How To Use Devcon Epoxy Glue For Jewellery Making

Devcon 5 minute epoxy is Kernowcraft's most recommended and best selling glue for making jewellery and gluing gemstones into settings.

It is perfect for stone setting as it dries clear and to a high strength bond.

After many years of making jewellery and experimenting with other glues on the market we believe it to be the most reliable and easy to use glue to use for your jewellery designs.

On this page we go show you how to mix Devcon (as it comes in two parts) as well as give our best tips in ensuring your use of the glue is successful. 

We also have a few tips for how to remove any excess or unwanted glue. 

HOW TO MIX DEVCON 5 MINUTE EPOXY GLUE

Step 1

Before mixing your glue check that the surfaces to be bonded are clean and dry.

For best results roughen one or both of the surfaces with something like a small pin - this creates texture on the surface that allows the glue to form a better hold. 

Make sure any dust from sanding or scratching is washed away before applying.

Step 2

Squeeze an equal sized amount of glue from the syringe onto a disposable surface (the plastic packaging has a neat little pot for you to mix your glue in).

The duo syringe means you can't really go wrong as it will dispense equal amounts for you! 

Only use small amounts at a time, as the glue dries very quickly.

Step 3

Mix together, thoroughly!

We find that something like a matchstick, a cocktail stick or a scrap piece of wire is perfect for mixing and applying the glue. 

Once mixed apply a small amount to the area you wish to glue and join the two components. Again, you will need to be fairly quick as the glue sets quickly. 

Leave your design somewhere suitable to dry. We have found that applying a little pressure to the glued joint when drying helps with extra security and a close fit.  

Top Tips

• Make sure all traces of dirt, oil and grease etc are removed before applying the glue.
• Roughen the area to be glued by sanding or filing if possible - this will give the glue a stronger hold.
• Working time: sets in 5 minutes, can be handled in 15 minutes, full bond strength in 1 hour.
• Check the room temperature you are working in! Colder conditions can make the glue stringy and messy to work with, whereas warm conditions will allow the glue to remain more liquid in the working time.
• Use a pin to help apply glue into holes on half drilled beads or into tight spaces. 

Removing Unwanted Or Excess Glue

If you find you applied too much glue and it over spills onto the stone, here are a few tips to help remove the excess carefully leaving you with a clean finish. Which option to use will depend on the stone you are using and the size of the spill...

• It will be easier to leave the excess in a blob as this will lift away more easily than if you wipe it away whilst the glue is wet - this will leave a thin layer that is harder to remove carefully.
• Dry (or semi dry, non tacky) glue can be removed with a sharp blade, though be very careful not to scratch or damage the stone.
• Excess glue can also be removed with acetone or nail varnish remover (note: You may want to test on a hidden area first. This is usually fine on hard gems like agate, though not suitable for pearls or other soft or absorbent stones like turquoise).

Removing A Stone Stuck With Devcon Glue

It is possible to remove a gemstone from a setting when it has been glued with Devcon,  by soaking the setting in hot water, as this will soften the glue. However this is not guaranteed to work. Also, bear this in mind when wearing your setting - if it's a ring, you may want to remove it before washing your hands/washing up!

To view Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue click here.

Watch our video tutorial on how to use Devcon glue to attach a gemstone to a ring setting

Troubleshooting

It can be frustrating when you have finished your piece of jewellery but the glue hasn't bonded well or simply snaps off! Read our top troubleshooting tips below to help make sure your jewellery design is secure and durable.

Check surfaces are clean and dry

Before you start mixing the glue, ensure that the surfaces of your components are clean and dry - this will ensure the glue bonds well to both surfaces.

Roughen surfaces

For best results, roughen the surfaces with a small pin or sandpaper - this creates a textured surface which allows the glue to bond better. Don't forget to ensure the surfaces are clean of dust from sanding or scratching before applying.

Use small amounts of glue

With Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue, you need to work fast as the glue dries quickly. So always work with small amounts of glue and mix more if needed.

Mix the glue thoroughly

Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue is available as a duo syringe or as 2 x 5oz tubes - it's important that you mix equal amounts of resin and hardener for best results.

Check room temperature

Colder conditions can make the glue stringy and messy to work with, whereas warm conditions will allow the glue to remain more liquid in the working time.

How to get glue into tight spaces

Use a pin to help apply glue into holes on half drilled beads or into tight spaces.

If you have any further questions, feel free to call our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you some advice through Facebook, Twitter, Email or simply calling us on 01872 573888 8.30am-4.30pm.

Alternatively, for more information and how to's on all areas of jewellery making visit our other Gemstone Setting Advice pages.