How can I keep the CA glue off my hands? When using it for a pen finish it seems to burn through or soak through everything I've tried. The one thing that seems to hold up to it is duct tape. Keep the acetone handy to get my fingers apart.
-
Congratulations to Bernie Hyrtzak, People's Choice in the January 2026 Turning Challenge (click here for details) -
Congratulations to Matt Carvalho for "Red Mallee Folded Form" being selected as Turning of the Week for February 9, 2026 (click here for details) -
AAW Symposium demonstrators announced - If the 2026 AAW International Woodturning Symposium is not on your calendar, now is the time to register. And there are discounts available if you sign up early, by Feb. 28. Early Bird pricing gives you the best rate for our 40th Anniversary Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 4–7, 2026. (There are discounts for AAW chapter members too) For more information vist the discussion thread here or the AAW registration page
-
Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.
Keep CA off your hands
- Thread starter Leslie Walper
- Start date
Leslie, I think that is the $64,000 question. (Am I showing my age
) When I'm applying CA to pens, the best thing I've found is to use one of the small plastic bags that the pen components come in. I apply the CA with a paper towel and use one finger to hold the towel against the spinning pen blank. On that finger I will place one of the plastic bags. Yes, it sometimes sticks to the plastic and puts a hole in it but all you have to do is rotate the bag or replace it. It sure beats having the paper towel sticking to my finger.
HTH,
Steve
) When I'm applying CA to pens, the best thing I've found is to use one of the small plastic bags that the pen components come in. I apply the CA with a paper towel and use one finger to hold the towel against the spinning pen blank. On that finger I will place one of the plastic bags. Yes, it sometimes sticks to the plastic and puts a hole in it but all you have to do is rotate the bag or replace it. It sure beats having the paper towel sticking to my finger.HTH,
Steve
Leslie-
When ever I use super glue for a finish, I wear Nitrile gloves. The glue doesn't soak through the material on to your fingers. When I'm through I throw them away.
Gary
When ever I use super glue for a finish, I wear Nitrile gloves. The glue doesn't soak through the material on to your fingers. When I'm through I throw them away.
Gary
as Gary said - nitrile (not latex) gloves work best for me.
I also use craft foam to apply CA glue - about a 1" square piece. it's easier to control the CA using foam.
I also use craft foam to apply CA glue - about a 1" square piece. it's easier to control the CA using foam.
I have had success using a dry barrier cream called PR88.
CA glue, solvent based finishes and dyes do not stick and can be washed off.
It is water soluble, so it is not useful for all occasions.
Sweaty summer days are not so good, but fall and winter are good times to use it.
http://www.pr88gamp.com/
CA glue, solvent based finishes and dyes do not stick and can be washed off.
It is water soluble, so it is not useful for all occasions.
Sweaty summer days are not so good, but fall and winter are good times to use it.
http://www.pr88gamp.com/
Thanks all! I've tried the little bags, but the CA seems to burn right through it. The bags in the new kits seem to be a bit thinner, or maybe of a different material than in the older ones. Anyhow, that PR88 sounds like a "might try" item -- and the Nitrile gloves.
I've actually found that the duct tape, whatever that plastic is, is quite resistant to CA -- just fold over a bit of it (about 3-4 inches, sticky sides together) makes a pretty good spreading paddle and it's big enough to keep the glue off the fingers (if you're careful).
I've actually found that the duct tape, whatever that plastic is, is quite resistant to CA -- just fold over a bit of it (about 3-4 inches, sticky sides together) makes a pretty good spreading paddle and it's big enough to keep the glue off the fingers (if you're careful).
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2005
- Messages
- 13,209
- Likes
- 5,813
- Location
- Dalworthington Gardens, TX
- Website
- pbase.com
Use folded paper towels. Don't put too much CA on the paper towel. Make one wipe -- just one. Toss the towel and prepare another paper towel for the next wipe. Keep your fingers well away from the CA (easy to say -- hard to do). And, as previously said, use nitrile gloves.
I know one turner who says to put Johnson's paste wax on your hands and the CA won't stick. I have not tried that myself.
I know one turner who says to put Johnson's paste wax on your hands and the CA won't stick. I have not tried that myself.
Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
I just fold the paper towel over more. Some of it is looking at the videos out there and experimenting with what works best for you.
On occasion I get some on my fingers and sometimes a bit of the towel sticks. I use regular paper towels , but folded to about 6-8 thicknesses.
On occasion I get some on my fingers and sometimes a bit of the towel sticks. I use regular paper towels , but folded to about 6-8 thicknesses.