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Hey folks,

As I said, I'm new to this forum, but I've been lurking around here for awhile now. Anyway, I'm not sure about decorum of these types of forums, but I hope coming on and asking for some advice right away isn't in poor taste. I have posted this question on other forums as well, but I'm kind of stuck so I thought I'd give this one a yahoo.

So here is my dilemma. I am working on a project wherein I am using elastic (rubber) bands as industrial straps. I have used this trick before, and it works fairly well, as the bands are uniform in size and thickness, yet conform to uneven surfaces well. They attach well using super glue (ca), and I further coat them in said glue to stiffen them up and give them more texture that really paints up well. This project is fairly large, however, super glue is relatively expensive, and the bands soak up quite a bit of it due to their porous nature. My question is thus: Does anyone have any suggestions of what else I might use to stiffen the bands and give them the same type of texture?

Thanks

This is a pretty specific question which could probably be answered only by someone who has used this same technique as you.
Since I've never heard of this I cannot offer any advice other than to experiment with different substances yourself. Since rubber bands aren't exactly a precious commodity you can simply make up some test batches using which ever substance you think might give the same effect.

Good luck

Leave them in the sun for a few weeks. Go all stiff and cracky whem pulled.

How about using lead sheet instead?
I don't know if you can get it in the States but some model sites do have it here.

Unveil the lurker! Welcome (again) to dakka XD As long as you make an honest attempt to research the topic before asking, any questions are more than welcome.

Anyway, That's a great idea for industrial bands and such. I'll file that in my projects folder.

As for stiffening while in place, I might try gesso. I don't think it'll soak in like the superglue will, but it might help you along.
Another idea would be to paint on a generous coating of clear polyurethane (satin finish) then paint as you normally would. The poly, when painted on, is pretty resilient. Just go to your hardware store and pickup the smallest can available (pretty small).

Good luck, hope this helps.

Get cheaper superglue. Model shops often have 100ml bottles for about the same price that you get 5ml of elsewhere. Get the thin stuff and apply it quickly with one stroke of a brush (the cheap acrylic bristle ones you get in kiddies' paint sets are ideal).

Glad you made a post!!!

Maybe get a can of clear polyurthane (not a spray, but looks like a paint can) at the hardware store, and try coating with that. You should get enought to coat hundreds (if not thousands) for <$8

I have used it to add a protective layer to terrain before, and it helps a bit. Of course, try it on a test piece of terrain first, before. If it makes the item too glossy, hit it with some matte varnish or spray afterwards.

best of luck, and keep us posted on your progress!!

Possible replacement:

Cut cereal box into strips (measure out spacing with ruler).
Cut ends to size and glue to object.

Alternative coating to cover bands:

Wetting some tissue with watered down white glue and paper mache over the elastic bands may help seal them.

hey, thanks for the input guys. I've been wracking my brain for about a week. I never though about the poly idea. I think I'll give that a try.
@bubber - I thought about lead sheets, but I am trying to stay away from working with metals on this project
@fenrir - I might try gesso if the poly doesn't get the result i'm looking for
@winterdyne - that has been the plan if nothing else worked out
@talizvar - the cardboard will be too thin I think, and too much of a pain to put on multiple layers (I'm kind of on a time frame) but I might try the watered down white glue

Anyway, thanks again for the input.... I can't promise pictures on this project as we just moved and I still haven't found the camera, but once I get this one done, I'll try to get pics up for the next

Hey, good luck with the project and ESPECIALLY with the unpacking.

Hope to see you around the forums more often, now that you've cracked open