You're Probably Not Waiting Long Enough For Gorilla Glue To Dry

Waiting for Gorilla Glue to dry can be time consuming and inconvenient, especially when it comes to emergency fixes like repairing a shoe that you plan to wear out of the house. However, doing so is absolutely essential for effective and long-lasting results. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes everyone makes when using Gorilla Glue around the house. Not giving the glue enough time to dry could cause the project to fail entirely. The last thing you want is for that shoe strap to snap off while you're walking, or for a chair leg to give out again after you tried to repair it. 

Avoid wasting your glue and your time by allowing it to bond for the full duration. Bonding could take anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 hours, depending on the type of Gorilla Glue you're using, the material, and size of your project. There is also cure time, which is the time it takes for the glue to harden to its maximum strength, and this takes much longer than you might think. 

There are all kinds of "hacks" out there to get super glue to dry faster, such as blasting it with a hair dryer. However, we suggest you avoid trying these at home as Gorilla Glue and super glue are fundamentally different. Though various factors influence how quickly Gorilla Glue dries, the fastest way to achieve results is by creating the optimal conditions for bonding. This includes ensuring that your surfaces are clean, dust-free, laid out flat, and slightly damp. It's also important to use the recommended amount of glue and to clamp your surfaces with enough pressure for the full duration as described in the instructions. Most importantly, avoid shortcuts and trust the process. 

The first thing you need to know is that not all Gorilla Glue is made equal. Some products, like Gorilla Super Glue used for smaller projects and household fixes, only takes 10 to 45 seconds to dry completely. Some factors will influence how fast the glue dries, such as the type of surface you've applied it to and how much glue is used. Using the recommended amount of one drop per square inch will help it dry quickly and bond correctly; too much glue can actually cause the bond to fail. After the glue is dry, allow it to cure by letting it sit undisturbed for 24 hours, which is how long the process takes. 

That said, the original Gorilla Glue has different drying requirements altogether. This product adheres to almost every possible surface with a tough industrial-quality grip, but proper application is essential to get the best results. This includes waiting the full drying time of 1-2 hours and clamping your surfaces together with the appropriate tools, such as a clamp or Gorilla Tape. Be sure to clamp with strong pressure as the glue expands as it bonds. 

Dampen one of your surfaces with water before applying the glue, using a cloth or spray bottle. Though it may seem counterintuitive, a wet surface will actually help the glue dry faster as it reacts best with water; chances are you've been using Gorilla Glue all wrong by skipping this important step. As with the Super Glue, set it aside for 24 hours to cure. Cutting corners may save you time in the short-term, but by being patient, you'll be rewarded with a high-quality, resilient bond that stands the test of time.