Ultra-CAT™ Pre-Catalyzed Powdered Resin Veneer Adhesive Tips
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Mixing
Water is all that is necessary to start the reactive curing process of the Ultra-CAT resin. Add 6 to 7 ounces of lukewarm water to 2.66 cups* (or 1 lb) of Ultra-CAT and mix for 3 to 5 minutes with a paint stick or a mixing blade mounted in a hand-held drill. Then mix an additional 2 to 3 ounces of water and stir again for one minute or until the adhesive is smooth and consistent. This process will create adhesive to cover approximately 45 square feet. If the glue seems too thick, add up to 1 oz. of water and mix until all lumps are removed.

This adhesive will bond only to porous surfaces. Scuff sand the substrate with 60 grit sand paper before application to make the surfaces as porous as possible. This is especially important for maple plywood and MDF. The back of a paperbacked veneer should also be scuff sanded.

Do not use this product below 70°F. Pieces to be bonded must be 70°F or higher.
Panels will require 4 to 6 hours of clamping at 70°F.

Ultra-CAT
Powder *

Initial
Water Mix

Additional
Water Mix

Coverage
(Square Feet)

.5 cup (.19 lbs)

1.25 fluid oz.

.5 fluid oz.

8

1 cup (.38 lbs)

2.2 - 2.6 fluid oz.

.75 - 1.1 fluid oz.

17

2 cups (.75 lbs)

4.5 - 5.2 fluid oz.

1.5 - 2.2 fluid oz.

34

2.66 cups (1 lb)

6 - 7 fluid oz.

2 - 3 fluid oz.

45

13.3 cups (5 lbs)

30-35 fluid oz.

10-15 fluid oz.

225

* When measuring by volume, it is important to assess the measurement before the powder settles. A delay in adjusting
the measurement will cause an error in the mixture ratio. Because of this, measurement by weight is highly recommended.

Mixing Process
Water is all that is necessary to start the reactive curing process of the Ultra-CAT powder.

Open Time
Open time is critical. The glue dries out fastest in the "open" condition. The adhesive must be able to transfer to the mating piece when brought together and excessive open time will inhibit this transfer. The adhesive is typically applied only to the substrate. However, it is occasionally preferable to spread glue on both surfaces if more working time is required or if additional time is needed to better wet out a difficult veneer like maple. Very porous substrates such as MDF, particle board, and plywood as well as very porous veneers can also result in the water and glue migrating out of the adhesive and not properly wetting the bonding surfaces. When applying this adhesive directly to a veneer surface, be aware that the water content of the glue can cause the veneer to curl.

Spread
A thin spread is critical when working with raw veneer in order to reduce the effect of bleed through. Be aware of the thickness of your veneer and relative porosity of the species you're working with, and adjust the spread accordingly. In many instances, a thin spread coupled with mandatory open assembly time (perhaps up to 10 minutes) will be necessary to prevent excessive bleed-through. Take care not to let the glue dry-out if allowing open assembly time. It must always be wet enough to transfer the adhesive to the mating surface.

Pot Life
As with most directions for gluing, this is a dynamic value. Once mixed with water, the resin begins curing/hardening. The amount of time between when it is first mixed until it reaches the unusable point is termed "pot life". Warmer temperatures yield a shorter pot life. At 70°F pot life is less than 4 hours.

Assembly Time
This type of adhesive offers very generous assembly times and makes it ideal for intricate work requiring longer lay-up time. Follow the guidelines below to ensure a flawlessly bonded veneered panel.

Substrate Preparation
The best result is obtained when the substrate is properly prepared.

Ultra-CAT Lightener
Powdered lightener is most often combined with Ultra-CAT adhesive when used with lighter wood tones such as those found in maple. To minimize glue-line visibility with most light tone veneers, we suggest a ratio of 1 part (by weight) of lightener to 10 parts (by weight) of Ultra-CAT adhesive. Lightener is sold in 8 ounce containers. One container is enough to make a 5 pound bucket of Ultra-CAT adhesive similar to the color of maple.

Pressing / Curing
As with pot life, cure time varies and is dependant on the conditions at hand.

Clean-Up
Though this is a urea resin adhesive, it is a water-based product and therefore can be cleaned up with water before the adhesive has cured. Warm water is preferred, as either cold or hot water will make clean-up more difficult.

Storage
Ultra-CAT is extremely hygroscopic and should be stored in a tightly closed container in cool, dry place at all times. You can expect 12 months of shelf life when Ultra-CAT is stored properly. The rated shelf life pertains to unopened containers stored in a cool (60°-70°F) and dry place. Higher temperatures will severely reduce the shelf life (only 6 months @ 90°F), and exposure to high humidity may cause severe lumping or actual catalyzation of the powder resin.

Times and Conditions
Pot Life: Less than 4 hours at 70°F
Assembly Time: 40 minutes
Pressing Time: Cold Vacuum Press: 4 to 6 hours at 70°F Heated Vacuum Press: 2 to 4 hours at 90°F
Shelf Life: 12 months (unmixed)

Troubleshooting
Some veneer species are highly sensitive to adhesive moisture content. Ma ple is a notorious troublemaker in the world of veneering especially when used on very porous substrates. The problem is caused when the moisture in the adhesive is absorbed too quickly into the substrate and not enough moisture is left for the adhesive to bond to the veneer. This water is the "carrier" that feeds the adhesive polymers into the pores of the veneer. Without this moisture, the adhesive doesn’t penetrate the veneer. The result is a very weak bond.

Solution 1: Moderately spray the substrate with water prior to applying the glue. Then work quickly to get the veneer in place and in the vacuum press.

Solution 2: Mix up a batch Ultra-CAT glue with 50% more water. Apply a light coat to the substrate and let it dry. This will seal the substrate pores and prevent the moisture from being pulled in from the glue. After it dries, make sure the surface is smooth (sand lightly if needed) and then proceed as normal with applying the glue and veneer.

Disclaimer and Waiver of Liability
Due to the multitude of circumstantial methods, conditions and environments in which an adhesive product can be used, our adhesive products are offered and sold without warranty. Our only obligation shall be to replace an adhesive product proven by us to be defective. We may also opt to provide a refund in lieu of replacement. It is our sole discretion to offer this remedy. Said refund shall not exceed the purchase price of the product. We will not be liable for refunding shipping fees, handling fees, brokerage fees, customs charges or any other expense. User accepts the adhesive product as-is and without warranty expressed or implied. The suitability of the adhesive product for any use shall be solely at the user's discretion. If the user does not accept these terms, the product is to be returned prepaid and unused within 30 days of receipt.

In no event shall we be responsible for incidental damages, consequential damages, or loss of use for any reason including, but not limited to, economic losses or other business expenses or costs resulting from failure of the adhesive to bond as intended.

Safety Information
A downloadable material safety data sheet is available at www.VeneerSupplies.com/pages/Product__Information.html