Foam adhesives, chemical off-gassing with long-term microphone storage

[k brown]

Nothing exotic is needed for this simple application; the GE or DAP silicones from the hardware store are just fine.

Every one I've ever used losses it's vinegar smell in just a few hours (as soon as the material is solid); not 'days'.

And this odor is not "off gassing"; it's the simple eveporation of liquid acetic acid (literally what vinegar is).

 

[Brian Roth]

Nothing exotic is needed for this simple application; the GE or DAP silicones from the hardware store are just fine.

Every one I've ever used losses it's vinegar smell in just a few hours (as soon as the material is solid); not 'days'.

And this odor is not "off gassing"; it's the simple eveporation of liquid acetic acid (literally what vinegar is).

Is that "few hours" when the silicone is left to cure in the open air vs. inside some sort of enclosure? I assume it won't stink as long in the open air.

I do know some silicones stink more than others when dispensed. The latest tube of GE adhesive I bought at Ace Hardware for my household uses has LOW ODOR in large bold letters on the label. It has a slight smell of a solvent instead of the noxious vinegar stench.

Bri

 

[k brown]

Is that "few hours" when the silicone is left to cure in the open air vs. inside some sort of enclosure? I assume it won't stink as long in the open air.

I do know some silicones stink more than others when dispensed. The latest tube of GE adhesive I bought at Ace Hardware for my household uses has LOW ODOR in large bold letters on the label. It has a slight smell of a solvent instead of the noxious vinegar stench.

Bri

Is that GE 'adhesive' 100% silicone, or some sort of blend?

 

[Brian Roth]

Is that GE 'adhesive' 100% silicone, or some sort of blend?

Unknown. The tube's label refers to it as "Silicone 2+".

Bri

 

[klem]

For the bottom cushion how about good ol' wool felt?

I was about to go for this, then I remembered how many articles of clothing have moth damage just from being stored for a few months. seems to be more prevalent in certain geographic areas, or... I'm becoming a slob. Pending hearing any comments on EPDM's compatibility, an 1/8" thick sheet may be the way to go.

I'm using the closed cell laminated polyethylene, er, kaizen foam, but I guess it's very challenging to manufacture it convoluted / egg crate style for the lid.
know of any sources for kaizen convoluted?

with foam squared away, next up would be a fabric for lining the foam, a sort of cover that the mic rests on top of? more for looks I guess than function given the kaizen shouldn't be shedding. still, I welcome any material suggestions here. silk? microfiber something?

wood topcoat / finisher / protector
finally, the unfinished wood for the mic case could use some sort of protective finish against scuffs, it looks like shellac (RIP) is one of the more benign water-based sealers / finishers, so I'll try that unless anyone has horror stories of that damaging capsules.

 

[k brown]

I was about to go for this, then I remembered how many articles of clothing have moth damage just from being stored for a few months. seems to be more prevalent in certain geographic areas, or... I'm becoming a slob. Pending hearing any comments on EPDM's compatibility, an 1/8" thick sheet may be the way to go.

I'm using the closed cell laminated polyethylene, er, kaizen foam, but I guess it's very challenging to manufacture it convoluted / egg crate style for the lid.
know of any sources for kaizen convoluted?

with foam squared away, next up would be a fabric for lining the foam, a sort of cover that the mic rests on top of? more for looks I guess than function given the kaizen shouldn't be shedding. still, I welcome any material suggestions here. silk? microfiber something?

wood topcoat / finisher / protector
finally, the unfinished wood for the mic case could use some sort of protective finish against scuffs, it looks like shellac (RIP) is one of the more benign water-based sealers / finishers, so I'll try that unless anyone has horror stories of that damaging capsules.

Shellac is not water-based, it's alcohol-based.

 

[klem]

Shellac is not water-based, it's alcohol-based.

oops, mixed up with water-based PU. thank you for correcting it.

i take it you've no suggestions on the questions posed in that post?

 

[ccaudle]

some sort of protective finish against scuffs

What about a true polymerizing oil finish, like tung oil? I think the good stuff doesn't have any solvents, it just polymerizes and gets hard when it is exposed to oxygen.