Mistakes Commonly Made When Using Superglue Around The House

When considering the different types of glue to have on hand for home and garden upkeep, superglue probably ranks high on the list. It is strong, highly versatile, and easy to use, helping you save treasured items or conduct more routine home maintenance tasks. Superglue, which is technically called cyanoacrylate glue, is an acrylic resin. This makes it different from traditional glue, which is water-based. It cures quickly, helping you put broken items back to use as fast as possible.

While you certainly don't need an advanced degree to use superglue, some mistakenly see its use as completely foolproof. Such false assumptions can lead to a variety of mishaps that have the potential to interfere with the strength of the bond, threaten your safety (or that of others in the home), or cause the glue to dry up before you even get a chance to use it. Continue reading to learn more about how to prevent these and other mistakes that stop you from experiencing all the benefits that superglue has to offer.

Superglue is so strong that even dust or other debris can't stand in the way of it bonding two items together, right? Unfortunately, if you've been following this reasoning, then you've been making a common superglue mistake. Cleaning the surfaces of the two items/parts that you wish to glue together is essential to ensure a strong bond.

As small as they may be, those little specks of dust or other debris can actually interfere with the strength of the bond. The bond will be the strongest when both items have a high surface energy, meaning they have a strong molecular attraction to the glue. The presence of dust and other contaminants decreases the surface energy of an object, weakening the bond.

Grease, dust, dirt, rust, and other contaminants should be cleaned away before you start working with the superglue. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the surfaces; unlike paper towels and some other rags, microfiber towels like AIDEA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths won't leave behind any lint to further interfere with the bonding process. After cleaning, allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Cleaning the surfaces you wish to bond together isn't the only prep work you'll need to complete before pulling out that bottle of superglue. When you're working with two smooth materials, you'll also want to take a few minutes to roughen them up. Slightly textured surfaces will adhere to one another better than those that are smooth and slick.

Roughening up a surface is simple; you'll just need sandpaper, like the 3M General Purpose Sanding Sheets, or some steel wool, such as the Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbers. Carefully rub only the area where you plan to apply the glue with the sandpaper or the steel wool to give it some texture. Once you have roughed it up, you'll want to pull that microfiber cloth back out to remove any bits of wood, plastic, or other debris left behind during the sanding process. This way, you won't have to worry about these debris lowering the surface energy and interfering with the bonding process.

One very common mistake people make when using Gorilla Glue and other types of superglue is applying too much of the adhesive. Many assume that more glue will result in a stronger bond. However, when you're working with superglue, the opposite is actually true. The adhesive begins to create the bond as soon as it is applied to the material, and reacts to the air and moisture that is present. 

If you end up adding more than the recommended amount of glue, the adhesive's strength will weaken because it'll take longer to bond, and therefore will be less effective. Instead, remember that less is more when it comes to superglue — use only one drop for every square inch or so. You'll want to work quickly to apply the glue and attach the other piece/item so that the bond can form right away.

Depending on what you need to superglue, you may want to consider using an activator spray. Also called an accelerator, this type of spray product helps ensure a faster curing time and a stronger bond between the two surfaces. Without an activator spray, curing time can be largely dependent on environmental factors, specifically the humidity level. Superglue requires some moisture in order to cure, so in very dry climates, the cure-time can take longer, potentially resulting in a weakened bond. 

Using a cyanoacrylate activator, like the Starbond CA Glue Accelerator, will essentially provide the moisture that you may be lacking, thus speeding up the cure time. The accelerators are typically acetone-based, which evaporates quickly and leaves behind the activator ingredient. To use it, simply spray the accelerator on one item/part to be glued, and apply the glue to the other, and then just stick them together.

Sometimes the items that you wish to superglue together don't line up perfectly. Whether you're trying to glue an oddly-shaped accessory onto a flat surface or want to fix a broken vase, you may find that there are a few gaps or cracks between the items. Not only can these gaps impact the aesthetics of the finished product, they may also interfere with the strength of the bond. Fortunately, you can pair baking soda with superglue to help you fix a variety of items.

That's right, the pantry staple that you use for everything from baking cookies to cleaning your toilet can also be a lifesaver when it comes to creating a bond between two items with superglue. That's because the bicarbonate in baking soda reacts with the superglue to form a exothermic reaction that strengthens the bond to the cyanoacrylate molecules, and also speeds up cure time. After you've applied the superglue, simply shake a little baking soda over it, paying attention to areas with gaps. It will help fill them in for a smoother finish. So, not only will the finished product look better, the glue will also cure quickly and create a strong bond.

While superglue can help you create strong bonds between several types of materials, it is not suitable for use on everything. You can use it with certain types of plastic, but you should not assume that it will work with all plastic. Polypropylene and polyethylene plastics and superglue just don't mix. These plastics have a low surface energy, which prevents superglue from forming a strong bond. In fact, the bond may be less than half as strong as it would between other materials.

You'd be better off choosing an adhesive specifically designed for use with plastics, such as the Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System. Even non-polypropylene or polyethylene plastics may not bind quite as well when you use regular superglue due to their incredibly smooth and slippery texture. If you are going to try using superglue with them, be sure to follow the advice above and rough them up with some sandpaper first.

If one of your mugs, glasses, or plates breaks, it might be tempting to use superglue to bond the pieces back together. However, doing so is not a good idea. Most superglue formulations are not considered food-safe. Using the adhesive on anything that will come into contact with foods or beverages could result in unsafe toxins being leached into them.

If you do need to fix any items that come into contact with things you'll consume, you'll want to look for a food-safe glue, such as Cocomfix Ceramic Glue. The food-grade formula is odorless and can safely be used on items that will hold food or beverages — it's high temperature resistant too, which is perfect for things that'll go in the dishwasher. If you're choosing an adhesive for your kitchenware, just be sure to read the information from the manufacturer carefully to ensure that it is food-safe.

While superglue can be exposed to heat, its heat-resistance only lasts to a certain point. Most standard superglues are only able to withstand temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you'll want to avoid fixing any household items that are exposed to high levels of heat. For example, if a piece of your flat iron or air dryer broke off, you won't want to choose superglue to try to repair it, as both of these items reach very high temperatures. Even though the part you repair may not be the metal iron itself, you can imagine that any part of the tool will be exposed to high temperatures.

If you do need to repair something that is exposed to heat, you'll need to look for a specially-labeled superglue. For example, allyl cyanoacrylates have a higher heat resistance, making them a much more suitable choice. The Aron Alpha Industrial Krazy Glue is an option to consider — it is heat safe up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Note, though, that tools like flat irons can exceed 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so even the allyl cyanoacrylate glue may not be a good fit.

Electronics are another type of item that you should avoid using superglue on. Generally speaking, any type of glue is not the best choice when you need to repair electrical devices or wiring. These adhesives can cause corrosion or leak and damage other parts of the equipment. Depending on exactly what you need to repair, you're likely much better off using screws, tape, or snaps.

If you do need to use glue due to the scope or nature of the repair, do not choose superglue. The chemicals in the formula may off-gas and cover your devices with a thin, white haze. Look for a glue that is specifically labeled as safe to use on electronics. Epoxy, silicon, polyurethane, and even some non-cyanoacrylate acrylic glues may be labeled as such. As an example, Alecpea T-7000 Adhesive Glue is safe to use when repairing electronics.

Put down the bottle of superglue if you need to repair any leather, cotton, or wool. While the glue may help you create a strong bond between these materials, its use may create other problems. When superglue cures, it is very hard and rigid. Fabrics need to be able to flow and flex, so using it alongside these materials could prevent them from moving as desired or may cause the hard glue to snap and break the bond that was formed. For example, if you use superglue to mend a rip in a leather jacket, think about how the material needs to move with your body — the glue will get in the way of that happening.

Instead, you should search for a fabric glue (such as the E6000 Fabri-Fuse) or leather glue (like the Aleene's Leather & Suede Glue) that is specifically formulated for the material you are working with. These glues will be more flexible when cured, allowing the fabrics to stretch and move as needed.

If you recently broke a favorite glass decor item and you want to attempt to repair it, you should probably stay away from superglue. We already explained why you shouldn't use the adhesive on glassware that you plan to drink out of (because it isn't food-safe), but it is probably best to just avoid using superglue on most types of glass altogether. The problem is that superglue's bond isn't always as strong or long-lasting on glass. The glue isn't as resistant to UV lights or moisture, which can further weaken the bond on these materials. In fact, most times, you'll find that the two pieces will just unstick the second you let go of them, making the adhesive unhelpful.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to superglue that will be much more effective when it comes to repairing glass treasures and other items. With a quick search, you can find various glass glues, such as the Loctite Glass Glue, that are formulated specifically for this task. This glue dries clear, helping you achieve seamless repairs of glass items. It is also heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and waterproof (though it still is not food-safe).

If you don't store superglue properly, you run the risk of the adhesive curing and hardening in the tube or bottle, rendering it useless for your next project. There are a few simple tips to follow that will help you learn how to properly store it so that it is ready when you need it. First, always keep superglue in its original tube or bottle, and be sure to put the lid back on tight after each use. If the lid is left off, or if you transfer the glue to a different container, then you're increasing the chances of moisture mixing with the glue, which will cause it to cure.

Where you store superglue also matters. Since moist and humid environments will make it more likely for the glue to harden in its container, choose a cool and dry location — even somewhere as cold as the refrigerator. Place the glue in a sealable food storage bag to prevent condensation. You can also consider putting a silica gel packet, such as Sukh Silica Packets, in the bag with the superglue bottle. The desiccant will absorb any moisture that is present, keeping it away from the adhesive. If you do opt to store your superglue in the refrigerator, or another cold location, just pull it out an hour or so before you plan to use it. This will give it time to return to room temperature and be ready for use.