How to Make Things With Liquid Cement

Liquid cement is used to create durable models, such as rockets.

Liquid cement was first developed by Howard Seavern, who made it from the waste product of a celluloid and camphor mixture. Liquid cement was originally used to replace the onerous process of making a waterproof patch for leaky canoes from spruce gum. Today it is used in a variety of crafts and model-making because liquid cement bonds two materials together with stability. Liquid cement is applied using a brush to one surface, with the other surface is placed onto the glued area producing a very strong adherence.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid cement
• Fan
• Rag

Instructions

1. Read the label on the bottle of liquid cement to see if the manufacturer has any special instructions or precautions you should be aware of before beginning your gluing project.

2. Prepare your work surface by laying out a piece of scrap fabric, such as a drop cloth, or newspaper to protect the area from any spills.

3. Turn on the fan or open a window to ensure that the area you are working in is very well ventilated.

4. Remove any paint from the surface you plan to glue by scraping it off with a metal object, such as an X-Acto knife or a palette knife.

5. Unscrew the lid of the liquid cement bottle, and apply the liquid cement with the built-in brush to one of the surfaces you will adhere to another surface.

6. Press the other piece onto the site where you applied the liquid cement, and hold them together.

7. Put the object aside to allow time for the liquid cement to set and bond the two pieces together.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to use a C-clamp to hold the two pieces together as they dry.

• Do not use liquid cement in a room without ventilation.

• Be careful not to get any liquid cement on your hands or fingers.

References

• Ottertooth.com: Ambroid Cement History
• Michaels: Testors Liquid Cement
• Dagohir Gear