Methods of consolidating formations include drilling a well bore with a
drilling fluid that comprises water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which
is adsorbed on minerals and rocks in weak unconsolidated zones or
formations and then further contacting the unconsolidated formation with a
treating fluid comprising a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is
cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and
tough when cured, and a water soluble or dispersible thermoset resin which
cross-links the polymer, is catalyzed and cured by the catalyst and
consolidates the weak zone or formation so that sloughing is prevented.
