Woodworking and crafting are more than pastimes; they’re art forms that blend precision and patience with the essential tools of the trade.
Picking the right adhesive is crucial for holding your creations together. Gorilla Wood Glue and Gorilla Glue Ultimate are top choices for hobbyists and pros.
Known for their strength and dependability, these glues are staples in many workshops. But which one is right for your next project?
We’ll discuss each glue’s specifics, helping you understand which is best for your woodworking journey.
What is Gorilla Wood Glue?
Gorilla Wood Glue is a specialized adhesive designed for wood-to-wood applications. Its formula is based on polyvinyl acetate (PVA), a synthetic polymer known for its strong bonding capabilities in carpentry.
What sets it apart is its short clamp time of 20-30 minutes and a cure time of 24 hours, allowing for rapid progression through project stages. It’s particularly effective on hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites, making it versatile within its niche.
The non-toxic nature and ease of use (requiring only soap and water for clean-up) make it a favorite among home users and professionals. The glue dries to a natural wood color, offering a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish.
What is Gorilla Glue Ultimate?
Gorilla Glue Ultimate is a step up in terms of versatility and strength. This polyurethane-based adhesive is renowned for its industrial holding power and versatility.
Unlike its PVA counterpart, it’s suitable for a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, ceramic, stone, and more, making it an all-rounder in repair and building tasks.
It expands up to three times into the material when applied, ensuring a deep, gap-filling bond. This property is particularly beneficial when working with uneven surfaces or materials with pores.
It’s also completely waterproof, resistant to extreme temperatures, and suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
While it requires more careful handling, including moisture to activate and mineral spirits for clean-up, its robust performance justifies the effort.
How are they different?
• Base Material: PVA in Wood Glue provides a specific bond to wood, while polyurethane in Ultimate offers a more versatile and stronger bond.
• Setting and Curing Time: Wood Glue sets and cures faster, ideal for quick projects or when working under time constraints.
• Material Compatibility: Ultimate can bond a more comprehensive array of materials, making it suitable for complex repairs and diverse crafts.
• Waterproofing and Temperature Resistance: Ultimate excels in extreme conditions, making it ideal for outdoor projects or items exposed to moisture.
• Surface Finish: Wood Glue dries to a natural, paintable finish ideal for visible woodworking, whereas Ultimate may require more finishing work due to its expansion.
How are they similar?
• Brand Quality: Both are products of the Gorilla brand, which is synonymous with durability and quality.
• Bonding Strength: Each provides a high bonding strength, ensuring durability and longevity.
• Ease of Use: Designed with the consumer in mind, both products are relatively easy to apply with straightforward instructions.
• Safety Features: Both glues are safe when used as directed, with Gorilla Wood Glue being non-toxic and Ultimate solvent-free.
• Curing Time: Despite different initial setting times, both reach maximum strength after about 24 hours.
What’s better about Gorilla Wood Glue?
• Wood-Specific Design: It’s optimized for wood, ensuring the bond complements the natural flexibility and grain of wooden materials.
• Faster Setting: Quick setting allows for rapid movement through stages of assembly or repair without long waits.
• Ease of Finish: Its sanding and painting ability makes it perfect for projects where aesthetics are essential.
• Health and Environmental Considerations: Its non-toxic nature makes it a safer choice for frequent indoor use.
What’s better about Gorilla Glue Ultimate?
• Material Versatility: Its ability to bond diverse materials opens up a broader scope of projects and repairs.
• Gap Filling: The expansion ensures a solid bond even in the trickiest joints and gaps.
• Outdoor Suitability: Its waterproof and temperature-resistant nature makes it superior for items exposed to the elements.
• Bonding Strength: The polyurethane formula provides a tough-to-break bond, ensuring long-lasting repairs and constructions.
Who should get Gorilla Wood Glue (and why)?
Gorilla Wood Glue is the adhesive for woodworkers, carpenters, and hobbyists who prioritize ease of use, quick bonding times, and a clean finish.
It’s especially suited for indoor furniture, wooden crafts, and projects where the natural look of wood needs to be preserved. Its safety and ease of use make it ideal for educational settings or novice crafters.
Who should get Gorilla Glue Ultimate (and why)?
Gorilla Glue Ultimate is tailored for those tackling a broader range of materials or working in more demanding environments. It’s the go-to for outdoor furniture, mixed-material crafts, and heavy-duty repairs.
Professionals or DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable, versatile adhesive for various applications will find its features highly beneficial.
Gorilla Wood Glue Vs. Ultimate: A recap
Selecting between Gorilla Wood Glue and Gorilla Glue Ultimate depends on your project’s specifics. With its specialized formula and user-friendly application, Gorilla Wood Glue is ideal for wood-to-wood bonding, especially when a natural finish is essential.
Alternatively, for maximum strength and versatility across various materials and conditions, Gorilla Glue Ultimate excels.
Choose based on your project’s requirements, material diversity, and environmental exposure. Both options uphold Gorilla’s commitment to quality and durability, offering solid additions to any toolkit.