Super glue is a pretty nifty tool, but it’s not an all-around solution. No one likes the trouble of having to work all over again because your wood projects can’t be unfastened.
So, does super glue really work on wood? In this article, I’ll shed light on the matter, ensuring you don’t squander time and money on unsuitable products!
Super Glue and its Properties
Super glues fall under the category of cyanoacrylates, which is a group of fast-acting adhesives. Cyanoacrylate glue has many uses in homes, hospitals, and various industries.
The super fast-drying adhesive is made from ethyl cyanoacrylate and esters, which polymerizes when combined. This creates an almost permanent adhesion.
Cyanoacrylate glue works on plastics, glass, ceramics, metals — and yes, wood too. Personally, this readily available and user-friendly adhesive is excellent for repairing wooden items and crafting smaller projects.
Cyanoacrylates have minor toxicity, but there’s minimal harm if the excess glue accidentally makes contact with the skin.
Super glues are sometimes used interchangeably with other glues, but they don’t necessarily perform the same. Wood glues work better on larger, outdoor projects while PVA glues are more permanent depending on the storage and quality of wood used.
Is it Okay to Use Super Glue on Woodworking Projects?
Super glue does work on wood, making it a convenient, mess-free, and quick option if you have wood projects. However, it works best on small projects, such as small wooden toys or models. The glue is also ideal for filling gaps and cracks.
Is it Food Safe?
Super glue is not food safe, though. The FDA advises against using it on food packaging or any other items that come in contact with food. Therefore, do not apply it on wooden dinnerware and utensils, as well as chopping boards and other kitchen items.
Objects glued by this adhesive are also a fire hazard, so keep them away from your oven or microwave.
While accidentally applying super glue on skin is not serious, ingesting it is a different matter, as even small amounts could lead to serious digestive problems [1]. The toxicity doesn’t change even after the glue cures.
Tips and Tricks to Make Glue Work on Wood
Using super glue is straightforward, but if you’re aiming for optimal results, I’d recommend you consider these pointers:
- It's worth investing in a good product to ensure durability. Not all super glues promise the same quality.
- For proper bonding, the wood surfaces must be in close contact. Regular super glue won't be enough to fill cracks and gaps because it is thin, so it's important to ensure that there are no spaces between the pieces being attached. If the parts are not tightly fitted together, then the wood joints may not hold.
- Super glue on wood should be left to dry for a least five minutes to achieve strong joints. If you can’t wait, you can connect wood quickly with an accelerant. Apply it on a surface, use super glue on the other piece, and then stick and hold for at least 30 seconds.
When to Use Super Glue on Wood
Super glue can be used on wood in various situations where a fast-drying and strong adhesive is required.
It’s great if you have to repair a small wood project, assemble small wooden parts, apply gap filling in a wood surface, reinforce wooden threads, and provide a nice wood finish on your woodworking projects.
However, super glue isn’t a substitute for traditional wood joinery methods, such as using screws or nails, for larger or load-bearing applications. More of the different types of wood joints here!
Item Assembling
Super glue is typically used to glue wood together with wood or other materials. It instantly bonds, regardless, but it works better in smaller wood projects.
All you have to do is decide on the spots where you want the items to attach, apply a generous amount to these parts, and press them together. You can also rub the wooden objects together because heat can make super glue more effective.
Then, leave the glue to dry — five minutes should be enough.
Mending Wooden Pieces
Super glue is an effective solution for fixing loose parts in items like a wooden toy or table. It can be used to reattach pieces that have come off so they can be used for longer. You just have to add super glue to the piece to attach it back and leave it for five minutes to dry.
Gap Fillings
Super glue can serve as wood filler if you’re working with holes and grooves in wood. However, super glue alone won’t cut it. You’ll have to add sawdust or baking soda to make the glue denser.
Mix super glue with what you prefer and you’ll see that the filler hardens fast when you fill gaps. It won’t be a problem if you want to sand or drill the object.
Building Waterproof Wood Pieces
Some super glues offer a certain degree of water resistance. This is great, especially if you have items to place outdoors.
There are multiple options but our team has gotten the best results from Gorilla Glue and Loctite Super Glue. The Original Super Glue and Glue Masters Super Glue are also great alternatives.
Wood Finishing
Super glue is a good wood finish as well if you don’t have a better product handy. The work’s easy: apply the glue, take a brush to spread it evenly, leave it to dry, and voila — you get a nice gloss!
However, it isn’t cost-effective to do so in larger woodworking projects. Polyurethane glues would give you a better glaze with bigger items.
When Not to Use Super Glue for Your Wooden Projects
Super glue bonds objects made of different materials, including wood, but if you’re working on ambitious wood projects, then it would be more economical to use wood glues.
I’d also advise against using expired super glue. Usually, sealed tubes are only good for 12 to 15 months after the manufacture date.
Also, if you’re aiming for a matte finish, it’s best to avoid both super glue and polyurethane glue, as they can leave a glossy sheen.
How to Use Super Glue on Projects Involving Wood
Ready to use super glue on your wood projects? Here are the steps to get you started:
Step #1: Prepare the Your Work Surface
Super glue sets rapidly, which means you’ll need to act quickly. I always make sure to have everything on hand, including an extra tube of super glue, just in case.
Additionally, it’s essential to double-check the fit of your pieces before applying the glue. Believe me, there’s nothing worse than joining wood with super glue and then discovering you’ve made an error.
Step #2: Sand and Prepare the Wood
You also have to prep the wood so that gluing wood goes smoothly. The adhesive works optimally on a flat surface, so it pays to sand before you glue wood.
Thankfully, it’s not complicated. Take a sandpaper, apply it to the items that you have to glue, and clean. Be careful not to overexert force to avoid splinters. If sandpaper is too much work, an electric sander also works perfectly. Check out the best sanders for wood projects here!
Step #3: Apply the Super Glue
With smoothened wood surfaces, you’re now ready to apply glue on wood.
Apply the super glue on the areas you want to stick. Afterward, attach the piece to the other. Press the pieces firmly together and hold for at least a minute. Using clamps or other heavy objects can also make the wood adhere better.
While the glue is expected to dry up fast, it’s best to leave the glue work on wood to cure for 12 to 24 hours. This ensures that the pieces glued will hold for a long time.
Step #4: Clean Up
Once the curing is done, you can remove any residue with caulking tools. You can also take out your sandpaper or electric sander to smoothen the wood.
Tips & Tricks for Gluing Special Wood
You won’t always work with bare wood, and sometimes you’ll have to attach painted and varnished pieces, or objects that have sustained damage. Does super glue work on wood that’s not “typical”?
Here are some things to consider if you’re working with special wood:
MDF
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) may be created with wax and resin while subjected to high pressure and temperatures, but super glue would still be an effective adhesive.
However, woodworkers need to be more mindful of the speed it takes to dry. Ensure that the measurements are accurate before application.
Painted Wood
When using super glue on painted wood, it’s best to lightly sand or scrape away a bit of the paint first for the best bond.
Oiled Wood
Super glue won’t work as expected with oil. You need to remove the oiled surface if you must use super glue. Otherwise, the pieces will only separate upon contact.
Wood to Metal
Super glue on wood works just as well as super glue on metal. But due to the difference in porosity, you might get better results with wood glue or polyurethane-based adhesives.
Read Next: High-Quality Glues for Bonding Metal to Wood
Wood Glue vs Super Glue
Both wood glue and super glue are strong adhesives that woodworkers use to piece wood together. However, wood glue is preferred for more complex projects because it isn’t affected as much if you move wood a lot.
Drying Time of Super and Regular Wood Glue
Wood glue takes longer than super glue to dry. While the latter is quick-binding and will dry in five minutes, the former will take between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the material.
The curing time, however, is the same for wood glue and super glue.
Is Wood Glue The Best Option Over Super Glue?
In most cases, yes. Super glue is brittle even though it is more powerful. As such, it is best applied to smaller pieces.
However, it is not unheard of to use super glue as a substitute if you don’t have a stock of wood glue.
Loctite Super Glue vs Gorilla Super Glue
The two brands are both popular options among super glue buyers. But which one works better with wood?
Gorilla Super Glue on Wood
The Gorilla super glue has been around for less than 30 years, but it has built quite a name for itself among woodworkers. Adhesion is strong when used on various materials, but I’ve observed that it performs best on wood and the results are better than Loctite’s.
Loctite Super Glue on Wood
The Loctite super glue is a popular outdoor adhesive because of its greater weather resistance. It creates a strong bond when applied to wood, but is preferred for objects made out of plastic and metal.
Top Super Glue for Wood Applications: Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL
Gorilla has a wide variety of products, but if you’re working with wood, then the Gorilla glue in gel form is your best bet.
Gels are preferred because they are more flexible and have a higher viscosity than liquid glues, so it is easier to use on projects that require vertical application or better precision.
This Gorilla wood glue is also formulated for impact resistance and faster setting without the need for clamps.
Interesting Read: Liquid Nails vs Wood Glue
Top Wood Glue for Wooden DIY Projects: Elmer's Products E7000 Carpenters Wood Glue
This Elmer’s glue is a quality product at an affordable price. The viscous liquid is non-toxic and easy to clean, which makes it perfect for indoor DIY use.
While I’m not particularly fond of the applicator tip, I can vouch for the glue’s versatility—it works well on both soft and hardwood. Plus, painting and staining after it’s cured is a breeze.
Best Glue for Wood Buying Guide
With so many options for glues, it can be overwhelming to shop. Here are some things to consider before checking out:
Shelf Life
Glues are only good for a limited time after manufacturing. Unopened, they have a shelf life of 12 to 15 months. It’s better to select glues with longer shelf lives so that you can use them for longer without drying up.
Strength
Glues are not created equally. Consider what kind of work is it that you want done as well as the elements that might affect adhesion. PVA has unique rubber particles that create a permanent bond, while polyurethane is great for places with high humidity.
Cyanoacrylate is a strong adhesive that dries up fast at room temperature, but it is also brittle.
Dry Time
Working in a time constraint? Different glues have varying drying times, which could be as fast as 10 seconds or go as long as an hour.
Color
Consider the finish you want when picking glue options. Most wood glues leave a yellowish stain, but there are also options that leave a white finish.
FAQ
How long does super glue take to set on wood?
It only takes seconds for super glue to set on wood. It would depend on the product, but many options dry up after 30 seconds. For maximum effect, the wood applied with super glue has to be left undisturbed. Curing time generally takes about a day when using super glues.
Can you use super glue gel on wood?
Yes, you can use super glue gel on wood. Liquid super glues are available, but glues in gel form afford users a more flexible bond. Gel glues are also less likely to drip, which is ideal if you want more control over your application.
What does super glue not stick to?
Super glue does not stick to certain plastics, such as Delrin plastics, polypropylene plastics, Teflon plastics, and high-density polyethylene plastics. The formulation of super glues also does not adhere well to wet, oily, or dirty surfaces without cleaning or drying them first.
Is Krazy glue effective on wood?
Yes, Krazy glue is effective on most types of wood. It is a quick-setting and strong-bonding adhesive that can stick parts in under two minutes. Krazy glue work on wood is also easy to sand and wash.
Will Gorilla super glue work on binding wood?
Yes, Gorilla super glue is impressive in binding wood. Its quick-drying and high-strength properties make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. You can use it to repair furniture, to bond small wooden components, or even to join larger wooden pieces together.
What’s the best CA glue for your woodworking project?
There are many options to choose from, but CA glues made by Gorilla and Loctite are among the most popular picks for woodworking projects.
Recommended Readings:
Conclusion
Cyanoacrylate glue is an easy-to-use adhesive that binds objects made from different materials quickly. Although it’s effective on wood, I’d suggest reserving its use for smaller tasks and items.
For larger projects, wood glue is my go-to since it provides more time to make adjustments and corrections.
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.
