Have you ever been in the middle of a woodworking project and wondered which adhesive to use between liquid nails vs wood glue? Choosing the right one can be a headache, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the differences between the two.
So to save you a lot of hassle and frustration down the line, our woodworkers outlined the pros and cons of each adhesive.
A Little Note About the Terms
To begin with, it’s worth noting that “construction adhesive” is a more generic term for what is commonly referred to as “liquid nails.” In fact, “liquid nails” are simply a brand name for a specific type of construction adhesive.
Throughout this article, our professional team will use the term “liquid nails,” but please note that we’re referring to construction adhesive in general and have no particular loyalty to the Liquid Nails brand.
About Wood Glues
Wood glue is a type of adhesive specifically designed for woodworking projects. It is typically used to bond wood and materials together but can also be used on other porous materials.
Although specialized industries still use animal glues in woodwork conservation and musical instrument-making, synthetic glues became more popular due to their affordability, better adhesion, and ethical production.
Wood Glue Types
Aliphatic Resin
It’s particularly useful for joining pieces of wood together as it has a fast setting time and blends in well with the natural color of the wood.
Cyanoacrylate
This is also known as super glue and it’s primarily intended for repairing small cracks and not for larger tasks.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane glue is commonly used because of its diverse joining and bonding capabilities. It can be used to bond not only wood but also products like glass, textiles, and ceramics, making it a versatile all-around glue.
Epoxy Resin
It has high-temperature resistance, with some formulas being able to withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as its resistance to salt water.
The primary drawbacks of epoxy resin are its cost and the mixing process, which requires careful attention.
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
PVA, also referred to as hobby glue or white glue, is probably the most well-known synthetic glue due to its user-friendliness and wide availability.
PVA glue has a stronghold and is non-toxic. However, it can be challenging to fix as it provides a weak surface for adhesion once it has hardened.
Usage and Material Compatibility
Raw wood requires a stronger bonding glue as it tends to absorb the glue, whereas varnished wood needs glue that can stick to its surface. PVA wood glue is ideal for normal adhering projects that involve two untreated pieces of wood.
Epoxy glue is ideal for outdoor projects and joints that don’t fit perfectly because it can fill in tiny gaps and is water-resistant. Also, polyurethane glues can affect the joint’s appearance, but they can work for indoor and outdoor applications.
Moreover, other wood glues are ideal for fixing skirting boards or other projects that require no visible fixings. There are also waterproof wood glues ideal for outdoor applications. Although there are differences between liquid nails and wood glue, combining both is preferred for better results.
Using nails or traditional joints along with glue gives a better connection between flexibility and strength, making it suitable for fixing large pieces of wood, screws/nails or reinforcing joints, decoration, and craft projects.
Speaking of joints, check these related articles out:
Wood Glue Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is affordable and widely available
- Strong bond for reinforcing joints and fixing small cracks
- Non-toxic and safe to use regularly
- Dries quickly
Cons
- It's important to consider whether the glue is suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Certain glue, such as PVA glue, cannot be easily repaired or altered after they have fully cured
About Liquid Nails
This is a construction adhesive brand designed for heavy-duty bonding applications. It is typically used to bond various construction materials, such as wood, metal, concrete, brick, and drywall.
Liquid nail or liquid glue is a polyurethane-based adhesive, which means that it has a high level of bonding strength and can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, moisture, and vibration.
Usage and Material Compatibility
A liquid nail is particularly useful when bonding materials other than wood. It can be used with non-porous surfaces or materials such as metal, plastic, vinyl, and ceramic. However, if the project involves raw wood or stressed joints, good wood glue is still the better option.
Liquid Nails Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple to paint over
- Retains flexibility after curing
- Bonding treated wood or non-porous wood
- Effective in filling gaps between non-porous materials
- Waterproof when the latex-based version is used
- May not require clamping
Cons
- Insufficient strength for wood applications
- Potentially hazardous because of its toxic fumes
- Inappropriate for wood-to-wood usage
Wood Glues and Liquid Nails Side-by-Side Comparison
These are both adhesive products commonly used in woodworking and construction projects. But here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two adhesives. The table below outlines the differences between wood glue and liquid nails.
| Characteristics | Wood Glue | Liquid Nails |
| Dry time | 15 to 60 minutes | 24 hours to 1 week |
| Cure time | One day | Seven days |
| Stenght/Bond | 3,000 PSI | 3,600 to 4,000 PSI |
| VOC level | Little to none | Low to high depending on formulation |
| Shelf Life | One year | Two years |
| Safety | Can be used safely both indoors and outdoors. | It may be necessary to adhere to safety procedures. |
| Primary Use | Suitable to secure glue wood to wood, as well as to secure bond metal, plastic, or porcelain to wood, although for these purposes, epoxy would be a more appropriate adhesive. | Effective in adhering to a wide range of construction materials, particularly in situations where the use of fasteners is challenging. |
| Cleaning Up | Damp rag or water | Petroleum jelly [1] or oil |
Drying Time
Wood glue can dry in approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, though we recommend waiting 24 hours before subjecting the joined surfaces to pressure. In contrast, nails usually take at least 24 hours to dry, with some projects potentially requiring weeks before further work can be done.
Winner: Wood Glue
Safety and Fumes
The majority of glues, being composed of PVA, are typically safe to use in areas with inadequate ventilation. However, certain liquid types may have solvents that release harmful fumes when damp and can be flammable if not fully dry.
Winner: Wood Glue
Cost
A bottle of glue can cost around $4 to $8 for a 16-ounce bottle. On the other hand, a tube of liquid nails can cost around $4 to $10 for a 10-ounce tube. This means that the cost of a liquid nail is generally higher than wood glue.
Winner: Wood Glue
Ease of Application
Applying wood glue is easy and simple to remove from hands if necessary. In contrast, nails are a thick, brown substance that usually comes in a large cardboard tube, much like caulk.
These construction adhesives require a caulk gun for application, which can be inconvenient, especially if the caulk gun is not very good. This may result in continuously struggling with the caulk gun to get any adhesive to come out.
Winner: Wood Glue
Storage
Wood glue typically comes in a plastic bottle with a screw-on cap or a squeeze bottle with a nozzle. On the other hand, liquid nails typically come in a tube that needs to be inserted into a caulk gun for application. They both come in good packaging.
Cleaning Up
Compared to liquid nails, wood glue is unquestionably simpler to clean up. If liquid nails adhere to skin or any surface, they can be challenging to remove and often necessitate oil or petroleum jelly. Conversely, soap and water are usually sufficient to remove wet glue.
Winner: Wood Glue
Skin Removal
If the glue is still wet, it can be easily washed off by simply rinsing your hands with water. Liquid Nails, on the other hand, has both latex-based and solvent-based versions. The latex-based version can be washed off with soap and water, just like glue.
However, the solvent-based must be removed by rubbing mineral oil or petroleum jelly into the skin area
Winner: Wood Glue
Uses
Liquid nail is specifically designed for robust construction projects and can be used on concrete-to-concrete without issue, whereas glue is best suited for light DIY applications or for school glue. But for projects requiring stronger bond, opt for strongest wood glue.
Winner: Liquid Nail
Bonding Strength
Liquid nails or carpenter’s glue are created specifically for heavy-duty construction work, resulting in more excellent adhesive properties than wood glue.
Winner: Liquid Nail
Wood Glues and Liquid Nails: When You Should Use Each?
Are You Bonding Two Wood Pieces Together?
We highly suggest using wood glue when bonding wood to wood indoors where a strong, clear bond is needed. Liquid Nails should be used when adhering wood to other materials in high-moisture or heavy-duty applications where a stronger, more versatile bond is required.
Are You Filling or Sealing Gaps Between Wood Pieces?
For small gaps and joints, wood glue is a good choice. For larger gaps or high-stress applications, two-part epoxies or other construction adhesives like Liquid Nails are better suited for the task.
Also Read: Warm Satin vs Clear Satin Polyurethane
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between wood glue vs liquid nails will depend on the specific project requirements, the materials used, and personal preference.
However, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each adhesive can help ensure that you choose the right adhesive for the job at hand and that the final result is a strong, durable, and long-lasting bond.
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