WATER-GLASS FOR STICKING

Evening Star, Issue 22516, 8 December 1936, Page 2

WATER-GLASS FOR STICKING

Most of us, when presented with a loose tile in the hearth or a chipped piece of furniture, look instinctively round for the glue-pot. But in nine cases, out of ten we should do the job far more satisfactorily and less stickily (anyhow as regards our fingers) if, instead of glue, we used water-glass. This useful transparent material is stocked by grocers and chemists, as well as by oil stores, and it is very inexpensive. It liquefies over gentle heat, and is extremely adhesive when in_ that condition. An old tooth brush is as good as any other type of brush for its effective application. Anyhow, one should use a stiffish, short-bristled brush. If the mend is to be_ done on a wooden article, apply a thin, hot coat to the raw sides you wish to join, press them together firmly, wipe off any liquid that oozes out at the joins, and hold or tie in place until the water-glass has cooled. When quite cold and hard, remove surface stickiness with a damp cloth. For tiles that have fallen out or got loose, either heat the reverse side of the tile and put it on the water-glass cold—when it will melt, enabling it to be spread evenly—or melt tbe water-glass and rub well in all over the rough surface and also over the cement where the tile is to go. When fitted in place it will need support for the time it takes to cool, but this is easily enough done by any simple device of leverage, or it can be held in place with'your hand if you have the patience. Care should be taken not to apply the water-glass so thickly as to thrust the tile out of place when set. otherwise it will always be uneven with its neighbours. Water-glass is better than either paste or glue in restoring a piece of loose wallpaper. In fact, all round, it is a handy thing to have about the house. Georgiana Finch, in English ‘ Homes and Gardens.’ »