Is it necessary to use an accelerator or activator while using superglue?
1 min reading time
The factors that determine how necessary accelerator or activator is while using superglue:
1. Temperature of your working area
In extremely cold temperatures, CA glues (superglues) take much longer to cure so an accelerator (commonly known as activator) is necessary to speed up the process.
2. Substrate Material
If the surface is very dense and nonporous, the glue will take longer to cure. In such cases, an accelerator is highly recommended.
3. Viscosity and type of CA glue
Medium-Thick and Thick CA glues typically take close to a minute to cure so you don't want to keep waiting every time you apply a layer of CA. Remember, for best results we advise to apply the CA glue in several thin layers and ensure each layer cures properly. An accelerator is necessary to speed up the curing time in between layers. Some CA glues, like our Black, also have a rubberized component which makes it difficult to cure without the intervention of an accelerator. It is therefore almost mandatory to use an accelerator when working with our colored CA glues.