Are you searching for a reliable adhesive that can bond a variety of surfaces? If you are British and from the early 20th century you might use Seccotine glue!
Seccotine glue is a natural fish glue that sets slowly, allowing for precise joints on materials such as wood, leather, cloth, paper, card, marble, glass, rubber, and some metals. While it has an excellent safety record, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and safe working practices when using it.
This century-old product has a rich history dating back to its invention and patent in 1894. Heavily marketed in the UK in the early 1900s you can still occasionally run across Seccotine glue today.
In this article, you’ll learn about the composition of Seccotine glue, how to use it effectively, and what it’s commonly used for.
What is Seccotine Glue used for?
This natural fish glue can be used on wood, leather, cloth, paper, card, marble, glass, rubber, and even some metals. However, it’s important to note that customers are strongly advised to test the adhesive on their desired surface before use to ensure its suitability.
Seccotine sets slowly, giving you plenty of time to fit joints perfectly. It’s also water-soluble, which means that joints can be soaked or steamed apart and excess glue can be rubbed away with a damp cloth.
When not in use, be sure to keep the lid firmly in place to prevent the glue from chilling. And while Seccotine has an excellent safety record, it’s important to observe normal conditions of hygiene and safe working practices, and to avoid ingestion, contact with eyes, nose, and mouth, and unnecessary contact with skin.
Origins of Seccotine Glue
Seccotine, a fish-based glue, was heavily advertised in Britain during the early 20th century with claims of being “as strong as iron!” These bold assertions were made before the Advertising Standards Authority mandated truthful advertising. The ads conveniently omitted that Seccotine was essentially fish glue, a byproduct of the fish-processing industry’s unwanted “fish bits.”
Before the advent of synthetic adhesives, most glues were natural, with “gums” derived from plants and “glues” produced by boiling animal leftovers like skins and bones to extract a protein-rich substance. The high-grade, clear, odorless substance was used as gelatin in food, while the residue was sold to glue manufacturers. Seccotine’s manufacturers in late 19th-century Belfast capitalized on this by creating a fish glue and marketing it aggressively. Despite claims that the RAF and the Admiralty used Seccotine, its water-soluble nature suggests it was likely used for sealing paper envelopes rather than repairing ships or airplanes. Modelmakers using Seccotine for their model boats often found their creations disintegrating upon contact with water.
What is Seccotine Glue Made Of
So, what’s Seccotine glue made of? Well, it’s a refined liquid fish glue that requires no preparation and is always ready for use at room temperature. The adhesive is made from the collagen found in fish skin, bones, and connective tissues that are boiled down and refined to create a clear, odorless, and colorless liquid.
This natural glue has been used for centuries as a binding agent for various materials such as wood, leather, cloth, paper, and even some metals. Its slow-setting nature gives users ample time to fit joints perfectly, making it a popular choice among craftsmen and hobbyists alike.
And with its water-soluble properties, joints can be easily soaked or steamed apart, making it a convenient and versatile adhesive to use.
How To Use Seccotine Glue
So, you want to know how long it takes for Seccotine Glue to dry? Well, you’ll be happy to know that this natural fish glue sets slowly, giving you plenty of time to fit joints perfectly.
Generally, full strength is reached after 24 hours, but it can be left to go tacky before assembling or pressure can be applied to the joint while drying.
How long does it take for Seccotine Glue to dry?
Seccotine glue sets slowly, giving the user plenty of time to fit joints perfectly, and reaches full strength after 24 hours. It’s important to note that the drying time may vary depending on the conditions of use, such as temperature and humidity.
When using Seccotine glue, it’s recommended to leave the glue to go tacky before assembling, or apply pressure to the joint while drying. If the glue gets chilled, it can be placed in warm water until it flows freely.
It’s important to keep the lid firmly in place when not in use to prevent the glue from drying out. Overall, Seccotine glue is a reliable adhesive that provides a strong and durable bond once fully cured.
How to Remove Seccotine Glue
If excess Seccotine glue needs to be removed, it can be soaked or steamed apart and any remaining glue can be rubbed away with a damp cloth. This water-soluble glue can be easily washed away from skin using slightly warm water, but it’s advisable to wear gloves.
If the glue has partially set, it can be invigorated by adding a little water or some fresh glue.
It’s important to note that Seccotine shouldn’t be ingested or come into contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. If a large amount of the product is ingested, seek medical advice immediately. If the product gets into the eyes, mouth, or nose, wash the area with slightly warm water and seek medical advice.
Although Seccotine has an excellent safety record, it’s always recommended to observe normal conditions of hygiene and safe working practice when handling this natural fish glue.
Conclusion
So there you have it, all the information you need to know about Seccotine glue. Now that you know what it’s made of and how to use it, you can confidently tackle any project that requires a slow-setting adhesive.
Just remember to practice good hygiene and safe working practices to ensure your safety while using this product.
Seccotine glue has a wide range of applications, from woodworking to leatherworking to even repairing glass and metal. Its versatility and strong bonding capabilities make it a trusted adhesive that has stood the test of time.
So go ahead and give Seccotine glue a try for your next project and see why it has been a trusted adhesive for over a century.
