How to work with PVA

One of the PVA basic features is water solubility, which is an disadvantage when handling it in the rain, dew and fog. It is important to make sure that the PVA material is kept in a dry place. This condition is fulfilled by appropriately designed cases and careful storing. Even a very small quantity of water can damage PVA so badly that the product is impossible to use. In the best case you can save half of the stocking quantity on the tube or spool and throw away the rest. If bad storing or handling conditions cannot be avoided, it is recommended to use thicker material with longer melting time, to work with it in a dry shelter and shortly after mounting to cast. The problem could also come when the weather is dry and PVA gets in contact with wet parts, for instance with the end of the rod (line, weight, hook, tube etc.). Before setting it is necessary to dry with dry cloth all the parts that will be in contact with PVA.
Under water there can occur instances when the material does not dissolve perfectly, e.g. knots on the stocking itself, or around a string or a braid that you may use for binding. This cannot be avoided with any sort of PVA material usable for our purpose. If some producers or vendors declare that their PVA is totally dissoluble, they bluff. Knots can be minimized by using a thread for binding the stocking instead. However, it is necessary to be aware of this factor and fix the melt material to the end of the rod accordingly, e.g. pierce the hook under the knot on the rammed stocking, rather than through its centre. By doing this you avoid ending up with sticky undissolved material on your hook.
It is not possible to use the bait mixture prepared by mixing with water. If the mixture is solid at least on the surface, it can be used without any problems.
PVA is soluble only in water. Using essential oils, quality liquid food, sirups, enhancers and dips not prepared with water base does not damage PVA and it does not melt while you are preparing the bait.