Top Ten Wood Glues
Top Ten Wood Glues for your Craft and DIY Projects
Being a professional Crafter for over ten years now, I have tried several types of wood glue. I thought I’d put together a list of the top ten wood glues I have tried on my wood craft projects. This list also includes helpful information like dry time, usage, Amazon affiliate links to purchase, and why it made my list. Here we go!
#1 Gorilla Glue
Dry Time: 20-30 minutes
Use: Indoor and Outdoor
Gorilla Wood Glue is a water-based adhesive, with great strength. It is water resistant and dries a natural color that offers an invisible bond line for your hard wood projects. You can use it on cardboard or cork as well. It is difficult to wash off your hands. It expands when it cures so make sure you use a clamp during the drying process.
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#2 Elmer’s Wood Glue Max
Dry Time: 20-to-30-minute clamp time, 24 hours to full bond
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Elmer’s Wood Glue Max bonds stronger than wood and resists heat, mold, and mildew. It is non-toxic, has no harmful fumes, and easy to clean up with water. Here is a helpful review from Amazon by Tim the Toolman: “Slightly cheaper than Titebond-III, but every bit as good. As with any wood glue, pre-wet the wood surface to be glued with water, allow to set a few minutes, dab off excess water then apply glue with a paint brush. Clamp up and allow to set. I always allow 48 hours. Pre wetting the wood opens up the pores of the wood allowing for better penetration of the glue. Also, as the water leaves the wood it acts wick, drawing the glue even deeper. You will get a much better bond.”
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#3 Elmers Carpentry
Dry Time: 24 hours to cure
Use: Indoor
While Elmers Wood Glue Max is great for outdoor use, Elmers Carpentry Wood Glue is an interior wood glue. It is sandable and paintable and has a fast set.
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#4 E6000
Dry Time: Starts setting after 10 minutes. Needs 24-72 hours to cure.
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
E6000 is temperature resistant and water-proof and remains flexible, even in extreme conditions. The bond remains secure even when exposed to water. It dries white and is paintable once cured. It is also non-flammable, washer/dryer safe, and photo safe.
I used E600 to glue the wood succulent holder to this address wreath and it worked great and has survived that outdoor temperatures.
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# 5 Titebond III Ultimate
Dry Time: 8-10 Minutes
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is rated #1 by professionals. It offers superior strength, a longer open time and a lower application temperature. It is classified as “waterproof”. While it can be used indoors, it is the perfect choice for exterior woodworking, such as birdhouses, mailboxes, outdoor furniture and planters. It is also FDA approved for indirect food contact, making it a great choice for projects in the kitchen.
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#6 Loctite Pro Line Premium Construction Adhesive
Dry Time: 20-minute repositioning time with 24-hour cure time
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Loctite Pro Line Premium Construction Adhesive makes the top ten wood glues list because it provides superior adhesion to most common construction materials. It can be used for interior or exterior projects and is 3X as strong as ordinary construction adhesives. It is also water resistant, paintable and cures even in cold temperatures. Ideal for sub floor installations.
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#7 Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof
Dry Time: 20 minutes clamp time and 24 hours to cure.
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue is 100% waterproof and incredibly strong, but still easily cleans up with water. It is great for outdoor applications where temperatures or moisture might be a concern, as well as interior projects that could benefit from the extended working time and high strength.
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#8 Titebond Original
Dry Time: 4-6 Minutes
Use: Indoor
Titebond Original Wood Glue is designed specifically for interior woodworking and repair projects, such as cabinets, trim and molding, window casings, furniture, picture frames, stairs, and veneering. It provides professional results every time.
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#9 Titebond II Premium
Dry Time: 3-5 Minutes
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
Titebond II Premium Wood Glue is ideal for interior woodworking but is also excellent for many outdoor projects. It is water-resistance and offers a short working time. It is FDA approved for indirect food contact.
I used Titebond II to make these wood lanterns.
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#10 Krazy Glue
Dry Time: A few minutes
Use: Indoor
Krazy Glue Wood Fast-dry sets in minute with no need for overnight dry time. Bonds on a variety of wood types. It reduces use of bulky clamps and is great for wood crafts.
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Honorable Mention: DAP Rapid Fuse
Dry Time: 30 seconds, Cures in 30 Minutes
Use: Indoor/Outdoor
DAP Rapid Fuse Wood Adhesive works on all wood types, plus metal, rubber, plastics, ceramics & porcelain, glass, fabric, stones & concrete, tile & more. The Rapid Fuse Wood Adhesive is repositionable up to 3 minutes.
I have used DAP for many projects.
Buy It Here
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Before you go, check out my YouTube channel for some fun and easy wood projects and crafts. You may also like, Best Craft Scissors.
It can be tough to find the right glue for a task with so many options available – great to have a list like this so you know what you’re buying!