Choosing the Right Wood Glue: A Comparison Guide
With so many wood glues available, selecting the right one for your project can be overwhelming. This guide compares the most popular wood glue types to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Wood Glue Comparison Chart
| Glue Type | Open Time | Clamp Time | Full Cure | Water Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVA (Titebond Original) | 5-10 min | 30-60 min | 24 hours | No |
| PVA Type II (Titebond II) | 5-10 min | 30-60 min | 24 hours | Yes (Type II) |
| Waterproof (Titebond III) | 8-10 min | 30-60 min | 24 hours | Yes (Waterproof) |
| Polyurethane (Gorilla) | 10-15 min | 1-2 hours | 24 hours | Yes |
| Epoxy (2-Part) | 5-30 min | 1-4 hours | 24-72 hours | Yes |
| Hide Glue (Liquid) | 3-5 min | 30-60 min | 24 hours | No |
Bond Strength Comparison
| Glue Type | Strength (PSI) | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVA Original | 3,600-4,000 | Indoor furniture, cabinets | Not for outdoor use |
| PVA Type II | 3,750 | Exterior projects, cutting boards | Not fully waterproof |
| PVA Waterproof | 4,000+ | Outdoor furniture, boats | Longer open time needed |
| Polyurethane | 3,500 | Mixed materials, gap filling | Foams, requires moisture |
| Epoxy | 3,000-4,500 | Structural repairs, filling | Not sandable, expensive |
| Hide Glue | 2,500-3,000 | Antique repair, instruments | Heat sensitive |
Choosing by Project Type
Indoor Furniture and Cabinets
For most indoor woodworking projects, standard PVA glue like Titebond Original offers the best combination of strength, ease of use, and affordability. It provides a strong bond that exceeds the strength of wood itself, sands easily, and cleans up with water.
Outdoor Projects
When your project will be exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions, choose Titebond III or a polyurethane glue. Titebond III meets the ANSI/HPVA Type I waterproof specification, making it suitable for projects that may be exposed to weather, like outdoor furniture or garden benches.
Cutting Boards and Food Contact
Titebond III is FDA approved for indirect food contact, making it the preferred choice for cutting boards, serving trays, and other items that may contact food. Once cured, it creates a waterproof, food-safe bond.
Antique Restoration and Musical Instruments
Hide glue remains the gold standard for antique furniture restoration and musical instrument repair. Its reversibility with heat and moisture allows future repairs without damaging the wood, which is essential for valuable antiques and instruments.
Temperature and Application Guide
| Glue Type | Min Temp | Ideal Temp | Cleanup |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVA Glues | 50°F (10°C) | 70-90°F | Water while wet |
| Polyurethane | 40°F (4°C) | 60-80°F | Mineral spirits |
| Epoxy | 50°F (10°C) | 70-85°F | Acetone before cure |
| Hide Glue | 65°F (18°C) | 70-80°F | Warm water |
Cost Comparison
When budgeting for your projects, consider the cost per ounce:
- PVA Original: Most economical at roughly $0.30-0.40 per ounce
- PVA Type II: Slightly higher at $0.35-0.50 per ounce
- PVA Waterproof: Premium pricing at $0.50-0.70 per ounce
- Polyurethane: Mid-range at $0.40-0.60 per ounce
- Epoxy: Most expensive at $1.00-3.00 per ounce
- Hide Glue: Varies widely, $0.50-1.50 per ounce
Buying in larger quantities typically reduces the per-ounce cost significantly. For regular woodworkers, a gallon of PVA glue offers the best value.
Summary: Which Glue Should You Use?
- General indoor woodworking: Titebond Original or equivalent PVA
- Projects with moisture exposure: Titebond II or Titebond III
- Fully waterproof bonds: Titebond III or marine epoxy
- Gap filling or mixed materials: Polyurethane or epoxy
- Quick repairs: CA glue (super glue)
- Reversible bonds: Hide glue
Match your glue choice to your project requirements, and you’ll achieve strong, lasting bonds every time.
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