HXTAL is archival, super strong, non-yellowing (so they say...), optically clear, and all the good things. I buy mine from HIS glassworks, but I'm sure there are other retailers out there. It's an excellent glass glue!
Check out my very first, instructional how-to guide on youtube!! Let me know if you like it!
From top left to right:
Gram scale (sensitivity to .00g preferred)
Isopropyl alcohol (doesn't need to be alcohol pads, we just happen to keep an excess of these at the house)
Gloves
Glass stir stick (don't use any porous material to stir)
Small plastic cups (alternatively, repurpose the cup that comes with your nyquil)
Paper towels
Lazy susan (optional, depending on project)
Hot glue gun
Popsicle sticks
Stickers (any will do. alternatively, use masking tape or dry erase marker)
Additional notes on using HXTAL:
Two very important aspects of this process is that you must mix the epoxy thoroughly, and promptly and that every tool you make contact with the epoxy is free of moisture.
Once or twice, my Hxtal became a bright pink after mixing and letting it sit. The epoxy became really hot! You may have improperly mixed the epoxy or something foreign accidentally got introduced into the mix. If this happens, do not use it.
It doesn't technically matter if you pour the resin (Part A) before the hardener (Part B), but I have found it easier to control the amount of resin as opposed to the hardener. Mix promptly.
No matter how hard I try to keep the bottles of hxtal clean, I always get drips running down my bottle. Keep it stored in a sealed bag!
I like to use hot glue for securing the glass during the curing process, but you can use tape, clay, or a custom jig.
You do not need a release for Hxtal. It releases easily from polypropylene plastic.
Hxtal is a very rigid epoxy that is great for glass to glass contact. I do not recommend this epoxy for securing glass to wood or other materials that have capacity to shrink and contract.
Hxtal is gap filling.
To accelerate the curing process, you may place the epoxy under a warm light, or warm box. I like to cover the epoxy when I warm it and I don't place it in an environment above 100 degrees F, but that's because I tend to be on the conservative side. Uneven heating is not good and can cause the epoxy to cure unevenly.
You can also decelerate the curing process by placing it in a cool place, such as your refrigerator.
This mini lesson is based on personal experience and dealing with relatively small quantities of mixing epoxy for any given project. The most that I have ever mixed is a total of 8 grams epoxy. You may have to change your tools and technique if mixing a large batch of Hxtal. Due to its properties, Hxtal is a relatively expensive epoxy. You may want to consider other alternatives based on your needs. Loctite is a good resource, although you will have to experiment what works for you. There are many glues that I have never tried!
I hope this helps!