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Adhesives, Paints, and Varnishes: Cement

Shellac Cement for Labeling on Metal. Dissolve 1 ounce of pulverized borax and 5 ounces of gum shellac in 1 quart of boiling water. Boil until dissolved. Before applying, wash the metal with a dilute solution of caustic potash or soda and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Apply the cement warm. For inscriptions, size the metallic surface with this cement, and write the inscription with bronze powder by means of a brush. When dry, varnish over the bronze.

Shellac Cement for Rubber.-Soak in a glass fruit jar 1 ounce of gum shellac in 10 ounces of strong aqua ammonia. Let stand 3 or 4 weeks, or until the shellac is dissolved. Used to cement rubber to wood or metal. This cement softens the rubber, and after the ammonia evaporates, the union will be found to be both air-tight and watertight.

Rosin Cement. - Melt together with gentle heat 8 ounces of rosin and 4 ounces of sulphur, and pour into molds for future use. When wanted, grind to powder 2 ounces of this mixture, and add ounce of iron filings, fine sand, or brick dust. Fill the opening in the handle of a knife, fork, or other implement with this mixture, heat the stock, and force it into the handle while hot.

Or mix 4 ounces of rosin, 1 ounce of beeswax, and 1 ounce of fine brick dust. This cement is used by cutlers. Fill the openings in knife handles with this mixture, heat the stock of the knife, and force it into the handle. When cold it will be firmly set.