1. Classic Barge Cement:
First, let's tackle the classic Barge Cement - the OG of cosplay adhesives. While its bond is as strong as a knight's oath, it's not invincible. Here's how to unjoin materials bonded with classic Barge Cement:
- Step 1: Assess the Bond: Before attempting to unjoin the materials, carefully examine the bond to determine its strength and composition.
- Step 2: Apply Solvent: Using a Barge recommended solvent, apply it generously to the bonded area. While you can use acetone or toluene, the correct solvent will keep you from issue later. Allow the solvent to penetrate the bond and soften the adhesive.
- Step 3: Gently Separate: Once the adhesive has softened, gently separate the bonded materials using a tool like a putty knife or a flat-edged screwdriver. Take your time and work slowly to avoid damaging the materials.
- Step 4: Clean Residue: After successfully unjoining the materials, clean any remaining adhesive residue with additional solvent or a cleaning agent suitable for the material.
- Step 5: Rinse and Dry: Rinse the area with water to remove any remaining solvent or cleaning agent.
Allow the materials to dry completely before attempting to re-bond or reuse them.
So what is this solvent used for Barge? I thought it was made with toluene... this is true, but Barge recommends their formulated solvent, and when that is not available to use Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), which like toluene and acetone, can be found at the hardware store. Toluene is specifically not recommended because it is an aggressive VOC, and acetone will dissolve a lot of things you did not intend, like fingernail polish, styrene, some paints, the expensive bonding surface on your 3D print, to name a few.
Warnings and Observations:
- Wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling solvents to avoid skin contact and inhalation.
- Take caution when using solvents near painted or finished surfaces, as they may cause damage.
- Observe the bonded area during the separation process to ensure no damage occurs to the materials.
- Avoid using excessive force during separation, as it may result in damage or injury.
2. Toluene-Free Barge Cement:
Now, what about the newer, toluene-free version of Barge Cement? While it boasts safer ingredients, its bond is equally strong. Unfortunately, due to its formulation, unjoining materials bonded with toluene-free Barge Cement may not be possible. Here's why:
Toluene-free Barge Cement is formulated without toluene, a solvent commonly used in traditional Barge Cement. As a result, the adhesive forms a strong bond that may not be easily softened or dissolved with solvents like acetone or toluene. The solvent base is Xylene, which is a less volatile agent. It can unbind the cement, but exposure time can be high, with the solvent causing damage to materials due to long exposure. Attempting to unjoin materials bonded with toluene-free Barge Cement may cause damage to the materials without successfully separating them.
Conclusion:
In the realm of cosplay crafting, Barge Cement is both a friend and a foe. While its bonding powers are legendary, sometimes we need to undo its magic. With the right techniques and a touch of wizardry, unjoining materials bonded with classic Barge Cement is possible, but proceed with caution. As for toluene-free Barge Cement, its bond may be unbreakable, so choose your adhesive wisely. Remember, in the world of cosplay, every challenge is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills. Happy crafting, and may your cosplay adventures be as magical as a spell cast under a full moon!
