Titebond vs Gorilla Wood Glue – Which One Is The Best?
With the ever-increasing promise of stronger wood glues than wood, you might be looking to try doing your joinery work with wood glue. It sounds easier and more effective, and the next thing to do would be finding the wood glue to replace all your joinery tools. However, there are many brands on sale right now.
Glues have been in existence for a long time, but it seems like technology has fast tracked their use in almost all types of materials. Finding the right one for your needs is not an easy task. I have recently found myself wondering about the same thing. So, after doing some research online on which the best wood glue to use in woodwork joinery I settled on trying out Titebond and Gorilla wood glue. The following article is a detailed account of comparison between Titebond Vs Gorilla wood glue.
Key Differences between Titebond and Gorilla Wood Glue
- Unlike the Gorilla wood glue, which takes much longer to adjoin wood surfaces, Titebond has an almost instant tack that can be felt immediately after placing the two wood surfaces together.
- The gorilla wood glue has a lesser adhesive force than the titebond glue. While the titebond glue offers a stronger-than-wood bond on the joints, you are likely to feel some amount of flex on joints made with gorilla wood glue.
- Gorilla wood glue works best on cross-grain surfaces while the titebond works well along grain surfaces.
- If you are particular with the color base, the gorilla wood glue is whiter in color while the titebond glue has a yellow color.
- If you want a glue that will last longer in your shelves, then you may want to go for the titebond wood glue. The gorilla wood glue does not last long. This means that if you had two bottles of both glues and used them simultaneously, you would probably get the gorilla wood glue done faster than the titebond wood glue.
- Gorilla wood glue also fails when comparing the spreads on the wood surface. Titebond, which is less viscous than gorilla wood glue, spreads more evenly and hence its ability to get deep into pores and create a lasting bond.
Similarities between Titebond and Gorilla Wood Glue
- Both the Titebond and the Gorilla wood glue are PVA based and hence do not foam out and weaken the bond while applying.
- Both of the glues require that you wait for more at least 24 hours before testing the strength of the joint.
- They do not function well at low temperatures. You will need a higher temperature for the glues to be in the right adhesive conditions.
- Both of the two types of glues can only be used to glue wood-to-wood surfaces. If you need to join other surfaces that are not wood, you may need to look for another type of glue.
Last update on 2020-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are worried about the color more than the stronger-than-wood bond, then you may want to settle for the gorilla wood glue. Unlike the Titebond glue, which leaves a dark-brownish bond at the joint surface, the gorilla wood glue joint is clear and may therefore appeal to you.
It is also important to note that titebond does not expand and foam while applied. This is important as it in some way weakens the bond between surfaces, which should hold together.
Now let’s get into detailed review of the Wood glues offered by each of the brands.
Gorilla Wood Glue Review
If you are looking for a multipurpose wood glue for use on all hardwood, composites, or softwood, projects- Gorilla wood glue perfectly fits in as the best solution. It is white in color while in the bottle but has interesting natural color when dry.
With gorilla wood glue, you are looking at the common woodworking use without considering other complex fixes and specializations. Even better is that you can sand off the excess glue that gets on to your surface.
Gorilla wood glue is made with the user in mind. It is a water based PVA glue and very easy to use. It only requires 20-30 minutes of clamping time and cures fully within 24 hours.
Gorilla Wood Glue meets the type ii ANSI/ HVPA specifications. Yes, that means that it is water resistant and it comes free from added dyes. You can easily paint the glue and reliably use it outdoors since it is resistant to solvents and mildew.
You do not have to worry about using it for woodwork joinery projects in the kitchen. This glue is FDA approved for indirect food contact, unlike other wood glues.
Gorilla wood glue is also a perfect fit for DIY projects as well. Being one of the most popular brands in the US, gorilla wood glue’s reputation precedes its mark of quality.
- Easy-to-use, water based adhesive with Gorilla holding power
- Best for building, carpentry or hobby projects using any type of wood
- Complete Projects Faster; Requires only 20 – 30 minutes of clamp time, fully cured in 24 hours
- Use Indoors or Outdoors; Passes ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance
- Versatile; Ideal for use on hardwoods, softwoods and natural wood composites
Last update on 2020-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Use Gorilla Wood Glue?
Clean the two surface that require joining. Ensure that they are clean, evenly cut, dry and without any particles of dust. Then fitting your two surfaces at first to ensure that they can hold together before you apply the Gorilla Wood Glue.
Add the right amount of glue to your wood surface. The amount of glue determines how strong the joint will remain. If the glue is too little, then the bond will be weak. If the wood glue is too much, it will squeeze out and cause more trouble. To get an even spread, streak out a flat bead along the whole joinery surface. You can then spread it evenly using a glue brush.
After spreading the glue evenly, use a clamp to hold the two pieces of wood together and apply enough pressure just to help in the adhesion. The pressure should not be excessive, as the glue will squeeze out of the joinery.
What we liked about Gorilla Wood Glue?
- Gorilla Wood Glue is non-toxic and can clean up easily with water if it spills onto fabric. You can easily scrub it out if its spills onto your wood surface.
- The glue is 100% waterproof and it does not disintegrate when exposed to weather elements outdoors.
- It expands almost three times in the materials making it a strong bonding glue.
- Gorilla Wood Glue is also temperature resistant and works fine in both hot and dry conditions.
What we didn’t like about this product?
- Gorilla wood glue starts drying after using it severally, while still in the bottle. This might be because the glue is made to start curing even in the slightest exposure to air and moisture.
- Gorilla wood glue does not do well with gap filling projects.
Commonly Asked Questions about Gorilla Wood Glue
Can I use Gorilla Wood Glue for attaching heavy wooden pieces?
No. the glue is not recommended when dealing with structural and heavy duty applications such as load bearing. However, the glue can be used with a reinforcement of mechanical fasteners.
Does the glue expand or foam out while applied to the joint?
Gorilla Wood Glue is a PVA based glue which does not foam at all. Moreover, the glue comes in a bottle fitted with a nozzle so you can easily use only the required amount of wood glue on your joinery work.
Can Gorilla Wood Glue work on plastic drawers?
Gorilla wood glue is only used for wood-to-wood joinery purposes. Therefore, you may need another type of glue that adjoins wood to plastic.
Check out the price of Gorilla wood Glue on Amazon here.
Last update on 2020-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Titebond Wood Glue Review
Sold as the wood glue that fits industrial use in woodworking projects, Titebond is another one of the best and strongest glues that I came across. Just like the gorilla wood glue, the Titebond glue comes packed with amazing features.
The first and most distinct feature is the time it takes to set. You will be amazed at how fast this glue sets. Quite a line to boast of its strength, titebond is incredibly stronger than wood.
Titebond promises revolutionary performance in wood adhesive needs. Titebond satisfies the ANSI/ HPVA type i specifications for water resistance offering a longer assembly time to the user- up to 8 minutes.
If you are planning to make wood boards in the kitchen and joining them using titebond, you have nothing to worry about. Titebond is nontoxic and FDA approved for indirect food contact.
Titebond is safe to use and easily washes off from clothes when it is still wet. Titebond appears to be somewhat yellow in color while in the bottle. However, the color changes to a common brownish color amongst wood pieces and thus it does not stand out so bad.
Titebond also has a clean record on its workbench. The glue is PVA based and does not foam or expand, meaning that you will have a stronger bond than most of the other polyurethane glues in the market.
- Superior waterproof wood glue is ideal for exterior and interior woodworking!
- One hour clamp time!
- Cleans up with water.
Last update on 2020-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What we liked about this Product?
- It takes a very short time to set and thus reduces the time of clamping
- It is resistant to solvents and can therefore be used outdoors.
- It boasts of a bond that is stronger than wood
- You can easily sand out the extra spills on your wood surface.
- It also clean ups easily with water.
What we didn’t like about this product?
- The glue is not meant for structural joinery or load bearing purposes.
- The glue thickens when exposed to low temperatures
- You might also experience stains left out around your joint surfaces, which is a no-no for most people.
Commonly asked Questions about Titebond wood glue
Can you use titebond glue on wood with high moisture?
No. moisture levels of more than 10% significantly affect the speed of drying of any water based wood. If the moisture level is above 16%, it is likely that the glue will not dry at all.
Does Titebond Glue Wash out of clothes?
Yes. Immediately wet the piece of cloth using water and keep it wet all through until the glue is totally removed from the cloth. However, the adhesive does not easily come off the cloth if left to dry.
How to use Titebond Wood Glue?
Just like the gorilla wood glue, it is important that you have a clean surface of wood before you start applying the glue. Use a band saw or a portable band saw to get clean cut edges. Using a handsaw will give you an irregular wood surface that might not hold together when clamped.
First, ensure that the wood has a moisture content of less than 6-8%, and the humidity is below 50%.
On the surface of joinery, apply a sufficient amount of wood glue. Ensure that you apply adequately. Too much glue will result to a spilling and messing the joint surfaces. Lesser glue will mean that the bond will not be as strong as it should be.
After you have applied the glue to the surface, spread it out evenly with a wood brush.
Use a clamp to hold the newly joint surfaces together with the right pressure. Too much pressure will cause the glue to ooze out of the joining surfaces. Too little pressure will result to a weak bond.
Check out the price of Titebond Wood Glue on Amazon.com
Last update on 2020-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would recommend that you try using the Titebond wood glue if you are expecting to have that bond that will last a lifetime. Both of the products are selling on Amazon at a great price and you can compare the prices. The titebond sells at an amazingly cheap price on Amazon, which is worth the description and function.
Related Articles:
- Posts not found
In the article on Gorilla glue you refer it to be polyurethane based! Gorilla glue comes in 2 styles I thought. One poly and the other regular wood glue. The regular doesn’t foam out!
Hi Kenneth,
Thanks for pointing it out. I have made the corrections. Let me know how it is now.
Regards
Hello! I just came upon your review of Tightbond vs Gorilla Wood Glue. Thank you for a concise to the point article.
I do have a question that was not addressed in the comparison. Tightbond joints can be loosened by applying heat.
Do you know if the Gorilla product be loosened the same way?
Thanks!
Hi Linden,
You can loosesn Gorilla Wood glue joints by using heat too but for that you need to heat it to more than 150 degrees Farenheit. The Gorilla glue joints are resistant to temperatures below it.
I hope this answers your question.
Regards
Brendan