E6000 is one of the toughest glue options in the market, offering exceptional adhesion for various repairs and maintenance. If you need fixing for your broken wood and different materials, this glue must be on your list.
But does E6000 work on wood? In this article, I’ll share my insights so you can start working with E6000.
What is E6000 Glue and How Does it Work?
E6000 is a polyurethane-based adhesive that gives high-performance industrial bond requirements, and is one of the strongest glues for wood.
It can withstand extreme weather conditions and is a flexible and great adhesive that you can use for most substrates, such as wood, glass, ceramic, metal, and concrete.
Once fully cured, this glue does not break down or become brittle quickly, despite frequent exposure to heat, humidity, and cold weather. It also has waterproofing elements making it water-resistant but ensuring it fully dries prior to exposure.
So if you are working on outdoor furniture, E6000 is your ideal adhesive material. But how does it work to achieve the industrial-result bond?
E6000 has the utmost tensile strength to bond surfaces weighing 265 psi and viscosity or adhesiveness of 50,000 to 200,000. After application, its chemical adhesive content binds two surfaces by penetrating the wood fibers, making them inseparable.
Also, it can have a full effect when you apply heat and pressure. It exhibits a permanent and excellent adhesive in your project with E6000 without fear of losing its adhesion under different exposure circumstances indoors and out.
Can You Use E6000 to Glue Wood?
Yes, you can use E6000 glue for your wood project, regardless of wood species, to provide the perfect bond twice more robust and 60x flexible as other polyurethane glue.
It is a premium-grade and powerful adhesive you can rely on with your project because of its proven effectiveness.
You can use it to fill cracks and gaps, extending the wood’s lifespan, particularly the joints and panels. It also adds dimensional stability to wood projects.
Uses of E6000 Glue + Woodworking Applications
The E6000 has many variations depending on the surfaces you use. Here are the different types of E6000 glue and its surfaces compatibility:
- Industrial Adhesive Strength (metal, fabric, ceramic, wood, and other types of surfaces)
- Multi-Surface and All-Weather Adhesive (glass, wood, fabric, marble, metal, and most plastics)
- Fabri-Fuse Adhesive (felt, fabric, glass, wood, metal, rubber, and other materials)
- Clear Jewelry and Bead Adhesive (small stones, beads, gents, and most jewelry metals)
- Original Adhesive (rubber and metal materials)
The formulation of E6000 depends on which substrates you will use it. But the adhesion is still one of the strongest and most durable bonds because of its premium polymer technology.
When it comes to wood, E6000 offers a strong and permanent bond on wood surfaces through the following woodworking projects.
- Assembling wood parts easily without clamping
- Filling gaps and cracks
- Mending parts of the wood without difficulties
- Repairing and restoring wood furniture
- Wood waterproofing
- Protects wood against extreme heat and radiation
Once applied to your wood project, it gives a worry-free adhesion because the unbreakable bond resists UV light, water, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental elements.
Also, it gives your wood excellent resistance to abrasion and impact and, most of all, extremes temperature, so summer and winter won’t affect your wood project with E6000.
However, despite the gains from E6000, there are disadvantages that you should consider.
Pros & Cons of Applying E6000 on Wooden Surfaces
To give you a clearer view of the results of E6000 on wooden surfaces, here are its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Not flammable
- Weather Resistant
- Versatile adhesive
- Highest tensile strength
- Highest shore hardness
- Flexible once fully cured
- Cure and dry quickly
- Not water soluble
Cons
- Intense odors
- No bulk options when purchasing
- Challenging to spread the glue
- Cannot be removed easily after completely dry
How Strong Is E6000 Glue On Wood?
E6000 has 3200 psi strength and 80 hardness, making an extremely strong bond on wood surfaces. It can withstand temperatures ranging from a very low of -40oF to a very high 180oF temperature. However, ensure that E6000 is cured completely.
In my experience, wood joined with E6000 ends up being tough as nails—actually, even tougher. Picture a construction worker’s hard hat, but in glue form; that’s how robust this adhesive is. It seeps into the wood fibers, creating an incredibly strong bond.
Additionally, what sets the E6000 apart from other types of industrial glue is its unique property of not needing clamping in order to achieve a robust and reliable bond. The E6000 adhesive simply requires sufficient time to dry and cure thoroughly.
How Long Should You Wait Before E6000 Dries and Cures On Wood?
Depending on weather conditions, the curing and drying time may vary. During summer, when the wood surface is dry, just wait for 12 hours to cure it fully, and in winter, when the wood surface is a bit moist, it is cured within three to five days.
The manufacturers themselves recommend a full 24-hour curing process. Trust me, cutting corners here can lead to a weaker bond, and nobody wants that.
In some cases, after you apply the glue, you can have a tacky texture between two to five minutes.
Therefore, the E6000 should be used in optimal conditions. You can already touch it dry in 10 minutes and sometimes in just a few hours, which is a good sign of good adhesion.
Using E6000 Glue On Wooden Surfaces: Detailed Guide
Now that you know that E6000 does work on wood you can guarantee a strong and permanent bond for your project pieces. So, to achieve the full benefits, here is your step-by-step guide:
Supplies
- E600 permanent glue
- Soap and water or solvent-cleaning solution
- Sandpaper (220-grit)
- Vacuum
- Tack cloth
- Lint-free cloths
- Clean rags
- Gloves
- Mask
- Goggles or eye protection
Step #1: Prep the Area
Find a working area where not humid and less warm before its application. You can also choose a location with enough ventilation or simply open the windows and doors if your choice is indoors.
It’s recommended outdoors as it will give you proper drying and curing time as long as there is no humidity [1] in your surroundings.
Once you’ve picked your spot, lay down some tape around the area you’re going to bond. Especially if you’re working with painted wood, you’ll want to prep the area like a pro.
Moreover, wear gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself from the bad fumes of E6000.
Step #2: Clean Your Wood
For surface preparation, ensure no dirt or dust, using denatured or rubbing alcohol, acetone, or turpentine. Other options you may use are soap and water. Soak a clean, lint-free cloth in soapy water or use a solvent to remove the impurities.
Cleaning the wood surfaces is the most important before using the E6000. Consequently, removing all the residues on both surfaces using a solvent or soapy water ensures maximum bonding strength.
Otherwise, you must remove dust and the trapped debris and dirt inside your glue by removing the adhesive from the surface, which is challenging.
Step #3: Sand & Remove Sawdust
After removing all the dirt, grease, and other impurities, sand the surface using 220-grit sandpaper to remove bumps and raise grain. Then remove the sawdust using a vacuum or tack cloth.
If you achieve a smooth surface and clean, prepare to apply the E6000 glue.
Step #4: Apply the E6000 Glue
The E6000 glue is an elongated 400 v/ml tube with sealing foil which you have to puncture so it can be squeezed out.
When applying glue, spread a small amount on both surfaces because the thicker the glue, the longer the drying and curing time you need.
After you apply, hold and press the two surfaces and stick them together for at least 3 minutes without unnecessary movement. Otherwise, the wood will lose alignment and lessen its adhesion to each other.
In my own projects, I’ve found that waiting 10 minutes is often enough for the glue to dry. However, for maximum strength, it’s best to let it cure for a full 24 hours in a clean, dry area.
After the application, place the cap of the E6000 tube to preserve the adhesive.
Step #5: Clean the Excess Glue
Once you achieve a strong bond, clean the excess glue on the surface before it hardens. You can use acetone to remove it on the surface if there is difficulty in wiping off the glue.
Removing E6000 Glue From Wood
Here are the steps to break the bond of E6000 glue from the wood surface using acetone.
Step #1: Get cotton, lint-free cloth and soak it with acetone solution.
Step #2: Apply the damp cloth to the glued surface and saturate it for 10 – 20 minutes.
Step #3: Rub the glue until it softens and is removed from the surface.
Step #4: If there’s some adhesive left on the surface, apply another cloth with acetone and rub firmly on the glued surface.
Will E6000 Glue on Painted Wood?
Yes, E6000 will glue on painted wood, but it won’t provide a permanent and strong bond. But E6000 can penetrate the wood fiber to form a strong bond between two surfaces.
Therefore, when the surfaces were painted, it formed an impermeable layer making a little glue penetrate the wood fiber.
Nevertheless, you can still make a stronger bond between painted surfaces. Here’s what you need to do.
Step #1: Remove all the dust and debris on the surface. Use a damp clean, lint-free cloth to wipe it off, then allow the surface to dry.
Step #2: Using 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the two surfaces to make a tiny opening to penetrate the glue.
Step #3: After sanding, use a vacuum or tack cloth to remove the sand dust, then wipe it with a dry clean cloth.
Step #4: After achieving an impenetrable surface, apply E6000 glue and clamp the wood material for a steady and aligned bond.
Step #5: Let your wood materials dry for 24 hours. Ensure you cure it properly for a stronger and more permanent bond.
Will E6000 Glue Work on Bonding Metal to Wood and Vice-Versa?
Yes, you can use E6000 to bond wood and metal parts and vice-versa because it is designed for various surfaces, including metal and wood. The special formula of E6000 offers resistance, durability, and bond strength on wood and metal.
So how does E6000 work on wood and metal? For bonding wood and metal, you must apply it while holding steel nails before positioning it on the wood. Then you should apply pressure and hold both materials to create a permanent and strong bond.
In just 30 minutes, it becomes dry, and you just need to let it cure overnight for maximum adhesion of two surfaces. You won’t need a clamp on this process.
How to Use E6000 on Plastic Surfaces
Aside from metal and wood, E6000 can be used on selected plastic surfaces such as vinyl. Here are the basic steps to do it.
Step #1: Clean both surfaces to ensure no dirt or grease. Soak a clean, soft cotton cloth in water with mild soap. Then dry the surface using a lint-free cloth.
Step #2: Get one plastic material and apply it, starting with a small amount. Add more glue and spread evenly using a toothpick or a tiny stick.
Step #3: Align the two plastic surfaces to bond and press them until they dry completely. For pressure, place a heavy object on the surface.
Step #4: Let it cure overnight or for 24 hours, and place it in a dry place.
Comparing E6000 Glue to Other Adhesives
Super Glue
‘ve reached for Super Glue when I needed a fast fix. It dries almost instantly, but in my time using it, I found it lacks the flexibility that E6000 offers. I’ve had Super Glue joints crack under stress, something I’ve never experienced with E6000.
Super glue is also not as versatile adhesive as E6000 because super glue only offers waterproof, dries clear, and is flexible. Moreover, its adhesion is stronger than epoxy and polyurethane adhesives. For better options, read my review of the best super glues here.
Gorilla Glue
Now, Gorilla Glue is one I’ve used when I needed some serious muscle. The adhesion is powerful, and it dries without leaving a mess or stinking up the place.
Hot Glue
Hot glue has been my pick for quick and easy crafts, especially when I’ve got access to electricity. But let me be honest, it falls short when I’m working on jewelry or need something more permanent. That’s when I pull out my trusty E6000—it gives me that robust bond without needing electricity.
Wood Glue
Wood glue is almost similar to E6000 when it comes to strength and durability. Both are also chemical resistant. However, wood glue is less smelly and more affordable than E6000.
But E6000 is stronger and more flexible if you want to spend a little more on your glue. But if you prefer other options, here’s the list of the best wood glues in the market.
Main Reasons to Use E6000 on Wood
Durability
E6000 offers long-term durability as its primary benefit to your wood project. Over the years, I’ve used it on various projects, from small crafts to more ambitious outdoor endeavors. While it cures overnight, the bond won’t weaken or break despite prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions. It can hold the bond over the years.
Water-Resistant
E6000 is moisture and water resistance, affecting any glue’s adhesion. This characteristic of E6000 makes it excel from other adhesives, particularly for outdoor projects.
I’ve used it on garden furniture and birdhouses, and it continues to outperform most other glues in this aspect.
Easy Application
When it comes to application, E6000 is easy to apply using a tiny stick or a toothpick. You only need patience and attention to detail to have a better result.
Vibration Dampening
Vibration dampening could be lessened using E6000 to bond the joints of the surfaces. That said, E6000 has the elasticity to absorb the vibration from the surface.
Temperature-Resistant
As mentioned, E6000 is also resistant to high and low temperatures. It does not become brittle or break down because of the sudden change in temperature.
Tips to Ensure Maximum Strength & Durability with E6000 Adhesive
To ensure maximum strength and durability with E6000 adhesive, here are a few pro tips I’ve gathered over the years to get the most out of this product.
Tip #1: Ensure to clean the surface by removing the dirt, debris, dust, and other objects on the surface, which prevent the adhesive failure of E6000. I usually go for a solvent solution or sometimes just good ol’ soap and water.
Tip #2: Use an accelerator spray to speed up the bonding process. You can use this in your glued surface to prevent air bubbles which weaken the adhesive because of moisture from air bubbles.
Tip #3: Apply an ample amount of it, then spread it evenly to guarantee the strength and durability of E6000. Otherwise, the bond is not strong, unlike surfaces applied with the correct amount of glue.
Tip #4: Refrain from mixing two types of adhesive because it defeats the purpose of each glue, especially in providing strength and durability. The combinations of adhesives alter the chemical properties of each glue, affecting the drying and curing time. Stick with E6000 all the way if that’s what you started with.
What Should You Not Use E6000 Glue On? What Will E6000 Not Stick To?
Although a multi-purpose adhesive, you should not use the E6000 on a porous surface and delicate substrate.
Porous surfaces such as wood and fabric need sealing before applying E6000. Otherwise, the adhesive will soak the wood and fabric, making it brittle and break eventually.
Delicate surfaces such as porcelain and glass must be carefully applied with this glue. Once you apply the glue, you must secure the piece so it won’t have any unnecessary movement. Otherwise, it will have a tendency to break.
Also, E6000 cannot adhere to Teflon, silicone, and powder-coated surfaces and polyethylene or polypropylene plastics because these surfaces do not permit evaporation to allow the drying and curing of the glue.
What’s the Best Glue to Use on Wood?
Depending on the project, you can use strong wood glues to bind two pieces of wood and a less-strong glue if the wood is smaller, like a decorating piece of wood. Just remember, not all glues are up for the job. Regular glue can fall short and even damage the wood. That’s why I often stick with E6000; it’s got the muscle and finesse for a wide range of applications.
FAQ
Is E6000 food-safe?
E6000 is toxic and contains harsh chemicals, which makes non-food-safe material. Dizziness, nausea, and headache are the symptoms of longer exposure to this glue.
How much does E6000 glue cost?
The cost of an E6000 ranges from $3 to $10, depending on the point of purchase. If compared with other industrial glue, E6000 is less expensive but has a wide range of applications.
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Conclusion
E6000 does work on wood, and you can achieve the results of a strong and permanent wood project.
Just follow the basic steps and techniques on how to use E6000 on wood. With its versatility, you can use this adhesive on almost any surface except porous, fabric, delicate, Teflon, silicone, powder coated, and polyethylene.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
