Darryl Keil Last Activity 2025-09-09 11:09 AM
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drh

 
Subject : Clear Glue
Posted : 2006-02-07 6:02 PM
Post #32801
We are looking at trying to lay up veneer on plexiglas or some other clear substrate. Has anyone ever done domething like this? I am unaware of a glue that dries clear enough to let light pass through. All input is appreciated.

Thanks, Doug


 
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Brian Gray

Posts: 339

Joined: 2004-01-21
Location: Sandusky, OH

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Subject : RE: Clear Glue
Posted : 2006-02-07 10:44 PM
Post #32803 - In reply to #32801
Just speculating here, but I think that epoxy might be the closest you can get to clear, but yet will still stick to something as smooth as plexiglass, if it will indeed stick.

I'm not sure which additive it is, but you can get a West System additive that will keep West System Epoxy from yellowing too much. I've never used it, so I can't comment on it's clear-ness.

I'm not sure that epoxy will stick to plexiglass. I think that it will, but maybe someone else has good info on that one.

Also, with rare exceptions, you always want a backer veneer to balance the panel. Won't this defeat the purpose of having a clear substrate, since you will have to cover both sides? Unless it's the edge that you want to be clear.

If you don't mind my asking, what is the application? Besides being simply intriqued, if you gave us more information about how and for what this will be used, we could perhaps offer some better advise.


 
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drh

 
Subject : RE: Clear Glue
Posted : 2006-02-08 12:16 AM
Post #32804 - In reply to #32803
Brian,

We are trying to make door panels out of exotic veneers that can be back lit. That is why we are trying to get the light to pass through the substrate. We have kicked around the thought of the panel needing balance, but kinda ruled that out because the plexiglas should not move as much as wood and have to deal with the mositure issues. Hopefully this helps.

Doug


 
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Larry Root

 
Subject : RE: Clear Glue
Posted : 2006-02-08 6:24 AM
Post #32805 - In reply to #32804
Doug,

Windows are commonly made with double panes. Could you use a similar structure and just place the veneer between two sheets of glass, you could use a thin perimeter to keep it off the glass itself.

Larry


 
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Brian Gray

Posts: 339

Joined: 2004-01-21
Location: Sandusky, OH

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Subject : RE: Clear Glue
Posted : 2006-02-08 8:58 AM
Post #32806 - In reply to #32805
//the plexiglas should not move as much as wood and have to deal with the mositure issues.//

Well, the real issue with balancing panels is not wood movement and moisture (although it's a small part). The primary reason that a panel will warp is that adhesives shrink very slightly when they cure. The balanced shrinking happening on both sides is what keeps the panel stable. This shrinking should effect plexiglass as easily as wood.

I would definitely experiment, though. Hopefully, there's some more suggestions coming from others, but please keep us updated on what you do...I'd really like to know how it works!




 
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Enrico Konig

Posts: 74

Joined: 2006-01-06
Location: Vancouver, BC

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Subject : RE: Clear Glue
Posted : 2006-02-08 10:42 AM
Post #32807 - In reply to #32806
I have tried epoxying plexiglass to wood before, with mixed results. The plexi was sandwiched between solid pieces of douglas fir in a set of speaker stands. Though the glue line initially held, the variance in expansion/contraction rates between the wood & plexi meant it wouldn't hold for long. Don't know if you would have the same problem with veneer, but it is a strong possibility, since even veneer does move seasonally.

The other problem is that plexi is difficult to glue anyhow. Roughing it up a bit with 100 or 120 grit sandpaper will allow the epoxy something to grab onto though, and this does help.

Maybe that idea of sandwiching the veneer between two sheets of plexi is the best one.

cheers
Enrico
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