Hi,

I'm getting up my nerve to fix various cracks, but from going through some of the postings I gather that although acetone is commonly used, it causes bubbling (!!), and people prefer MEK. However, I've not been able to find plain MEK. However, I discovered that Elmers Probond Model & Hobby Cement is composed of more than 70% MEK, and it's readily available.

Any suggestions or experience with the Elmers, and/or suggestions for getting straight MEK in the US (I'm in Boston).

And what would you suggest for filling in gaps? Is there a way to mix in pigment?

Thanks for any help or suggestions,

Gretchen

On some snorkel bodies, I have used a similar model cement with reasonable success-- I can't remember the brand, but the State of California specifically warns against the fumes. I can't suggest any remedies in the area of fillers, but if you've got a pen you can lose without heartbreak, have a whirl practicing on it. It works suprisingly well.

You should be able to find MEK at Home Depot or Lowes in quart cans.

Be very, very careful handling MEK. The stuff is nasty. OSHA regulations call for workplace users to wear a fitted respirator and the MSDS says it can cause long term, if not permanent, brain damage. My school district has banned it because of the health risks. It has a lot of uses but there are also a lot of potential hazards.

Thank you! And lol, I'm not sure I need a quart, but it's good to know where to find it. Is MEK a liquid like acetone? That would be great I would think for capillary filling in cracks, not so great where material has been lost. I'm assuming that the cement has a bit more body to it, but I've not used the stuff.

As for the fumes, I was planning to sit directly in front of an open window with a fan behind me blowing out. It does seem that most of the chemicals involved with plastics, resins, etc. are not friendly.

And kestrel, your picture is beautiful. Also, thank you for being a science teacher! I teach philosophy and am regularly distraught about how little my students know about science.

ciao,
Gretchen