You've Been Using Gorilla Glue All Wrong By Skipping One Important Step

Gorilla Glue and similar adhesives are essential parts of many of our lives. Not only are they great for creating stunning DIY projects, but they're also there for us when our favorite tchotchke needs some repairs. Sometimes, though, it may seem like Gorilla Glue and similar products just aren't working the way they should. It's tempting to blame the glue for not holding, but there's a good chance the issue is actually a step you may have missed during application. Surprisingly, Gorilla Glue is actually water activated, which means it doesn't work correctly unless you dampen one of the surfaces you're gluing together first.

While there are a variety of different types of glues worth having on hand, polyurethane glues like Gorilla Glue can definitely be some of the most versatile. Not only does this type of glue work well on wood, metal, and rubber, but it's also a good option for gluing fabric, canvas, and even paper. Even better, it's sandable and paintable, making it ideal for a wide variety of DIYs. By moistening your surface before gluing and following all the recommended steps, you'll be able to take full advantage of this impressively versatile adhesive.

While polyurethane glues like Gorilla Glue are common household products, it's still important to keep safety in mind when using them. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves and goggles, and wash your hands and arms thoroughly after using glues like this. Additionally, before you start working, you should make sure all the pieces you're gluing are clean and don't have any dust or dirt on them. 

Then — and this is the part that's so easy to skip – dampen one of the surfaces you're gluing. The surface shouldn't be dripping or saturated, though, so just wiping it with a damp cloth is enough. This will make sure the glue activates. If you're gluing denser types of hardwood, it's best to dampen both pieces. Next, put a small amount of your polyurethane glue on the dry surface and then press the two together. Remember that Gorilla Glue expands, so don't go overboard when applying it. Using a disposable brush is a good way to avoid over-applying. 

Use a clamp to secure the two pieces together until they are dry. While Gorilla Glue can harden in about an hour, it can take up to 24 hours to fully cure. This is common with many different glues, which often have different curing and drying times. Remember that while Original Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane glue, the company also makes several other types of glues, including super glue, wood glue, and epoxy. Despite being made by the same company, these glues are completely different and do not require dampening your material before gluing.