MAC glue test

[Wayne]

Some people say MAC glue will not turn yellow when exposed to UV light while others say it will.   Some people say MAC is water resistant as well.

In May I placed a test sample of glass outside in the yard where it would have the most sun every day.  After a month and a half I brought it inside and will now test it in water by leaving it in a jar of water for a month.

Thus far the sample did not turn yellow.

[Wayne]

The second test has been created and uses MAC glue and Weldbond.  Both pieces are outside at this time and will remain outside for the min of a month.

Weldbond is on the left and MAC glue is on the right.

[JoanFrances]

thanks Wayne will be interesting to see the out come

[ct4mom]

  Wayne for doing this.

[Audrey]

Great idea, Wayne. I have been confused about this.

[mona]

Your grass is turning brown! 

[Wayne]

Your grass is turning brown! 

We were in a drought before the summer showers began so, yes, some of the areas are brown.  We are allowed to water only one day a week.

[Linde]

Your grass is turning brown! 

We were in a drought before the summer showers began so, yes, some of the areas are brown.  We are allowed to water only one day a week.

You seldom have to mow brown grass which can be a good thing.

[Judy K]

Rains everyday here. Want some?

[Alan]

Rains everyday here. Want some?

I'll take some - no rain since February or so

[Wayne]

Well, it is not like the whole lawn is brown.  There are some patches in the back which had a hard time.  I needed to find a location for the test which would not kill the grass since it was going to be in one place for a long time.  We do receive just under 4 feet of rain a year.

[Alan]

We do receive just under 4 feet of rain a year.

If we got 4 feet of rain in one year everyone here would be building Arks if not life boats! We're lucky to get 10 inches.

[Wayne]

After three weeks in the sun and elements:

Can you tell which one is the Weldbond adhesive?

[Rebecca]

Yep, the one on the right that is a little wet.  With no grout, we knew that would happen.

Rebecca

[Becki]

Yup...I agree.

[Wayne]

Keep in mind the Weldbond has not dried yet sometimes it can take months to turn clear.
Also, the test is basically to see if MAC glue will turn yellow in the Florida sun after 2+ months of sunlight.   The Weldbond is going through the same test as a second entity.

[Becki]

I've never had to wait months for Weldbond to dry and turn clear, but then I've always allowed it to dry inside before grouting. If this test is outside the humidity will never allow it to dry properly. Even if it was dry when you put it outside the humidity would tend to seep in and turn it cloudy again without grout.

[Rebecca]

I've never had to wait months for Weldbond to dry and turn clear, but then I've always allowed it to dry inside before grouting. If this test is outside the humidity will never allow it to dry properly. Even if it was dry when you put it outside the humidity would tend to seep in and turn it cloudy again without grout.

Yup...I agree.

Rebecca

[Wayne]

I've never had to wait months for Weldbond to dry and turn clear, but then I've always allowed it to dry inside before grouting. If this test is outside the humidity will never allow it to dry properly. Even if it was dry when you put it outside the humidity would tend to seep in and turn it cloudy again without grout.

Perhaps you should join a full mosaic group such as MAO and see how long it takes for Weldbond to dry for some of the members.  Humidity will only affect the adhesive on the exposed area.  The larger the tile, the longer it takes for the glue to properly dry.

[Becki]

I can't speak for the members of your group, Wayne...I'm speaking from personal experience.  I've used Weldbond for 15 years so I do have some experience with it.  I have found that humidity will affect the drying time before the edges are sealed or grouted.  I've also found that with larger pieces if the adhesive is only applied to the perimeter and not across the whole piece of glass that the drying time is shortened. From what I've read and heard alot of the problems that people have with Weldbond not drying and becoming clear is caused by using too much adhesive and applying it over the entire surface of a piece that is too large. That may be why some of the folks on your mosaic group have to wait months.  I'm just saying that I, personally, have never had the problem.