Cold-setting

Cold-setting refers to the process where a substance hardens or solidifies without the application of external heat. This can occur through various mechanisms, including chemical reactions, the evaporation of solvents, or simply by cooling to below a critical temperature. The process often involves a change in physical state, such as a liquid becoming a solid or a gel. Products that utilize cold-setting methods are often advantageous as they avoid the energy-intensive heating process, providing convenience, reduced cost, and allowing them to be used on heat-sensitive materials.

Cold-setting meaning with examples

• The artisan used a cold-setting resin to embed delicate dried flowers in a paperweight. This method preserved the vibrancy of the blooms. The lack of heat meant the material could be poured directly onto the paper, giving a unique and stunning result.
• For faster construction, the team used a cold-setting adhesive on the new house walls. The adhesive quickly bonded the pre-fabricated panels without requiring specialized equipment. This significantly sped up the assembly line, improving efficiency and helping to save cost.
• During the restoration, the conservator employed a cold-setting wax to fill in cracks of a wooden antique cabinet. This ensured minimal impact to the wood, and it perfectly blended to maintain the beauty of the original design, providing a durable and invisible repair.
• The printing company switched to cold-setting inks for their brochures. The quick drying process allowed them to immediately handle and fold the printed materials, greatly improving production turnaround and reducing the possibility of ink smears and issues.