Darryl Keil Last Activity 2026-04-30 11:46 AM
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Joined: 2006-04-18

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Subject : Need to determine glue amount for project size
Posted : 2006-04-20 11:20 PM
Post #32996
Hello, First time using unibond 800 w/blocker. I have to veneer both sides of baltic birch 15"x48" gluing substrate only. Does anyone have a ball park mixture for this size projrct. I guess I would try 1 cup resin, 1/4 cup? hardner, 1/4 cup blocker?

Thanks



 
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Brian Gray

Posts: 339

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

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Subject : RE: Need to determine glue amount for project size
Posted : 2006-04-21 8:12 AM
Post #32997 - In reply to #32996
I know that there is a formula somewhere so that you can get the exact amount that you need for nice even coverage, but for me, it's always been rough estimating.

I use this notched spreader from Joe Woodworker to make sure that I'm getting the right amount of coverage.

http://www.joewoodworker.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=50

A lot of people here just apply with a roller, and that's fine as well. Just make sure that you have enough adhesive so that when you run your finger through the adhesive, it leaves small ridges.

But I think your question is more aimed at getting the righ amount so you don't waste glue, right?

In this case, I always want to have a little excess glue, anyways....I will take the leftover glue, and put it in a ziploc bag. This bag goes on top of the project, under the electric blanket. This way, I have some test adhesive. Whatever is happening in the ziploc is happening in the vacuum press. If the ziploc is cured, then the project is cured. If something went wrong, the ziploc will tell me.




 
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Subject : RE: Need to determine glue amount for project size
Posted : 2006-04-21 9:14 AM
Post #32998 - In reply to #32997
Yeah not so much to waste but to have enough for the project.
on the sheet it's says a 4:1 mixture and on the label it has a 10:1 mixture by weight and also another one for by volume.

At what room temperature do you guys stop using the elec. blanket? I'm on the east coast and it's getting warm here. Room temp. around 70-80's. Should I still use the blanket.




 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1461

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Need to determine glue amount for project size
Posted : 2006-04-21 12:24 PM
Post #32999 - In reply to #32998
Page,

The ideal mixing ratio by weight is 10:1, by volume its 4:1.

If you're in the 70's there's no need to use an electric blanket unless you just want to speed up the glue's set time.

In general I mix smaller quantities and then mix another batch if I run out. Because the glue has a long open work time you have plenty of time to mix a second batch and continue on. Once you've used it a little you'll get the sense of how much to mix up.

Sincerely
Darryl Keil


 
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irtubes

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Joined: 2026-04-29
Location: India

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Subject : RE: Need to determine glue amount for project size
Posted : 2026-04-29 12:40 AM
Post #38096 - In reply to #32996
For a 15" x 48" panel (about 5 sq. ft per side), your estimate isn’t far off, but it’s better to think in terms of spread rate rather than volume guessing.

Most urea/formaldehyde resin systems like Unibond 800 typically spread around 40–50 sq. ft per gallon (single surface), depending on veneer porosity and application method. Since you’re doing both sides, you’ll want to calculate for ~10 sq. ft total coverage.

That roughly translates to around 8–10 oz of mixed adhesive per side, so your mix might be slightly on the higher side unless you’re expecting higher absorption from the substrate. Baltic birch is fairly stable, so it shouldn’t soak excessively.

One thing to watch is even application—too much glue can cause bleed-through or longer cure times, while too little affects bonding strength. A consistent thin coat usually performs better than over-application.

Also consider ambient temperature and open time, as they can affect how much working time you actually have with the mix.


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1461

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Need to determine glue amount for project size
Posted : 2026-04-30 11:46 AM
Post #38097 - In reply to #38096
Nice post there about the glue and application. One thing I do want to clarify. A gallon of Unibond 800 will roughly cover 200 to 250 sq ft per gallon
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