Topic: Glass and Glue
Hi All,
While I am a n00b, and am still tweaking my temps and feed-rates to get the resolution I crave, I have followed with great interest the ongoing tribulations of 'non-stick issues'.
I personally like the glass overlay. Cost less than $5 USD at my local hardware store, and Elmer's Purple Glue stick is the BOMB!
Here's the rub (in my opinion): There CAN BE too much of a good thing, and cleanliness isn't really a hardship. Elmer's is a WATER-SOLUBLE adhesive. After printing, a very moist sponge will easily clean off whatever glue remains, and since it turns purple once re-moistened, it's easy to see if you've cleaned your glass enough. Adding more glue on top of what remained from the previous print job will ruin your finely-tuned tolerances.
While a quick wipe with acetone (nail polish remover) will certainly clean the glass after removing the glue, so will any ammonia-based commercial window cleaner, as will simple isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
I personally prefer the isopropyl alcohol. It's far less expensive than acetone, and is non-carcinogenic. I used it as the final wipe before painting aircraft with polyurethane paint to good effect...
I pretty much can see the goo I'm spreading around, but when the water evaporates, it's virtually invisible. I run my fingers over the target location to make sure there aren't any bumps that could mess up the print.