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Best Wood Glue
UPDATED April 2024
Wood glue makes it easy for you to do arts and crafts and renovation projects at home. We found all the info you need to know about wood glue and the best products of the year.
BEST WOOD
GLUE 2024
Gorilla Four-Ounce Wood Glue
BOTTOM LINE
No matter what type of wood project is on your to-do list, you can use this Gorilla glue and complete your project in just 24 days. Not only does it work on all types of wood, but it’s water-resistant when it cures.
PROS
Suitable for use on both indoor and outdoor wood projects, this glue dries to a dark shade that matches the wood. It is resistant to water damage and will work on both hard and soft types of wood.
CONS
There is a chance that your bottle might arrive damaged or broken. You also need to use caution when ordering to make sure you purchase the size you need.
Franklin Titebond II Premium Wood Glue Two-Pack
BOTTOM LINE
With two large bottles included in one package, this set is perfect for larger renovations and projects. Though the glue is water-resistant, you can clean spills quickly before it sets.
PROS
This water-resistant wood glue lets you tackle wood projects without worrying about water damage. You get two bottles in this set for handling more jobs around the house.
CONS
Some customers thought the price of this glue was too high. One review we found said that the glue was out of date when it arrived.
Glue Masters Professional Grade Super Glue
BOTTOM LINE
Glue Masters made this super glue for those who need to create a better bond and those who want to glue more than just wood. The bottle is easy to use and lets you use the perfect amount of glue.
PROS
Designed for use on wood and other materials, this super glue has a thick consistency that creates a durable bond. As it takes only a small amount to create that bond, you’ll get more out of the small bottle.
CONS
This product has a longer drying time than other super glues do. It may not work well on all the materials you want to use either.
Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue
BOTTOM LINE
Elmer’s makes this carpenter’s glue for professional carpenters and DIY enthusiasts. The formula is non-toxic and easy to clean and forms a solid bond on any type of wood.
PROS
With 128 ounces of glue inside, this gallon jug provides all the glue that you need for most home projects. It forms a tight bond that can last for years and is nontoxic.
CONS
You may find that the glue dries out before you have the chance to use the entire jug. Some customers had problems storing the container too.
J-B Weld WoodWeld Epoxy Syringe
BOTTOM LINE
With this epoxy, you can create shaped designs and make repairs to any wood object. It dries to a wood surface in six minutes and completely cures in three hours or less.
PROS
This product dries and cures in only six minutes and is suitable for most wood projects and repairs. You can actually mold and shape the epoxy before it sets too.
CONS
You need to mix the two tubes together, which can add to the total time it takes to use the epoxy. It may not create the durable bond that you need also.
Shopping Guide for the Best Wood Glue
With proper care, wood furniture can last for decades and become treasured heirlooms that you pass down through your family line. When you notice a crack or a chip in that furniture, you can pay a restoration professional to repair that piece or you can do the job yourself. The best wood glue for 2024 helps you make repairs and work on projects that involve multiple pieces of wood. Our shopping guide to the best wood glue will help you pick the right product based on your needs and the type of glue that will work best for your projects.
Wood glue is a term that actually refers to a few different types of adhesives. You can use an epoxy that features two different compounds that you mix together or a super glue that creates a durable bond.
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We also looked at more traditional wood glues that dry to a darker color that blends with those wood pieces. In addition to helping you find the best adhesive, we’ll also go over other things such as how much glue you might need and how much manufacturers charge. By the time you finish this shopping guide, you’ll be a wood glue expert.
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Selection Criteria
Whether you need wood glue to use on arts and crafts projects or home renovations, you might feel tempted to buy the first bottle that you see or the cheapest product that you can find. While we know that some shoppers can’t afford to spend as much as others, we don’t recommend buying the cheapest glue. It might form a bond that only lasts for a few days or a product that actually damages that wood.
To find the best wood glues on the market, we compiled a list of what you need in one of these adhesives. We then checked with experts such as Bob Vila to see what they had to say about products designed for use on wood. That helped us create a list of more than 20 different wood glues that we looked at further.
You can find out about the top five products in the matrix above or with the product descriptions below. We took the time to write detailed reviews of each wood glue and to show you the top reasons to invest in each one. You should read those product descriptions and work your way through this shopping guide to ensure that you buy a wood glue suitable for all your projects.
If you asked a few handymen for their opinions on which wood glue is the best, many of those workers will tell you to go with Gorilla. Gorilla has a strong reputation for its glues because its products form such a great and long-lasting bond. The Gorilla Four-Ounce Wood Glue is suitable for most of the basic products that you want to complete. If you need more, you can purchase a pack that comes with up to 12 containers of glue for one low price. We like that the glue does not foam up the way that others can and how quickly it dries. While you’ll need to clamp your wood pieces together, the glue will completely cure in just 24 hours.
Shoppers like the tip located on the top of this bottle too. Once you remove the cap, you can use that tip to apply the perfect amount of glue onto any surface. The cap snaps back into place to keep the glue from drying out. You can use this glue on projects both inside and out because it becomes water-resistant once it cures. We like that the glue dries to a darker color also. This ensures that the glue matches the wood and doesn’t stick out.
Benefits of Using Wood Glue
The next time that you need to repair a piece of wood, reach for wood glue instead of grabbing the first adhesive that you see around your home. Other types of glue will serve as a temporary fix. While you can use white glue to fill a crack on a tabletop or super glue to glue a leg back onto a base, those adhesives will only hold for a few weeks or less. Glues designed specifically for use on wood will form a tighter bond that lasts longer.
Other types of glues have a thinner consistency and take longer to dry or set. Once you glue two pieces together, you may find that the liquid seeps out from that joint and spills down the side. Wood glue has a much thicker consistency and will dry faster. Depending on the type that you buy, you might get a solid bond within an hour or less. It typically takes a full day for the glue to finish curing. Wood glue is also a better choice when doing projects outside. Most types of glue will wash away when exposed to water. You can easily find a wood glue that is resistant to water.
Other Benefits of Wood Glue
- Dries to a harder and firmer texture
- Often comes in colors that mach your wood
- You can apply the glue in different ways
Top Uses for Wood Glue
- Repair cuts and cracks: You can repair almost any type of damage with wood glue. Once you apply the glue to that damage, you will let it dry or cure for several hours or overnight. You can then sand down the glue and apply paint or stain as needed.
- Secure wood pieces: Many woodworking enthusiasts also use glue to secure two wood pieces together. You can apply the glue to one piece and place the second piece against it before using clamps to hold the wood together. Wood glue is durable but will not last as long as traditional screws and nails do.
- Make repairs: Wood glue is also great for making more extensive repairs such as gluing a leg back on a table or a chair. When using glue for a more serious repair, you must make sure that you buy the right type and that you test the furniture to ensure it can withstand the weight of a person.
- Create decorations: You can also use wood glue to create decorations and to add decorative elements to different items. Arts and crafts enthusiasts might use a colored wood glue to create a border on a birdhouse or to glue wallpaper and other decorations to a sign.
Expert Tip
If you want a glue that you can use to add some color or decoration to a craft project, consider looking for a glue that has dye or glitter added to it. Those adhesives are usually much cheaper.
Though some customers thought this wood glue was a little expensive, we think it gives you the best bang for your buck. Instead of just giving you a single bottle with a few ounces of glue, you get two bottles that each contain 16 ounces. This was the first water-resistant glue on the market, which means that you can easily use it on wood furniture and other objects that you use outside. You can even use this glue on indoor projects without worrying about kids spilling their drinks and breaking the bond. The Titebond II set provides one of the tightest bonds around.
Suitable for use with gluing systems that require hot glue, it dries to a thick and firm consistency. Once the glue dries, you can easily sand it down with a piece of sandpaper. We like how easily you can clean up this glue too. If you see any seeping out from the bond or lying on the floor, you can wipe it off with a damp cloth or towel. This durable wood glue will work on any project you have in mind. The only exception to that rule is that you cannot use it on any wood that touches food.
Types of Wood Glues: Which One Do You Need?
When most people think about glue, they picture the liquid white glue that they used in school. This is a type of paper glue that works well when securing construction paper together but will not work well on wood surfaces. If you took even a few seconds to check out the product matrix at the top of the page, you know that wood glue comes in a few different types. Traditional wood glues dry to a finish that matches a piece of wood, while super glue often dries to a white or clear finish. We’ll go over all the top types of wood glue and what you can use with those adhesives.
- Super Glue: Super glue is the generic term given to products that use cyanoacrylate. Most super glues have either a very thick or a very thin consistency. When working with wood, you must choose one with a thicker consistency to keep the glue from spreading out from where you apply it. Though super glue can form a tight bond, you should only use it as a temporary solution. Super glue is not water-resistant or waterproof and generally cannot withstand much weight.
- PVA Glue: The Titebond product that made our list is an example of a PVA glue. PVA stands for polyvinyl acetate and is one of the more common types of wood glues. It may look white or yellow in the bottle, but some products actually look brown or tan before it dries. This type goes on smoothly and dries fairly quickly. The downside is that the glue can actually break off the wood over time. If you need to fix the repair later, you may have a hard time scrapping off all the old glue.
- Hide Glue: Have you ever heard someone joke about sending a horse or another animal off to the glue factory? Those jokes have a basis in reality. The hides on horses and other animals have materials that manufacturers use to make this type of glue. While not as common today as it once was, you can still readily find bottles for sale online. It’s a good option for those who want a tight and secure bond and those who can afford to spend more money on glue. Hide glue is usually neither water-resistant or waterproof.
- Epoxy: A great option for most woodworking enthusiasts is an epoxy such as the product from J-B Weld that made our list of the best wood glues. An epoxy actually features two different compounds that you mix together. Most packages come with a tube of resin and a tube that acts as a hardener. You’ll apply equal parts of the two compounds to a piece of paper and mix the products together. While an epoxy requires more prep work and takes longer to dry than other wood glues do, it forms a much more durable bond. You can also mold the epoxy to fill in broken areas or missing decorations on a piece of wood.
- Polyurethane Glue: If you ever refinished your deck or a piece of lawn furniture before, you probably used a type of polyurethane. Polyurethane glue is really the best type of wood glue for use on items that you’ll use or store outside. Once you apply a coat of the glue to a piece of wood, it will dry very quickly. The glue works with the natural moisture in the wood, which helps it cure faster. Polyurethane products form a waterproof bond that can last for years. The main issue with this type of glue is that it can change the finish of the wood.
How to Use and Apply Wood Glue
- Clean the wood: Before you apply any type of wood glue, you must make sure that the wood is clean and smooth. You can use a dry cloth to remove dust and any other debris before using sandpaper to make the surfaces smoother.
- Use a Z pattern: As you apply the glue, you’ll want to move the bottle back and forth in a Z pattern or fashion. You should only apply the glue to one piece of wood.
- Spread out the glue: Depending on the size of the wood, this might be an optional step that you can skip. If you have larger boards or pieces, you’ll want to use a brush or a roller to spread out the glue. You can use this tool to smooth out the glue until it approaches the edges.
- Use clamps: The best tools for ensuring that the wood stays together as it dries is a clamp. You need to use one clamp on each corner of the board, but you may want to use multiple clamps along the edges too. It can take a full day until the glue fully dries.
- Clean up: Before putting your tools away, you should check the wood to see if any glue leaked out. All you need is a damp cloth or a paper towel to clean up that mess. You can run the towel right along the joint to remove any excess glue.
WARNING
Do not ignore any leaking glue that you see. If you notice any splashes or leaks, remove the glue when it’s still wet. Once the glue cures, it will set to the wood and may require sandpaper to remove.
Super glue is often quite thin, but this product from Glue Masters has a thicker consistency that makes it perfect for use on wood surfaces. The Glue Masters Professional Grade Super Glue‘s bottle has a convenient design with a long and thin tip that lets you place the glue exactly where you want it. That tip also helps you reach into deeper and tighter areas. You can easily remove the cap when using the glue and then slip the cap back on top of the bottle to protect the glue. Glue Masters offers this super glue in a thinner version and in a model that has a medium consistency.
As this is a super glue, you can use it on both wood pieces and products made from other materials. It takes just a small dab to create a good bond or seal. The manufacturer claims that it dries in less than one minute, though some shoppers found that it took longer for the glue to dry. Though this bottle only has two ounces of glue inside, you’ll get weeks of use from a single bottle because most projects require only a small amount of the glue. It also comes with a money back guarantee for 60 days after your purchase.
How Much Strength Do You Need?
While we’ll look at a number of features and different things to consider when picking a wood glue, we wanted to start with the amount of strength that you need. Though you might think that all glues are the same, some are stronger and more durable than others. Resin glues and epoxies are the strongest of all glue types. Not only can you use an epoxy to fill in a crack on a picture frame, but you can also use it to compensate for a broken or damaged leg on a piece of furniture.
The term super glue might make you remember those old television commercials that showed a man with his construction helmet glued to a metal beam. While super glue is pretty strong, it doesn’t work as well on wood as you might expect. This type of glue is not waterproof either.
Basic wood glues are suitable for many home projects. You can use one of these glues to attach a leg to a table or to repair a simple crack. Polyurethane glues are among the strongest. These glues will keep sheds and other outdoor wood objects safe during rainstorms and when it snows. You can compare the strength of each wood glue before you buy.
Open Time
Clamp Time
Color When Dry
Cleanup
Shelf Life
Water Resistance
Open Time
10 minutes
Clamp Time
30 min - 1 hr
Color When Dry
Yellow
Cleanup
Water
Shelf Life
1 years
Water Resistance
Very Good (Type II)
Open Time
5 minutes
Clamp Time
30 min - 1 hr
Color When Dry
Yellow
Cleanup
Water
Shelf Life
2 years
Water Resistance
Low
Open Time
5 minutes
Clamp Time
30 min - 1 hr
Color When Dry
Clear
Cleanup
Water
Shelf Life
60 days
Water Resistance
Low
Open Time
10 minutes
Clamp Time
30 min - 1 hr
Color When Dry
Yellow
Cleanup
Water
Shelf Life
2 years
Water Resistance
Low
Open Time
6 minutes
Clamp Time
1h - 3h
Color When Dry
Tan
Cleanup
Water
Shelf Life
60 days
Water Resistance
Good
Drying Time
When you use white glue to attach two pieces of paper together, you’ll notice a bond forming almost instantly. Glue sticks use glue compressed down into a stick that you can apply to different surfaces too. If you only used those glues before, you might assume that wood glue will dry just as quickly. The manufacturers of these glues will tell you both the drying time and the curing time of the products.
Drying time refers to the amount of time it takes for the preliminary bond to form. This ranges from just a few minutes to several hours or more. During this period, you cannot move the wood in any way. Curing time refers to how long it takes for the glue to completely dry and become hard all the way through. This usually takes a minimum of three hours. Many of the top products take at least 24 hours or cure.
One advantage to products with a longer drying time is that you can actually move and rearrange the wood to compensate for any mistakes that you made. As long as the glue is still wet or sticky to the touch, you can move the wood. Once the glue cures, you will have a permanent or semi-permanent bond.
PSI and Wood Glue
Pressure per square inch is a term that manufacturers use when describing the strength of a wood glue. While an epoxy may have a PSI of 8,000 or higher, thinner types of wood glues have a PSI of 4,000 or less.
Elmer’s, the same company that makes the glue products that kids use in school, also makes some professional formulas such as this carpenter’s wood glue. We think Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue is the best product for large projects because the jug comes with 128 ounces of durable glue. You can use this adhesive with any products or brushes that you want. Once you remove the lid, you can pour the glue into a separate container or into a bowl for applying it with a brush.
As long as you store the glue correctly in your home, you’ll have enough adhesive for all your upcoming projects.
Though Elmer’s designed this glue only for interior use, it dries quickly and forms a permanent bond that can last for years. We like that the glue has a darker color and that it dries to an even darker shade. Once it cures, you’ll have a hard time spotting the glue because it looks like your wood. You can also sand down any excess glue and remove spills with a little water. As this formula is nontoxic and will not produce fumes, it’s safe to use in enclosed spaces and around any kids or pets in your home.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
The absolute best wood glue for outdoor use is a polyurethane glue. Many of these products will function as both a stain and a glue. Let’s say that you need to repair some cracks that formed in your deck boards because of a freezing and thawing cycle. Any moisture that seeps into those boards will freeze and thaw continuously as the temperature rises and falls. When spring arrives, you’ll see a number of cracks on your deck. With a polyurethane glue, you can add more glue to fill in those cracks and then apply a smooth layer of glue over the entire surface of the deck. This will both change the color of the wood and seal it. We do recommend adding a deck sealant to the surface though for added protection.
If you want to work inside your home, you need to make sure that you pick a non-toxic glue that will not release any fumes as it dries. You may want to open a few windows just to ventilate the room. Wood glues designed for interior use are not water or waterproof though. Most glues designed for use outdoors are either resistant to moisture or completely waterproof and will keep the wood safe from all types of liquids.
Tips for Making Wood Glue Dry Faster
- Work when there is less humidity in the air
- Increase the temperature of the room
- Set a fan near the wood and keep it running as the glue dries
Choosing the Right Color
When selecting a wood glue, you shouldn’t focus too much on the color of the glue inside the bottle. It’s more important that you find out what color the glue will turn once it dries. Most glues dry to either:
- White
- Clear
- Tan
Super glues often have a clear appearance as they come out of the bottle. Once the glue dries, it will either maintain that clear appearance or turn white. Many wood glues dry to a soft or bright white shade. You’ll also find glues that dry to a light or dark tan or brown color.
Depending on how you’ll use the glue, you may want a more natural finish. A good example is a project that requires you to fix a cracked wood frame on a mirror. If you choose the right glue, it will match the color of the wood when it dries. Anytime you use a glue that you can see in the finished project, you’ll want to choose one that dries to a brown color.
You can use other types of glues on projects where you will stain or paint the wood later. No matter how bright the glue might look when dried, you can hide it with a new coat of paint.
What is Trim Glue?
Trim glue is a specific type of glue designed for use on trim and molding pieces. It comes in bottles that you can hold and use with one hand. Most have thin tips that allow you to apply the glue to more intricate and deeper areas of the boards. Trim glues, also called molding glues, have a thicker texture too.
When you need to repair wood trim or a crack in a door, you can use the WoodWeld Quick Setting Wood Epoxy Adhesive epoxy from J-B Weld instead of using a standard type of wood glue. One benefit of this product is that you can actually mold it into different shapes based on what you need.
The package comes with two different tubes that you’ll open and mix together to create the amount of epoxy that you need. It has a high strength rating that lets you know it will last for a long time. The epoxy also comes in a light tan color that drives to match unfinished wood surfaces.
Though the epoxy may look slightly lighter or darker when you first mix it, it dries to the light tan shade. It takes only six minutes for the epoxy to set. You’ll notice that it dries completely in three hours or less. Depending on the amount that you use, this process may take more or less time. After the epoxy dries, you can treat it in the same way that you would any type of wood. You can use sandpaper to remove the surface of the glue and drill right through the set epoxy to create new holes.
Tip Design
One feature you may not give much weight to when picking a new wood glue is the design of the tip. Larger bottles and jugs have just a simple screw-on cap. You’ll unscrew the cap to get the glue out and then screw it back into place to block out the air. Smaller bottles will have both a cap and a tip. Some containers have a sharp piece built inside the tip. Once you remove the lid, you can use this sharp piece to puncture the foil lid and access the glue without getting your hands dirty.
The design of the tip is important for two different reasons. First is because that design tells you how easily and quickly the glue will flow out of the bottle. It also gives you an idea about the thickness of that glue. Bottles that feature a long and thin tip are best for more intricate projects. You can insert the tip directly into a hole or crack and squeeze to fill that area with glue. If you want to see exactly where the glue goes and have it come out faster, you should opt for a bottle with a wider or squatter tip.
Choosing the Right Consistency
Choosing the right consistency might seem pretty easy because you think that thicker is always better. While we highly recommend thicker glues, there are situations where a thinner consistency is better. Consider times when you want to apply scrapbook or other sheets of decorative paper to a wood board when creating a sign of a fun art project. You typically want a thinner glue for these jobs. If you use a thicker glue, you risk the glue tearing through the paper and smearing across the surface of those sheets. A thinner consistency glue is also best for projects that involve wood veneers. Veneers are thin sheets of real wood that you can apply to other materials and surfaces. Thinner glues won’t add weight or bulk to those veneers.
Thicker glues are best for vertical jobs. While a thinner glue can drip down from the wood and fall on your floor or any nearby objects, thicker glues will adhere to those surfaces. A thick glue will also work in situations where you want to fill holes. You can keep an eye on the tip to ensure that you add just enough glue to fill the hole. If you use too much glue, you can wipe off the excess or sand it down after it dries.
WARNING
Do not use sandpaper on dried wood glue until you check with the manufacturer or read the label first. Some glues dry to a softer consistency and can break when you attempt to sand the dried surface.
Buying the Best Wood Glue – What You Need
- Assembly and drying times: You should consider both the assembly and the drying time. The assembly time tells you how long you have until the glue forms its initial bond. You can also look at the drying time to see how quickly the glue will dry.
- Consistency: The consistency of the glue is just as important as the type that you buy. The way you need to use that glue and whether you will stand at a vertical or horizontal orientation to the wood will determine whether you need a thinner or thicker consistency.
- Color: You can get a glue that dries clear or one that develops a white or tan appearance once it dries. White and clear glues are best for use in areas where you won’t see the glue after it dries.
- Brand name: Some woodworking enthusiasts buy glues and other supplies based on who makes those products. Gorilla makes a number of supplies that you can use for many different projects, including wood glues and some taping supplies.
- Interior or exterior use: You should also purchase a glue that is suitable for use on either interior or exterior projects. Exterior glues offer more protection against water and the elements than an interior adhesive will.
Gorilla Glue Products
- Wood glue
- Mounting tape
- Construction adhesive
- Super glue
The Best Way to Use Super Glue
- Clean the wood: Anytime that you use super glue on wood, you must clean the wood carefully. You should start with a dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt. If the wood feels tacky to the touch, you’ll want to wipe the wood off with a damp cloth.
- Apply the glue: Most super glues have a cap that you need to unscrew and a small tip hidden beneath. You may need to cut or break that tip off the first time you use it. Press the tip of the glue onto the wood surface as you squeeze the sides to apply an even coating of the glue.
- Add some pressure: The key to ensuring that the super glue works is with the application of some pressure. You can hold the two pieces of wood together or use clamps or some type of weight. It usually only takes 30 seconds for the super glue to set.
How to Remove Dried Super Glue?
The best way to remove dried super glue from your hands is with some warm water. After filling a bowl with warm and soapy water, soak your affected hand in the water. The heat and moisture will work together to dissolve the glue. You can also try a nail polish remover with acetone listed in its ingredients.
Unusual Uses for Wood Glue
- Remove splinters: The next time that you get a wood splinter in your finger, apply a small amount of white wood glue to your skin. Once the glue dries, you can peel it right off your finger and watch as it pulls out the splinter.
- Create a new hairstyle: You can use white wood glue to change up your style too. This project requires that you mix the glue with food coloring and/or glitter. You can then apply a dab to your hair to add some colorful and fun streaks.
- Protect ropes: The ropes that you use for camping and storage can fray as the rope rubs against other materials. A good way to protect those ropes is with a little glue. You can coat the ends of the rope with plain wood glue. After it dries, it will seal the frayed edges.
- Remove stripped screws: Once you strip the head on a screw, removing it can seem almost impossible. You can try using a little wood glue to remove that screw. Simply coat the head of the screw with the glue, making sure that you don’t push the glue onto the length of the screw or any surrounding areas. After the glue dries, force your screwdriver through that layer of glue to form the grip necessary to turn and remove the screw.
How to Remove Dried Wood Glue
You may discover that you made a mistake during the gluing process and that you now have two pieces of wood stuck together. Depending on the project, the glue might drip down the sides and dry in place too. You can start with some old newspapers that you set on the floor before putting the wood on those papers. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with three parts cold water to create a mixture that is slightly acid. You can then dip a towel into the mixture and squeeze out any excess moisture before placing the towel flat on the dried glue. If you need to remove a smaller piece of glue, you can dip a cotton ball in the solution.
Let the towel or cotton ball sit on the dried glue for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to remove two pieces of wood that you glued together, you’ll want to slowly pry the two pieces apart. You can then add some more of the vinegar solution to the areas that you couldn’t reach before. It may take several applications of this solution before you can pull the pieces apart. The last step requires the drying of the wood and the removal of any of the vinegar solution.
Using Sandpaper to Remove Dried Glue
You can also use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to remove any dried wood glue. A finer grit won’t damage the wood the way a coarser grit can. You can also cut the sandpaper down into a smaller piece that is the same size and shape as the glue. We recommend moving the sandpaper in a circular direction and then with the natural grain of the wood.
What Can You Use to Apply Wood Glue?
While you might choose a wood glue that has an attached tip, you might choose a larger container that has just a basic cap. One example of a larger product is the carpenter’s glue that Elmer’s makes. When using this type of glue, you must pour the adhesive into a separate container and apply it with the right type of tool. You can use any type of bowl or cup for the glue. It’s often helpful to use a painter’s tray for this job. These trays have a deep edge on one side and a narrow ledge that extends out to the opposite side. You can use this ledge to wipe any excess glue off your tools.
One of the best tools that you can use with wood blue is an ordinary paintbrush. Some woodworking enthusiasts prefer brushes with natural bristles, but you can use one with synthetic or artificial bristles too. The sponges that painters use work well for this job too. Most sponges have wood handles that attach to the end. You can choose different handle length and sponge sizes. Some DIY enthusiasts prefer using a spatula that they can use to smooth out the glue after they pour it.
How to Properly Store Wood Glue
- Avoid freezing temperatures: When you buy wood glue, the label should tell you that you cannot freeze it. You can put the bottle in your refrigerator though to extend its life. Experts warn against letting the glue reach extremely high and low temperatures too as this can weaken the formula.
- Avoid high temperatures: The problem with cold temperatures is that it can degrade the formula. When you keep the glue stored in an area that experiences higher than average temperatures, it can actually develop a hard consistency and stick inside the bottle.
- Choose a dark spot: We recommend storing your wood glue in a dark spot such as a cabinet in your garage. Any sunlight or other light that comes through the windows can penetrate deep inside the bottle and cause the glue to break down.
- Wipe off the bottle: Never put a bottle of wood glue away without first wiping off the bottle and the cap. You need to remove any drips or splotches of glue located on the tip and around the top. Experts also recommend that you tighten the cap and ensure that the glue is firmly closed. This will keep the glue from sealing itself shut and prevent leaks.
Expert Tip
Once you open a new bottle of wood glue, consider writing down the current date on the side. This gives you an idea of how long the glue will last.
Tips for Gluing Wood
- Use weight: If you need to make a simple repair and don’t want to spend money on a new set of clamps, you can use heavy weights instead. After you glue the wood together, place the pieces on a flat surface and set the weights on top.
- Work in the right temperature: Even if you pick the right type of glue, you might make the mistake of using it in a room that is too hot or too cold. Most glues will not work in temperatures of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wait the full curing period: No matter how tempted you feel to pull off the clamps or weights, always let the glue cure for as long as the manufacturer intended. Though some products will dry in one to six hours, others require a full curing period of at least 24 hours.
- Use masking tape: If you need to apply glue to a longer joint or a larger surface area, consider putting down pieces of masking tape to outline that space. This ensures that you only apply the glue where you need it and can prevent you from using too much of the product.
Expert Tip
You can mix a little of your wood glue with some sawdust to create a thicker product that you use to fill gaps and cracks. Once this mixture dries, you can sand it down until it sits level with the rest of the wood. When you mix it with sawdust, you can use less of that glue.
How Much Glue Do You Need?
Depending on the type of wood glue that you buy, it may only take a small dab to get the results that you want. Manufacturers offer these adhesives in both smaller bottles and larger jugs. The largest product that we found comes from Elmer’s, which is one of the largest producers of glue in the world. You can buy a jug that comes a full gallon of wood glue inside. If you prefer a super glue adhesive, you’ll find bottles that hold around two ounces of glue. Some companies sell standard types of wood glue that come with between four and 16 ounces in a container.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a larger container is that you must store it properly. We talked about how to store glues in an above section. If you leave the cap off or make any other mistake, the air can enter the container and cause the glue to dry out. You may throw away almost an entirely full container because you did not use it in time. Smaller bottles are usually easier to store in your home. You can also get packages that come with two or more bottles. This lets you use one bottle and store the rest.
Weight
Dimensions
Size
Color
Package Quantity
Weight
5.3 ounces
Dimensions
1.1 x 2.5 x 6 in
Size
1-pack
Color
Original
Package Qty
1
Weight
2.45 pounds
Dimensions
8.6 x 4.8 x 2.4 in
Size
2-pack
Color
Yellow
Package Qty
1
Weight
2.4 ounces
Dimensions
5.5 x 2 x 0.9 in
Size
1-pack
Color
Clear
Package Qty
1
Weight
8.62 pounds
Dimensions
5.9 x 6.5 x 12 in
Size
1-pack
Color
Yellow
Package Qty
1
Weight
1.6 ounces
Dimensions
1.4 x 4.4 x 8.75 in
Size
2-pack
Color
Original
Package Qty
1
What is the Average Price for a Bottle of Wood Glue?
A simple bottle of glue such as the one your child uses in school will sell for around $3 or less. Glue sticks and smaller containers often sell for less. Wood glue is a little more expensive but doesn’t cost as much as you might think. The cost often depends on both the size of the container and the type of wood glue that you need. Epoxy adhesives are usually a little more expensive than traditional glues and retail for around $10 or less. You can mix just the right amount for a job though and save any leftovers for later. Super glues often sell for less than $10. The downside to this type of glue is that it can dry out. You might glue the cap to the bottle too.
If you have a number of upcoming projects that you want to work on, you’ll want to spend more on a larger bottle or jug. You can get up to 128 ounces of wood glue for $30 or less though. The two largest containers that made our list both sell for around this amount. For glues that you’ll only use once or twice or on a single project, we recommend spending no more than $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most bottles of wood glue have an expiration date listed on the label. Though the glue may last beyond this date, it does tell you how soon you should open and start using it. Wood glues will typically last for at least two years, but some types may last for a decade or longer.
A: While you can use wood glue on other materials, you should really only use it on hard and soft woods. It’s also suitable for use on plywood and MDF. If you need a glue that will work with other materials, you should check with the manufacturer. Some glues will work on wood as well as paper, metal and other surfaces.
A: Glue tape is an alternative to traditional glue. It comes in rolls that look like standard rolls of tape. You can cut the tape into the size that you need. It is just as strong as most adhesives. Glue tape doesn’t have all the same benefits that wood glues do.
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