle says you can dilute it.. I'm not sure by how much and if it affects its holding power..

[ike]

Raw wood  ot raw wood I use tight bond and for painted surfaces I use grilla glue. applied like Dan or Kevin said works well I luse books mostly to hold it in place . Tight bond sets up fastes.

IKE

[WayneMahler]

I tried the 3M Super 90 Permanent Adhesive. Spray it on the back of the cutting then join the pieces together. Was quite a pain to work with, left strings over the holes and was a real pain to clean up. I used E-6000 quite a bit. Then one hot summer day, I found it would soften and seep out leaving a bit of a mess to clean up. Since I have use Titebond for most of it. If using a felt back ground I put a little extra on carefully. Have not had an issue with that. I don't think there is one "best" answer to this. Everything has it's positives and negatives. 

[teachnlearn]

5 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

The weldbond glue that I had purchased was quite thick.. so much so that I had to dilute it some.. I was told that it's not normally that way and I must have gotten a old dried out bottle that had been sitting on the store shelf for some time. The bottle I have is the only one I've used.. but it's quite low and I probably going to need a new bottle soon.. I think normally it is supposed to be similar to the Aileen's tracky glue.. that is another that I have used too without issue.. The weldbond bottle says you can dilute it.. I'm not sure by how much and if it affects its holding power..

I'm sitting in a hotel room still trying to get a house. Don't have any glue available. I seem to remember there is an expiration on glue bottles. They have a shelf life and are suppose to be pulled from shelves or shops cause they won't work as designed. RJF

Edited January 8, 2021 by teachnlearn
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