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How to Repair Cracked Wood with CA Glue

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National Hospitality

Cyanoacrylate glue, commonly known as Super Glue works wonders on numerous things so much so that its uses almost seem unlimited. Among the many surfaces it joins, it’s great for woodwork, especially repairing cracked wood. CA glue is often a one- or two-component acrylic resin, seen as a clear solution. One ingredient is used for pouring purpose, and the other, usually water, is used for hardening purpose. Once the CA glue is in contact with the air and the moisture in it, it cures automatically. 

Let’s take a look at what all you’d need to know about using CA glue to repair cracks in wood.

Choosing the right kind of CA glue

CA glues come mainly in three varieties – thin, medium and thick, allowing them to be controlled better and used in various circumstances. Thin CA glues have a water-like consistency and are great for repairing wood that’s not completely cracked in 2 separate pieces. Also, for woods that are beginning to decay, thin CA glue applied on the weak spots hardens it almost instantly. Medium CA glues seem like syrup, and the thick variety is like syrup that was in the refrigerator. While the medium CA glue is actually all-round glue, it works well as wood filler. The thick CA glue is usually great for filling cracks and knot holes, and for simply joining two separate wooden pieces together. When you have some expensive wood that gets cracked, don’t discard it – thick CA glue can be your quick and lasting fix.

Importance of Perfect alignment 

If you intend to use CA glue to mend cracked benches or broken leg of a chair, precision is really important. While the medium and thick CA glues take few minutes to dry completely, the thin version dries instantly. So while joining a crack or two broken pieces, it’s essential that you align the two pieces together perfectly. If you’re using an accelerator to speed up drying thick CA glues, make sure you apply the glue on one side, align the pieces, apply the accelerator on the other side and then join them together. Unlike using nails for joints, CA glue leaves a lasting and irreversible bond. You might want to be extra cautious so that you aren’t left with botched results. 

All wood battles can’t be won with CA glue 

CA glue cannot be your answer to every single furniture problem. It works great on cracks, breakages and attachments of small components. But if the wood is splintered or breaks into tiny shrapnel, CA glue is not your best choice, particularly if you intended the repair as a DIY task. Instead of making things worse, you’ll probably do better by getting professional help.

 

CA glue is definitely a weapon every woodwork craftsman must have on hand. Don’t wait for that accident to happen, make sure you stock up well on CA glue. A wardrobe door may crack unexpectedly or a coffee table leg may break loose suddenly. You’ll want to be armed with your super glue to make sure you can fix things seamlessly.

 

Kalpesh Mehta is a traveler and a complete DIY person. He loves fixing things around the house and CA glue is her go-to for any wooden furniture that needs a little mending. 

 

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