There are dozens of adhesives on the market designed for different projects. Super glue, however, is one of the fastest bonding glues available. This glue instantly adheres to a variety of materials and provides strong, secure adhesion — but does super glue work on wood?
Super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate glue, works well on wood. This instant-bonding adhesive creates a tight, nearly unbreakable bond when appropriately used. Securing wood with super glue provides many benefits, including temperature resistance.
When working with wood, the type of glue you should use depends on the project. Read on to learn more about using super glue on wood.
Can You Use Super Glue on Wood Projects?
Carpenters utilize super glue in many ways. It’s incredibly versatile and offers more than one application in a variety of woodworking projects. In some cases, the bond created with super glue on wood projects is often stronger than the wood itself.
You can use super glue to mend wooden objects, fill gaps or holes, assemble small wooden model parts, reinforce wooden threads, and provide a glossy finish to woodworking projects.
People who work with wood often mix super glue with sawdust to create a “wood filler.” Woodworkers use this filler to fill in cracks, gaps, and holes in wood. Once the glue completely cures, it can be sanded down, drilled, and nailed, all while retaining its strength.
Many model-building enthusiasts also use super glue to assemble small wooden parts. It is capable of strengthening joints and ensuring permanent connections. Because most super glue comes in small applicators, it’s ideal for these intricate projects.
Finally, some manufacturers design super glues for use as a finish on wooden crafts, carvings, models, and other projects. Adding a finish to wood projects is especially important for outdoor items. Decor, furniture, and garden boxes require water-resistant, super glue to ensure the joints and wood are protected from the elements.
Not all super glues are waterproof, however, so always be sure to check the label.
I recommend Gorilla Super Glue from Amazon. This glue is reasonably priced, dries quickly, and because it’s clear, it’s easy to mix with sawdust and other materials to blend in with your woodworking projects seamlessly. It’s also available in a gel version for more straightforward application.
Is Super Glue Food Safe?
While super glue is nearly guaranteed to work with most household materials aside from fabric, it should not be used on items that come into contact with food.
Super glue is not food safe, as it contains the toxic chemical cyanoacrylate. Do not use super glue on wooden utensils, bowls, or cutting boards. In addition, super glue is highly flammable, so avoid using this adhesive on objects that go into the oven or microwave. Also, always opt for a food-safe adhesive when repairing eating utensils or other kitchen goods.
How Long Does Super Glue Take to Dry on Wood?
Those who’ve worked with super glue know that it dries incredibly fast, even on wood. However, just because the bond feels hard and dry doesn’t mean that the adhesive is finished curing.
Super glue takes only seconds to dry on wood. Some super glue brands claim that their glue cures in several hours. As a general rule, however, it’s best to allow super glue to cure on wood for at least 24 hours before using or moving the item.
To ensure that the glue dries properly on your wooden project, make sure that the surfaces make perfect contact. Everything should be in its proper place as quickly as possible. Once the glue is dry, it is challenging to remove.
How Long Does Wood Glue Take to Dry?
Wood glue spreads on contact, seeping into cracks and crevices to create a strong, tight bond. The length of time that wood glue takes to dry depends on various factors, including temperature, humidity, and the type of wood you’re securing.
Objects secured with wood glue should be clamped for at least an hour to create the strongest connection. After clamping, allow the glue to cure for at least 24 hours. Without clamping, the dry time could take longer.
The more glue you apply, the longer it takes to dry. Use only as much glue as you need to secure the wood. In addition, ensure that you’re using quality wood glue for best results and the least amount of drying time. Some low-end wood glues end up drying with a “gummy” texture and do not bond very well.
Is Wood Glue Better Than Super Glue?
Wood glue and super glue are two different types of adhesive, but both create strong, tight, permanent connections—but which should you use? It would seem logical that “wood glue” is superior for wood projects, but that’s not necessarily true. When woodworking, the best glue to use depends on the project.
For small projects—building small wooden toys or a wooden model — super glue is ideal. It bonds quickly, creates strong joints and requires less product. For larger, more complex projects, such as building a birdhouse, wood glue is more cost-effective.
Super glue is technically stronger than wood glue, but it tends to be pricier in smaller quantities. However, it makes sense to use super glue for smaller projects since smaller pieces are difficult to clamp (and wood glue typically requires clamping). Many carpenters keep both types of adhesive on hand.
Can You Use Gorilla Super Glue or Loctite Super Glue on Wood?
Gorilla Glue is a famous brand of adhesive. They make dozens of different glues, including wood glue and super glue. Gorilla Super Glue, however, provides the quickest bonding time. This strong adhesive works on several other materials, including wood.
- High strength and quick set time makes Gorilla Super...
- Impact Tough: Unique rubber particles increase impact...
- Anti Clog Cap: Keeps glue from drying out. It's Gorilla...
- Fast-setting: Dries in 10-45 seconds, no clamping...
You can use Gorilla Super Glue and Loctite Super Glue on wood. Gorilla Super Glue is usually recommended for smaller wood projects, while Loctite is more versatile and provides enough strength for larger wood projects.
Using Gorilla Super Glue on Wood
After application, Gorilla Super Glue dries in as little as 10 to 45 seconds and completely cures within a day.
Because Gorilla Super Glue dries so quickly, it may not be ideal for large projects. Large projects tend to require more adjustments to get the joints to align and connect perfectly. The short dry time of super glue does not allow for readjustment as much as wood glue does.
Using Loctite Super Glue on Wood
Loctite is another popular adhesive brand. Like Gorilla Glue, Loctite has several different types of adhesive and boasts that it creates durable bonds that are weather, shock, and impact resistant.
Loctite dries in a few seconds and offers a wide range of glues suitable for wood projects. They come in both liquid and gel formulas for easy, accurate application.
Loctite glues are so strong that in 2009, the brand broke a Guinness World Record for the “heaviest vehicle ever lifted with a commercially available glue.” It lifted a vehicle that weighed more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) and suspended it in the air using only nine drops of its glue. Let’s just say that Loctite knows adhesives.
Conclusion
When working with wood, ensuring tight, secure joints is a must to guarantee a strong finished product. Many carpenters utilize interlocking joints in addition to adhesive for additional security. Both super glue and wood glue are popular among woodworkers, each serving its own purpose.
Using super glue in your small projects can make them easier to complete and improve the strength of the bonds. Alternatively, wood glue is best for larger projects, as it allows a larger time frame for the readjustment of pieces. Once you lock components in place with super glue, they’re guaranteed to stay in that position.
Related article: Does Super Glue Work on Plastic?
