Jim,
Here's what my research turned up so far regarding with
low odor and
low bloom CA glues which help to eliminate the need for ventilation (low odor) and reduce frosted residues (low bloom). These glues are made with '
Alkoxy - Ethyl', and made/sold by several companies like Parsons Adhesives, Starbond, Infinity Bond,Bob Smith Industries to name a few.
Here are two other important characteristics to consider when purchasing low odor glues:
- Open Time - tells how quick the CA glue wants to set up. A longer open time give you more time to apply the glue to a larger area. An accelerant can be used to speed up drying time, but it's normally not needed.
- Viscosity measured in CPS (centipoise) - tells if CA glue is wicking grade, thin, medium, or thick.
For example, below are a few low odor glues from Starbond & Parson Adhesives to consider:
- Starbond N/O-05 Infiltrant - Wicking grade (5 CPS). (Company email said Instant Set under 30 seconds).
- PARFIX 3408 - Wicking grade (5 CPS). Set Delay 40 sec.
- PARFIX 3460 - Thin/Medium (45 CPS). Set Delay 50 sec.
- PARFIX 3403 - Medium/Thick (1,000 CPS). Set Delay 40 sec.
Side note: Two common CA accelerants to help speed up drying use either Acetone or Heptane as carriers. It's my understanding the acetone based accelerants are more likely to cause blooming and bubbling issues (possibly because acetone also dissolves CA glue). Thus, I recently purchased Heptane based spray from Mark since it wasn't anymore expensive than the acetone varieties that I've been using.
Lastly, watch out for companies that greatly mark up the price on low odor varieties. I suspect companies are counting on the willingness of people with CA sensitivities or in the cosmetic industry to pay a lot more for the low odor varieties. I say this because the low odor CA glues from Parfix and Starbond are reasonably priced per ounce especially at larger bottle sizes.