1. The joining surfaces must be softened and made semifluid.
2. Sufficient cement must be applied to fill gap between pipe and fitting.
3. Assembly of pipe and fittings must be made while the surfaces are still wet and cement is still fluid.
4. Joint strength develops as the cement dries. In the tight part of the joint, the surfaces will tend to fuse together, in the loose part, the cement will bond to both surfaces.

These areas must be softened and penetrated

Penetration and softening can be achieved by the cement itself, by using a suitable primer or by the use of both primer and cement. For certain materials and in certain situations, it is necessary to use a primer. A suitable primer will usually penetrate and soften the surfaces more quickly than cement alone. Additionally, the use of a primer can provide a safety factor for the installer, for he can know under various temperature conditions when he has achieved sufficient softening. For example, in cold weather more time and additional applications may be required.

More than sufficient cement to fill the loose part of the joint must be applied. Besides filling the gap, adequate cement layers will penetrate the surfaces and also remain wet until the joint is assembled. Prove this for yourself. Apply on the top surface of a piece of pipe two separate layers of cement. First, apply a heavy layer of cement, then along side of it apply a thin brushed out layer. Test the layers every 15 seconds or so by a gentle tap with your finger. You will note that the thin layer becomes tacky and then dries quickly (probably within 15 seconds). The heavy layer will remain wet much longer. A few minutes after applying these layers check for penetration. Scrape the surface of both with a knife. The thin layer will have achieved little or no penetration. The heavy one will have achieved much more penetration.

If the cement coatings on the pipe and fittings are wet and fluid when assembly takes place, they will tend to flow together and become one cement layer. Also, if the cement is wet, the surfaces beneath them will still be soft and these softened surfaces in the tight part of the joint will tend to fuse together. As the solvent dissipates, the cement layer and the softened surfaces will harden with a corresponding increase in joint strength. A good joint will take the required working pressure long before the joint is fully dry and final joint strength is obtained. In the tight (fused) part of the joint, strength will develop more quickly than in the looser (bonded) part of the joint. Information about the development of bond strength of solvent cemented joints is available in this section.