Factor 2 adhesives: BT-461 vs. BT-460
I have not seen many reviews of Factor II adhesives or comparisons between their products, so I thought I’d contribute. I recently purchased BT-461 along side BT-460, in order to try it out. BT-460 is what is recommended by Emisil prosthetics and other companies, this is the undiluted “extra thick” formula. BT-461 is a much thinner formula of the same adhesive, at nearly half the cost. I decided to try the thinner formula because the Factor 2 site lists both with “medium” tack and they are the same active adhesive. I used about three coats of BT-461 on my Emisil prosthetic where I would have used one coat of BT-460.
I found BT-461 to be comparable in adhesion, especially with boxer briefs. This thinner formula was also much easier to apply and to remove with solvent. I do think BT-460 has slightly more resistance to pull, so for vigorous activity or long term free-ballin this formula may be better. I bought twice the amount of BT-461 to BT-460 and have found the most comfortable wear to be when using a little BT-460 along the tab and BT-461 elsewhere and on the tab. I experienced a lot of skin irritation with BT-460 when using this formula as sole adhesion, so finding that BT-461 adhered just as well with significantly less irritation was great. I find BT-461 to be more comfortable for daily use, less of an odor, and I think oz per oz, the BT-461 will last longer than the BT-460. Another benefit of course is that BT-461 is much cheaper than BT-460, so it may be a good option for those on a budget (everyone).
Some additional notes about Factor 2 adhesives; the company sends out orders fairly quickly (I received my orders within a week or less, both times ordering with different products and quantities). I would suggest ordering the largest size solvent (16 oz) because it is oil based so this will allow you to use an ample amount. It should also be noted that you do not necessarily need to completely remove and then recoat your prosthetic in order to adhere another day, you can simply remove the prosthetic and wash yourself and the prosthetic then reapply. I went through way too much BT-460 on my first order because I didn’t really realize this until I was already ¾ of the way through the 1 oz.
TL;DR: BT-461 is a cheaper, thinner, more user friendly formula of the same adhesive as BT-460 from Factor 2 adhesives and adheres comparably when using two to three coats.
