my process seems flawed...

[yyyyyguy]

I cover the wood w/blue painters tape, spray pattern w/glue (Elmer's craft bond spray adhesive) , attach pattern to tape after about one minute, use clear packing tape to cover -  my problem is half the time the pattern lifts off the blue tape and I'm struggling to hold the pattern so I can follow the lines. Is it the glue? I've tried attaching it after 15 sec. and up to 3 min. but I often get the same "pattern flapping"

[scrollgirl]

It sounds like it is the spray glue you are using.  I am noticing more and more that there are different strengths of bonds that you can get.  I would think that with using this method, you can use a "strong" bond or even a "permanent" bond and you will be more successful with keeping the pattern in place.  I use Elmer's spray adhesive which is a temporary bond and sometime it just decides it doesn't want to stick.  I find myself respraying the pattern after vigorously shaking the can for a few minutes.  Perhaps I didn't shake it enough initially.

In any case, try the stronger bonding sprays and see if that will help.  Good Luck!  Let us know!

Sheila

[yankeebum2]

I have noticed this in the past also. In my case it was heat. I had a light source that was giving off to much heat causing glue have a weak bond.

[mrsn]

I haven't always had good luck with spray glues, so I switched to glue sticks. Just the cheapest  craft/school glue sticks I can find (I stock up during the back to school sales)

If yankeebum is right about heat causing a problem, I would think that the heat created by the blade cutting would also cause the pattern to lift.
MrsN

[GrayBeard]

I use 3M #77 spray adhesive and have never had a problem.
This particular adhesive is not the cheapest but it was developed for attaching the headliners in autos and is one strong bond!
Even when applied directly to the wood itself it is just a matter of spraying it with Mineral Spirits and it lifts right off.

~~~GB~~~

[scrollgirl]

I agree with GrayBeard.  The 3M77 is great.

Sheila

[kimb]

I use the 3M77 too. I spray a real heavy coat directly to the pattern and stick it on immediately. Press it down good to remove all bubbles and let it set for a little while. I have not had a problem with the pattern lifting since I started doing this. I stick my pattern to the wood and I keep some mineral spirits in an old windex bottle and just spray a liberal coat and let it set about 5 minutes and the pattern peals right off in one piece. I guess a lot of people don't like messing with mineral spirits so they use the blue tape, but I think it's quicker and easier to use the mineral spirits. But everybody needs to try different methods and just do what works for you.

Kim

[cameronj]

I agree about the 3M adhesive, too.  That's what I have used for years.  I also attach the pattern directly to the wood, and don't have much problem with residue.  Eventually, you know how much to spray on.
The only time I have a problem with the pattern lifting is if I leave the pattern glued on the wood, but don't cut it out within a few weeks....then the corners will start to lift as I am cutting.  Then I spray on a tad more and problem solved.
Jim

[kimb]

Hey Jim. I used to have that problem too with the pattern lifting after it set awhile. I just started spraying a heavier coat of glue to start with and now I don't have a problem. I do take a rag with some mineral spirits and carefully wipe away any residue that is left.

Kim

[tux_linux]

use adhesive paper. It's so much easier and so much cleaner.

regards
Torsten

[marmoh]

3M #77 ... spray, set for a few seconds, apply and wipe over to remove air bubbles...

[yyyyyguy]

I like the 3M idea, we have a plant near here, I'll have to talk to a few employees I know, maybe I can get a deal , Thanks for all the help.
Pete

[Merlin]

I'm with Mrsn on this, Tape, cheap glue stick (not the dollar store stuff).

***Merlin***

[ChuckD]

If you are using Blue Tape over the wood, why are you waiting before you are setting the pattern on place?  The wait is to make the Glue "tacky" so it will come off the wood easier but you are not putting it on the wood so at least lay it down NOW!!  I am also a fond user of 3M77 Spray.  But It don't come off windshields very good.  Don't ask.

[Gabby]

3M-45 general purpose spray adhesive on blue painters tape. No problems. About $6 at local hardware store.
Gabby