Surely, glue is a core material to join wood boards for making furniture. Hence, many woodworkers look for the best glue available. That is why a common debate is going on between wood glue vs super glue.
Well, there are some obvious and distinct differences between these two types of glue. Obviously, the only purpose of wood glue is to use it in woodwork. Whereas, super glue is mostly used on non-porous surfaces. Thus, super glue is more versatile compared to wood glue. Again, there are differences in their consistency as well.
So, both adhesives are useful but show distinctness in their effectiveness. To get an elaborate idea, let’s dive into the deep of the discussion with a precise comparison table.
Table of Contents
Wood Glue Vs Super Glue : A Quick Comparison
| Properties | Wood Glue | Super Glue |
| Formula | Thick | Thin, clear |
| Purposes | wood | Wood, metal, plastic, vinyl |
| Assembling | Better on wood | Better |
| Gap Filling | Good | Better |
| Mending of Wood Objects | Better | Good |
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What is Wood Glue?
Wood glue is basically a carpenter’s glue that is actually Polyvinyl acetate. It is also known as PVA glue, Elmer’s glue, white glue, or even school glue. However, wood glue is great for any DIY wood projects and repair projects.
Wood glue best works on porous materials. Hence, woodworkers out there use adhesive widely on soft and hardwood. Moreover, you can also the glue on particleboards. Since it sets quickly, wood glue is quite convenient to use.
Again, you can clean up wood glue by only using water. It lasts beyond two years and is also, inexpensive.
What is Super Glue?
Needless to say, super glue is a must-have thing in our home. The adhesive is known to be strong and it bonds super-fast with any material. Super glue is chemically known as cyanoacrylate. It is made from ethyl cyanoacrylate.
Surprisingly, super glue is widely used by almost everyone for its utmost versatility. You can use super glue for household purposes, DIY projects, medical uses, and all.
Moreover, to talk about its characteristics, the glue is non-flammable and super handy as well. For applications at high temperatures, super glue is a great choice. Also, you can use the superglue almost on any surface including plastic, metal, ceramic, leather, rubber, or vinyl.
However, the super glue works best on rough surfaces compared to smooth ones. That is why professionals suggest making the smooth texture rough by using sandpaper so the adhesive works properly. Again, the super glue also has a great shelf life.
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Wood Glue Vs Super Glue – Key Differences
As we already mentioned, wood glue and super glue are not the same even though both are glues. They have distinctions that also impact their performances.
- Formula
Well, to talk about the formula, Super glue comes with a transparent or clear formula. But wood glue is not clear. Moreover, superglue is not viscous whereas wood glue certainly is. Therefore, wood glue comparatively has a thick consistency.
That is why the glue takes time to pour out. Moreover, most wood glue is available in the market in a bottle. Nonetheless, superglue can come even in a pocket-sized tube. It also offers an applicator with it.
On the other hand, the super glue comes with a runny consistency. However, for such differences in their formula, wood glue appears to be thick whereas super glue looks clear when dries.
- Purposes
Super glue is the best option when it comes to smaller projects. Even the glue is ideal for wooden coating as well. Again, you can use super glue for any DIY and crafting projects. Moreover, if you want a great finish and topcoats resistant to scratch, super glue can assist you highly. It provides the users with water-proof facilities.
However, wood glue is best for wood projects. For any repair of your household equipment or furniture, wood glue is a go-to one. It takes less time to cure and you can also wash it up easily if you want. Use the glue on any particleboard, hardwood, or softwood to have the best result.
- Assembling and Gap Filling
For assembling wood parts, wood glue is surely an ideal choice. However, if the pieces are smaller then the super glue is also useful. Its capillary action allows the pieces to assemble together. Super glue can also attach glass pieces or metal pieces.
Speaking of gap-filling properties, super glue has it the best. It can create a wonderful gap-filling bond. However, to make the consistency a bit thick, you can add baking soda or even sawdust to make an excellent paste. The paste provides a solid filling. In contrast, wood glue does not have such great properties.
- Mending of Wood Objects
Surely, wood glue mends any wooden object better than any other glue. But for having a fast-drying formula, super glue is also sometimes used for mending wooden objects. However, the object has to be smaller in such cases.
Nonetheless, professionals suggest using wood glue to mend objects that are made of natural wood. In these cases, wood glue is always better.
So, Which One to Choose?
Now you know both super glue and wood glue are adhesives but they have distinctions. Both the types of glue are unique in their own way. However, the super glue is more popular compared to wood glue because of its great performance and versatility.
You can apply super glue on almost any type of surface or broken objects. Moreover, it offers a great finish and clear look, unlike wood glue. The adhesive cures fast as well. That is why people use the super glue for trivial projects to industrial projects. So, surely super glue would be a great choice.
But then again, for several wood projects, only wood glue can offer you a secured joint. Its thick consistency makes it heavy-duty. When you apply the adhesive on a wood object, the formula seeps into the wood fibers. As it goes into and dries, the glue creates a strong bond with the fibers. So, for wood projects go for wood glue.
However, using wood glue is not more convenient than using a super glue. For say, super glues are easy to spread and dry rapidly. Moreover, it also comes out quickly unlike wood glue. So, depending on your convenience and working project, select your preferable glue.
Can I use super glue instead of wood glue?
We have already mentioned that you can apply super glue on any surface. So, yes, you can use super glue instead of wood glue as well. But not in all wood projects. There are certainly some limitations.
However, using super glue on wood instead of wood glue will offer a smooth finish. Later, you can dry it and sand it to pursue other drilling or screwing activities. So, you can use Krazy Glue for that. It is also a super glue that can be used on wood to create a strong bond.
Nonetheless, without moisture, superglue does not cure well. Thus, it requires moisture for curing. So, Gorilla Super Glue can be a great option for that. It is a permanent adhesion that you can use instead of wood glue.
The glue offers some facilities like it creates the fastest bond possible with the wood. Moreover, this permanent adhesion is reliable even for a bit larger wood project. Also, it provides all the facilities a superglue can offer.
Why use wood glue instead of super glue?
Many woodworkers or DIY wood project holders prefer using super glue instead of wood glue for their tasks. As wood glue is to some extent inconvenient to use, there are many types of superglues available in the market that you can use on wood.
But beating a wood glue is impossible when it comes to work on chipboard, plywood, or even MDF. Only wood glue is ideal for them. The glue is highly stress-resistant. Hence, applying the glue protects the wood from bending and shearing or axial.
Since wood glue is known as PVA glue, it comes with the utmost strength of around 3600 psi to 4000 psi. Yes, that is crazy and works really well. So, that is why people use wood glue instead of super glue.
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Related Questions
What is the strongest adhesive glue for wood?
Professionals suggest Gorilla wood glue as the strongest wood glue. It cured within 20 to 30 minutes depending on the environment and its temperatures. Moreover, it can join any wood boards permanently.
Can you use Gorilla Super Glue on wood?
Gorilla Super Glue is popular for its adhesiveness on substrates that are difficult to bond. Hence, surely, you can use it on wood as well along with other surfaces like metals, plastics, elastomers, and others.
Which glue is better for wood projects, Wood Glue or Super Glue?
Wood Glue is generally better for wood projects as it provides a strong and durable bond.
Can Super Glue be used as a substitute for Wood Glue?
Super Glue can be used as a substitute for Wood Glue in some cases, but it may not provide the same level of strength or durability.
Does Wood Glue provide a stronger bond than Super Glue?
Wood Glue typically provides a stronger bond than Super Glue, especially for wood-to-wood connections.
Are there any specific types of wood that should only be glued with Wood Glue?
Certain types of wood, such as oily or dense hardwoods, may require specific types of Wood Glue for optimal bonding.
Can Super Glue be used on other materials besides wood?
Yes, Super Glue can be used on materials other than wood, including plastics, metal, and ceramics.
Does Wood Glue require clamping or pressure during the bonding process?
Wood Glue often requires clamping or applying pressure during the drying process to ensure a tight bond.
Is Wood Glue reversible or permanent?
Wood Glue creates a permanent bond that is difficult to reverse, while Super Glue is generally considered permanent.
Can Wood Glue and Super Glue be used together for stronger bonding?
Wood Glue and Super Glue are not typically used together, as they have different bonding properties and may not create a stronger bond when combined.
Can Super Glue be used for outdoor wood projects?
Super Glue is not ideal for outdoor wood projects, as it can be affected by moisture and temperature changes.
Does either glue have an expiration date or shelf life?
Both Wood Glue and Super Glue have expiration dates or shelf lives, and it’s important to check the packaging for specific recommendations.
Are there any safety precautions to consider when using Wood Glue or Super Glue?
Safety precautions for both glues include wearing protective gloves, working in a well-ventilated area, and avoiding contact with skin and eyes.
Can Wood Glue or Super Glue be sanded or painted over after drying?
Wood Glue and Super Glue can be sanded or painted over after drying, but sanding may be more effective for Wood Glue.
What are the typical applications or uses for Wood Glue and Super Glue in woodworking?
Wood Glue is commonly used for furniture making, cabinetry, and carpentry, while Super Glue is useful for small repairs and bonding non-porous materials in woodworking.
Sources:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02827580500432305
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/002234689290312U
