Question- Double Sided Adhesive

[Jon Goodman]

I'm not sure where to post this, and I'm still sorting out the logistics, but several camera "tinkerers", hobbyists and others interested in repair/restoration have asked if I would make available a high-quality double-sided adhesive...industrial grade, not consumer stuff. I can do it...make it available in small quantity, that is.

If you let your mind wander, you can think of dozens of applications. Leather/leatherette replacement or re-attachment, mirror of an SLR has come loose? Perfect for that. Grip ring on lens (rubber focus ring)? Fine. Trim pieces? Sure. Velvet replacement in an ever-ready case, on and on. You could even use it to make your own velvet seal material (for sliders, older cameras which used the purple or maroon stuff). Or, you could attach that fake moustache and not worry about it falling off in your beer. Now we're talking, eh?

This is an ultrathin rubber-based high grade adhesive. At this point, I believe selling it in pieces of 4" x 5 or 5.5" would make the best economic sense, since it could be mailed in a common business envelope.

Opinions? Is this something you would be interested in?
Jon

 

[Rob]

I would just stick my fingers together with it...

 

[Honu-Hugger]

Sounds like the perfect solution to many collectible camera problems -- count me in as a customer and thank you for the offering.

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

I think it would be great John- I don't want to buy the huge sheets of MACTAC that I was tempted to order.

I have at least two projects that will require your products.

Huge as in 30x40"

 

[Dean]

Jon

I've used the tape that comes with the DIY plastic storm window kits. It's thin and sticks well.
As you can guess I live in the Great White North.
Sheets of a similar or better product is a great idea.

Dean

 

[john neal]

Jon,

Very useful for recovering (I would suggest treating real leather with PVA first though) and lots of other jobs - sounds great. $ inch wide is good as it would give two widths for most RF cameras, 6 inch long might be better for wider bodies like the Electro and Konica S2.

Will the price be as reasonable as your seal kits?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

You mean I won't have to raid Nikki's art materials and get something better?

Yes, this would be useful for almost all DIY'rs.

 

[taffer]

Normal 'office' DSAT is indeed one of my favorite solution for many small madette projects, would be nice to have a nicer one available.

 

[Pherdinand]

Double sided tape is the second most useful object in our labs. (The first place is for the students.)

 

[Jon Goodman]

Good! Thanks for the responses. Yes, the price will be as reasonable as I can make it be. Actually...and I tell people this, but I'm never sure they believe it...the cost of the adhesive is in some cases more expensive than the cost of the foam. I have always gone overboard on the quality of adhesives for two reasons: One-it is my belief the adhesive used with the original camera foam was a contributor to its failure (being formaldehyde-based). Two-I don't want failures. Especially, I do not want to invite them by using cheap stuff.

As for the size of the pieces, there is a challenge for me. This adhesive comes to me on rolls. Large rolls. It is rolled onto itself. The backing paper is slick on two sides, so the adhesive will not stick fast to it. However, to mail it, I must apply another coated release paper, since I will now have one sticky side exposed. I have located a source of paper which will not cost me very much, and use of this paper qualifies me as a true recycler. However, the paper has already been cut into pieces which are approximately 5.5" x 4". I don't see this as a problem, really, but you can add your thoughts here. Please remember the adhesive will be an underlayment and not visible from the top. You can cut and piece together as much as needed, as long as you don't leave large gaps (remember it is quite thin...apx .002" or less).

Thanks again for the input and responses.
Jon

 

[nwcanonman]

Jon,
Is it as thick as carpet tape? Or are we talking about carpet tape?

 

[nwcanonman]

Ooops, "approx. .oo2" You already answered my question, thanks.