Secrets of  GOOP  (DIY strain reliefs, label coating, and grippy knobs) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 02:04:11 pm
content: I had some stick on labels I wanted to protect with amazing Goop so Ithought I would do a quick video on the uses of it and the method I use to make it manageable. I also show making strain reliefs and giving instrument knobs that rubberized finish.I think all of these following names are basically the same stuff. Amazing Goop, Shoe Goo, and PL9000. The lawn and garden Amazing Goop has UV inhibitors so use it if anything will see outdoor service.Example of the same technique using liquid electrical tape to make a strain relief but using Xylene as the solvent

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 03:02:26 pm
content: Very nice idea there Robrenz.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 03:20:57 pm
content: Very nice tips !Thank you !All this time I've been using the hot glue gun for strain relief, I think its time to upgrade to much better one, shopping list updated with "the goop" and "toluene".Regarding toluene, just don't inhale it too much, quoting wikipedia ".....as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties; however, inhaling toluene has potential to cause severe neurological harm...."

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 03:59:09 pm
content: For a similar effect without the solvent, there'sSugru

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 04:31:10 pm
content: Here are a couple good ones for you, Robrenz I'm sure you have the first one.http://www.milliput.com/Milliput is a high end epoxy putty, very good stuff.The next one is more unusual, I have used it for encapsulating hand wound (physically very large) power resistors, very high spec and works like nothing else I've found. It is real cement (just add water)http://www.omega.com/pptst/OB_BOND_CHEM_SET.html

author: ee851
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 04:34:00 pm
content: Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I had thought I'd have to buy another tube of Shoe Goo to replace the dried-up stuff. Now I know better. Off to find some toluene...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 05:06:28 pm
content: With the cement I found the perfect method to fix broken concrete joins, use tile fix and bonding liquid. Cures in around a day, after it was hard I damped it down again and covered overnight to hydrate more properly, then wet it the next day again, now it is harder than the parent concrete and does not chip. I have used it to pot electrical cables to outdoor fixtures, as it cures fast and the cable cannot be stolen easily.

author: gibbled
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 05:32:34 pm
content: Awesome tips! In Canada the goop products don't contain toluene but a chlorinated solvent instead. (Smells like dry cleaning fluid) I thin it with methylene chloride and keep a small jar on my bench.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 05:33:12 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on May 15, 2013, 03:20:57 pmI thought it was already apparent that I have been using Toluene for a long time

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 05:47:49 pm
content: You haven't got the shakes yet or the slurred speech, so you must have been using it in well ventilated areas and not sniffing it.

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 05:55:04 pm
content: We used to have toluene as a fuel additive to increase the octane rating for the cars that needed it. It was quite hard to get hold of here although we were looking for a 55/44 gallon drum.I was told before that colleges that had it were subject to inspection because of TNT association...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2013, 05:59:53 pm
content: Only time I would worry is if you went into the chem lab and they had 4 ice makers running there in the one lab, and buckets on the floor full of ice. That and the Nitric acid, wax bottles and the R717. There are easier ways to remodel.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 11:44:18 am
content: Thanks all, glad you found it usefull.@ mikeselectricstuff That Sugru looks very interesting, have you used it?@ pickle9000 I have not seen the first epoxy but I do have a couple versions of the high temp potting cements both water based and catalyst based.@ SeanB In the US there is an old product callledRockite. Extremely strong and quick setting, often used for anchoring machine anchoring bolts.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 11:48:53 am
content: I like Sugru as well, just mold with your hand and apply.

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 11:54:41 am
content: Any suggestion for a "goop equivalent" different brand name for us who are living in Europe (Italy)?

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 12:04:45 pm
content: - - - - -Maybe you can be also interested inPolycaprolactone: it is a wonderful material!!! Something like Sugru, but completely reusable (it is enough to heat it over 60°C)

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 12:20:35 pm
content: Great idea, toluene is a great solvent for many glues, and I'm a big user of Marine goop.http://www.eclecticproducts.com/marine.htmTechnical data on the link. Enjoy.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 12:35:58 pm
content: Quote from: eliocor on May 16, 2013, 12:04:45 pmIn the US Jameco sells the shapelock pellets version of that.On a quick search I could not find a EU version of Shoe Goo or Goop. I would think some that live in the EU may know of one.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 01:55:35 pm
content: Robrenz, there is a similar expanding on cure cement available here as Rockset.I think Bostik Clear would be similar to Goophttp://www.bostik.co.za/products/diy/shoe-repair-adhesivehttp://www.bostik.co.za/products/diy/soft-plastics-adhesive

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 02:47:55 pm
content: Shoe Goo is available in the EU, Amazon stock it. It can also be found in skate shops, it's popular among skateboarders who want to get a longer life out of their shoes.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2013, 07:45:14 pm
content: Hi Rob, is there any way to get a matte finish on the surface? Something that could be added maybe?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2013, 08:16:50 pm
content: I just tried some Comet cleanser with a tooth brush and it took the gloss off pretty well. You might experiment with toothpaste or other mild abrasives to get the effect you want.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2013, 08:18:50 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on May 20, 2013, 08:16:50 pmWell that settles it, this stuff is perfect. Thanks for the idea!

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2013, 10:45:01 pm
content: Does the surface still maintain a tack though? I tried an old trick of rubbing on a little corn starch and it works great to matte the surface but then all the tack is gone. I used this to coat my 'scope's adjustment knobs and the grip is great, I just prefer a non-shiny finish as long as I don't have to lose the grippiness.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2013, 02:57:15 am
content: Try the mild abrasive cleanser and toothbrush to get the matte finish on the goop then clean with IPA. I think the cornstarch is acting like talcum powder and making the knobs slippery.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2013, 03:48:16 am
content: OK, I'll try that next. Thanks for the idea BTW; it works really well. I found that the thinner you make it the easier it is to get a uniform coating (self-leveling)...so it's definitely better to put multiple thin coats vs. one or two thick coats.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2013, 01:15:03 pm
content: I was brushing my teeth this morning and the perfect mattifying process jumped to mind. Use my Harbor Freight abrasive air brush with the 220 aluminum oxide and grit blast the Goop coating. Awesome results, it has that velvety yet grippy feel. Don't do this indoors or near anything you care about, that fine abrasive dust will ruin anything even slightly mechanical in short order.Hazzard Fraught air eraser (mini grit blaster) with the 220 grit aluminum oxide.I masked the shiny area to the right during grit blast to leave the original shiny goop surface for comparison.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2013, 05:53:14 pm
content: Oh snap! Very nice.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2013, 07:12:47 pm
content: Very nice way to get a matt finish, and it can be redone easily when it wears as well as a bonus.

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2013, 01:47:18 am
content: Just did this on my 1052e knobs. I like it alot.No air brushing yet though. Can't afford the gun at the moment.