I can't tell you how helpful it's been for two of our kids to have gone to university to art school. One of them has a degree in sculpture and extended media, and the other one has a degree in illustration, with minors in graphic design and photography. During their university experience they chose courses in chemistry, welding and took physics from a Nobel prize winner. They also met people who were top in their fields and had a chance to take those people to lunch.
One of the great things about having art majors around the house is that they know things about how things are constructed, and so, when something breaks, they have some ideas as to how to properly fix something. This way something you might send to Goodwill or something that looks like it's aging, can be repaired and given new life. In this way, the strategy of repair can also be very economical.
Quite a while ago I had an almost new pair of expensive ladies shoes that had the sole peel off. When I looked at the shoe, very very little glue had been applied in manufacture. I was annoyed because they weren't cheap, and I'd only worn them twice and I couldn't put my hands on the receipt for them. The last time I repaired some expensive leather shoes for my husband at a cobbler, he charged a fortune ! I figured I should toss my shoes out and resolve to be more careful in the future. Then my son said, "I can fix those. It will be easy." He took out a tube, traced it along the sole, and then also glued the rubber ridge, and then clamped them. After the glue dried, they were better than new ! He also indicated that a thin coat can be applied as a protective coat to leather boots or shoes.
The stuff he used is sold in any hardware store and in Wal-Mart for four to six dollars a tube depending upon where you are. It IS available in Canada, the United Kingdom, and also in Asia. In some countries you may also find a black shoegoo product and one specifically designed for sport shoes like sneakers.
I was just amazed. My son told me that this is one of the products he uses in repairing projects and occasionally in the construction of others. He said it's also useful in repairing leather purses, briefcases, computer bags, backpacks shoes, sneakers, belts, canvas bags, tents, camera bags. Some upholstery can receive spot repairs this way. He even repaired a friend's small area of car upholstery. It can also be helpful in putting trim or fringe back on furniture or on a rug.
One of the most amazing uses of clear shoegoo was discovered by my son recently. Many times, my collection of large houseflags develops a slight tear or unravelling in the wind. The flag is not easily repaired by sewing. The flag is damaged enough that additional exposure in wind will tear it furthur. However, it's not damaged enough to stop using or to throw away. My son showed me that even small tears in the large open fields of the flag could be repaired using the clear shoegoo. He used a popsicle stick to apply a fairly thick coat of shoegoo and then to thin in out. He repairs one side at a time, and when the first side is dry, repairs the other side. The repair dries clear and never frays or unravels again. I have some flags I have had for many years which still look great and I can still use them. The same can be done with the smaller mailbox style flags.
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| The repair of this houseflag can't be seen unless someone calls your attention to it, and now it's still safe to hand in the wind. |
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These are the directions provided by the company itself:
Shoe GOO Adhesive —
HOW TO USE
Follow these step-by-step directions when using Shoe GOO®:- Please read all directions before using. TEST SMALL AREA BEFORE USE.
- Surface should be clean, dry and free of dirt. For best results, roughen surface before use. Best when used between 70�F (21°C) and 85�F (29°C).
- Puncture seal at the top of the tube using the pointer cap.
- Always test a small area to ensure proper application technique and dry time. Prolonged exposure to warm water may cause discoloration and possible loss of adhesion when exposed to chemicals used in hot tubs and pools especially in outdoor locations. May be weakened by contact with certain highly plasticized materials.
- Apply SHOE GOO directly to each surface to be bonded or repaired. Allow SHOE GOO to partially cure, 2-10 minutes, before bringing surfaces together. SHOE GOO hardens by solvent evaporation and forms an immediate bond that is difficult to reposition after both adhesive-coated surfaces are placed in contact with each other and sufficient pressure is exerted to establish full contact.
- Allow the repair to dry for 24 hours. Various materials will require different drying times. Cure time increases with lower temperatures and decreases with higher temperatures. Depending on the materials and the temperature, maximum strength may not be reached for 48 to 72 hours.
- Keep threads at the neck of the tube free of SHOE GOO residue. To ensure easy cap removal, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the threads of the tube before replacing the cap.
- Clean uncured adhesive with small amounts of acetone and paint thinner. The adhesive will ball up and brush off. Cured material may be removed by cutting or scraping.
- Store unused SHOE GOO at room temperature with cap tightened.
For technical support, contact our Technical Service Department by mail, email, or phone. Our office hours are 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (CST) Monday through Friday. Please contact us for more information.
This is more detailed information and warnings from the manufacturer:
Shoe GOO Adhesive —
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is there a special application technique for shoe repair?Shoe GOO is an adhesive specially formulated with extra abrasion resistance and thickness to extend the life of all kinds of shoes. If a worn shoe has a hole that goes all the way through the sole, tape over the hole inside the shoe before applying Shoe GOO to the outer sole; this will help avoid creating a bump. The tape should be removed from the inside and all bumps smoothed out within 2 hours, before the glue is completely hard.
Can Shoe GOO be used as a waterproof sealant?
Yes, Shoe GOO is water resistant immediately upon application. Apply Shoe GOO directly to the surface to be sealed. Use thin coats of Shoe GOO to build a thick coating on the surface to be sealed, allowing each layer to set 3 to 4 hours. This is especially ideal for smooth surfaces, such as plastic, glass or ceramic. Shoe GOO hardens by solvent evaporation, so allow time for thorough hardening to ensure proper bonding and wear resistance.
How long does Shoe GOO take to dry?
A full cure takes 24 to 72 hours, depending on the surrounding environment. Withlower temperatures and higher humidity, cure time increases; with higher temperatures, cure time decreases. To speed drying time, apply heat using a handheld dryer set on low. Hold dryer at least 6 inches from the surface.
What temperature range does Shoe GOO withstand?
Shoe GOO can be applied in temperatures ranging from 50 °F to 90 °F /
10 °C to 32 °C. When cured, Shoe GOO can withstand temperatures between
-40 °F and 150 °F / -40 °C and 66 °C.
Can Shoe GOO stick to fishing waders and foul weather gear?
Some fisherman's waders and foul weather gear have a water-repellent coating that must be removed before Shoe GOO will adhere. Scrub the area with detergent and allow to dry. Roughen surface before applying Shoe GOO. If the bond still pulls apart, the repair must be done on the inside surface of the item, which is usually reinforced with fabric.
What are Shoe GOO's warranty specifications?
LIMITED WARRANTY: The product is warranted against any defect in materials or workmanship, providing a claim is made in writing within 180 days after the sale of the product. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY DEFECTS IN MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP SHALL BE OBLIGATION OF THE SELLER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ANY PRODUCT WHICH SHALL BE DETERMINED, TO THE SATISFACTION OF SELLER UPON SELLER'S EXAMINATION, TO HAVE BEEN THUS DEFECTIVE.
SELLER MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OTHER THAN STATED HEREIN. THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES TO BUYER, AND SELLER SHALL NOT BE LIBEL FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY, OR DAMAGES TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY RESULTING FROM FAILURE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT SOLD HEREUNDER, OR ANY DELAY IN PERFORMANCE BY SELLER, NOR WILL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR ECONOMIC DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR CONTRIBUTION OR INDEMNITY CLAIMS, HOWEVER CAUSED, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.
MSDS Information
MSDS Information in French Canadian
MSDS in US Spanish
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Final note from me:
Be careful that you use excellent ventilation while using this glue product. It also should not be used by children. It should not be used to repair toys that a child might place in his mouth.
This company also makes adhesives for automotive use, and these:
AMAZING GOOP Household 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
AMAZING GOOP Lawn & Garden 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
AMAZING GOOP Marine 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
AMAZING GOOP Marine 10.2 fl oz Cartridge
AMAZING GOOP Plumbing 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
AMAZING GOOP RV 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
AMAZING GOOP Sport & Outdoor 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
AMAZING GOOP Wood & Furniture 3.7 fl oz Carded Tube
15 comments:
I discovered shoe goo a couple years ago at big lots. It works on most things but won't hold the splits that come in my rubber boots that I wear to the stable, just too much flexing I guess. With this stuff or duct tape, most things can be repaired one way or another.
I'll have to try it. My grandfather always swore by "Barge Cement." This sounds similar.
This is great. Most of my shoe problems come from the soles falling away from the shoe, I'll look for this.
Yes, certain vinyls are actually weakened by shoegoo. I also split vinyl muck boots fairly often. I have actually gone out sometimes to the barn with a sock, a freezer bag over my foot, and THEN the boot with the slice in it !
I used to be able to get it at Hardware Stores but last night I noticed it in Wal-Mart in the shoe department with all the show inserts.
Sounds like something I should add to the cabinet in the shop. You never know what you'll be repairing next or what will just exactly fit the bill for the job.
Harry, Unopened it lasts several years within a heated and cooled space. Once opened, my son tries to use all of it within a year. Fortunately, that has never been a problem. Thanks for posting.
I've used it for lots of things and learned that it holds better if you don't squeeze it too thin, leave about a 1/6th inch layer between two surfaces when gluing them together. The black stuff holds up better in sunlight.
Yes, BBC, thanks for mentioning that. Best wishes.
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Thank you for the compliment. Please come back soon.
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You may ask, but I may not be able to answer ! Best wishes and thank you for the kind words.
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Thanks for your post. I think for many people, the idea of "buying a new one" is past. A lot of people, myself included would prefer to keep and repair an item when necessary. Thanks for your kind words.
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