If you are tackling a new project or repairing a table or skateboard, chances are that you need some wood glue!
When picking out a wood glue for your next project, you need it to be long-lasting and resistant to certain factors. If there is a chance that the project or repair you are working on might get wet, you would want to choose waterproof wood glue.
Which is the best waterproof wood glue to choose? The best waterproof or water-resistant wood glue would be strong enough to hold materials together and to repair broken items, but would not be affected if it comes into contact with water or liquids. The bonds should be strong enough to withstand different weather and environments.
You would also want wood glue that is easy to use, which can be surprisingly hard to find!
To help you with your next project or repair, we have gone through and listed all the things to consider when purchasing waterproof wood glue, and some of the best on the market at the moment.
Buyer’s Guide – Waterproof Wood Glue
You can’t just pick up any wood glue you see online; you do have to do a little bit of research before picking the one that is best suited to your needs.
Here are some of the considerations to keep in mind when picking out the best waterproof wood glue:
1. Type Of Wood Glue
The first thing to think of is the type of wood glue you are going to be using. There are three main types to choose from:
- Cross-Linking PVA – Cross-linking PVA is the most popular type found. PVA glues are made to suit porous wood surfaces, and they absorb into the wood and cure through evaporation. To make PVA wood glue waterproof, certain polymers need to be added to the formula. They are affordable and easy to come by.
- Polyurethane – Polyurethane wood glues are known to be water-tight and to have strong bonds. They have great advantages, such as being able to bond to both porous and non-porous materials. They need to be moisture cured instead of air-cured, so they can be used for projects that need to be submerged.
- Construction Glue – Many types of construction glues are made using a combination of polyurethane and other adhesives. These are made to be used for general bonding, but not for finished projects.
2. Adhesive Strength
Adhesive strength is really important when picking out wood glue to use. Some wood glues are stronger than the bond of the wood itself, as they tear fibers from the wood when separated.
All different glues have different strengths, and some are labeled as stronger because of the strength of the bonds they can form. Some glues are meant for general bonding, and others for permanent finishes – so make sure to check that the adhesive strength is what you need before making a purchase.
3. Drying Time
You need to consider the drying time of the wood glue before making a purchase. Different types of waterproof wood glue have different drying times, so you will have to purchase one according to what your project requires.
PVA glue, which is the most common type, can take quite a long time to dry, whereas polyurethane glues take a few hours. Remember that this is the time the glue takes to fully cure, not to hold, so you might get away with a longer drying time if the glue can hold the wood together sooner.
4. Waterproof Rating
Choosing a waterproof wood glue, you would obviously need to look at the waterproof rating.
If it is not something that is going to be exposed to water too often, you don’t need anything too serious. However, if it is for a project that will be kept outdoors or in contact with water at all times, you would need wood glue that can withstand quite a bit of water and weather.
There are some glues that are labeled as being suitable for the outdoors – so look for these if your project will be exposed to different weather conditions, and make sure that it is suitable for your particular project.
5. Viscosity
Different wood glues have different viscosities. Some are thin and very runny, and others are relatively thick.
For small repairs and hairline cracks, a thin wood glue that can run into the cracks with ease is best. For more intensive jobs and for stronger adhesion, thicker glues would be a better option.
Think about what your project requires and then decide if a thicker or thinner glue would be better.
6. Color Of The Glue
You need to think about whether the color of the glue will have an effect on how your project turns out.
If the glue does not sand down very well, you do need to consider the color of the glue. It should either be clear or it should match the color of the wood.
You don’t want your project or repair to be ruined by very obvious glue lines.
7. Shelf Life
Take a look at the shelf life of the wood glue before making a purchase. You might save quite a bit of money buying a big bottle of waterproof wood glue, but if it does not have a long shelf life, it might turn bad or become ineffective before you get around to using it.
Try and work out how much glue you will need, and see if it is possible to store the remainder of the glue and use it before it turns bad.
7 Best Waterproof Wood Glues
Take a look at the below 7 best waterproof wood glues on the market for you to use. They are all suited to be used for a few different projects, so take a careful look to see which is best for the project that you are doing and which offers the best waterproof qualities for you.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue | Completely waterproof, quick-drying, 24 hr curing |
| 2. | Waterproof Titebond III Wood Glue | Strong bond, quick drying, 24 hr curing, tan color |
| 3. | Apel Premium Wood Glue For Woodworking | Extreme strength, indoor or outdoor, dries clear |
| 4. | Elmer’s Products E7503 Pro-Bond Wood Glue | 100% waterproof, non-toxic, multi-purpose |
| 5. | Grizzly One Wood Glue | 100% waterproof, cures in 5 hours, strong bond |
| 6. | Gorilla Wood Glue | Natural tan color, quick-dry, 24 hr cure |
| 7. | E7300 Carp Wood Glue Max | Dries tan, heat/mold/mildew resistant |
1. Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue
The Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue has been made to be 100% waterproof and incredibly strong, but it is still easy to clean up with some simple water, so your projects are made less complicated!
It is suited to be used for outdoor applications where there will be temperature fluctuations and exposure to moisture. However, it can also be used for indoor applications where you need extended bonding life.
The glue passes the ANSI/HPVA Type 1 water-resistance rating, so you can trust that it is as waterproof as it claims to be.
When using the glue, there is an extended working time of 15 minutes, which is still quick-drying, but with enough time to properly glue your projects correctly.
The glue only needs around 20-30 minutes of clamp time and will cure in 24-hours. Being incredibly strong and durable, once the glue has cured, it withstands against exposure to the sun, water, and extreme temperatures.
This is the perfect glue to use for outdoor and indoor projects, as you can rest assured it won’t weaken over time when exposed to the elements!
2. Waterproof Titebond III Wood Glue
The Waterproof Titebond III Wood Glue is a reliable wood glue to use for both indoor and outdoor purposes. It is a specialized wood glue that has been formulated to not be affected by finishes.
The glue will begin to harden in 10 minutes, which is a good time to work with to get your project bonded. The full curing time of the wood glue is 24 hours, and once cured, it is a strong bond that will not easily be broken.
With a tan color, the glue will suit many different wood projects well and will be difficult to see. For many woodworking purposes, this is a great option, as it can be used both indoors and outdoors and it is reliable and fairly easy to work with!
3. Apel Premium Wood Glue For Woodworking
The benefit of using this water-resistant glue is that it is quick-drying, so you do not have to wait for too long for your project to be properly bonded. It is touch-dry within 10 minutes, so you can carry on with the project in a short time.
This water-based PVA wood glue has a powerful bonding ability and offers high-quality and extreme strength. The D3 formula provides an extremely tight surface bond, which is ideal to use on hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites.
The glue can be used both indoors and outdoors, as it is water-resistant and will not be affected by moisture.
Being water-based, the glue hardens and builds up strength through evaporation or when absorbed into the substrates. It can be easily cleaned with water too!
When dried, the glue has a clear color, so it will not be obvious on your project, and this makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
4. Elmer’s Products E7503 Pro-Bond Wood Glue
The Elmer’s Products E7503 Pro-Bond Wood Glue is a professional-strength, all-purpose, multi-surface glue.
It can be used to form bonds with metal, glass, wood, stone, concrete, ceramics, and more. The benefit of this glue is that it is 100% waterproof, but non-toxic and non-foaming as well.
It is suitable to be used on both indoor and outdoor projects and will create a lasting bond that is difficult to break. The glue can be used in both hot and cold climates, and being non-toxic, is great for the whole family to use for a range of projects.
If you are looking for waterproof glue that can be used for many different purposes, this is a great option.
5. Grizzly Glue Wood Glue
The Grizzly Glue Wood Glue is an industrial-strength polyurethane adhesive that does not require any mixing to start using. It is 100% waterproof and as strong as you could want glue to be!
It is suitable to be used on oily wood and wet stone, but it will bond to any two materials given that one is porous.
The working time of the glue is 25-35 minutes, and it only requires a clamp time of 2-5 hours, so you do not wait for the bond to form for as long as you do with some other types of wood glue on the market.
It can be used for both interior and exterior applications thanks to its waterproof abilities and the fact that it can withstand different temperatures as well.
The glue can also be sanded and scraped easily – so you can blend it in with the natural look of your project when done.
6. Gorilla Wood Glue
The Gorilla Wood Glue is rated as Type II waterproof by the ANSI/HPVA, which means it is suitable to be used both indoors and outdoors, but it is not as waterproof as the Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue.
However, it is still suitable for many different projects outdoors. It requires only 20-30 minutes of clamp time and will cure within 24 hours.
It is best suited to be used on hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites – so for many different woodworking projects.
When dry, the wood has a natural color, so it offers a natural bond line. With its quick-drying abilities and the fact that it is waterproof, this is a great wood glue to keep on hand for many different projects!
7. E7300 Carp Wood Glue Max
The Elmer’s E3700 Wood Glue Max has a tan color when dried, making it great for many different woodworking projects.
It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and it is fully waterproof to stand up against temperature changes and different weather conditions outdoors.
When dried, the glue is fully stainable, so you can hide the tan color with the stain you are using for the rest of your project.
To make it even more suitable for outdoors, the glue is heat-resistant, mold-resistant, and mildew resistant too. The bond formed is stronger than wood, but it is still easy to clean up with some simple water!
Final Thoughts
The best waterproof wood glue would depend on the project you are needing the wood glue for! For outdoor projects that will be exposed to moisture and weather changes, a 100%, strong waterproof wood glue would be best.
There are some wood glues that can be used for indoor projects as well, which do not have such a high waterproof rating as others, but which can still withstand some moisture.
Understanding what your project requires first will help you pick out the best wood glue for your needs!
Related Questions
What Is The Strongest Type Of Waterproof Wood Glue?
The strongest type of waterproof wood glue would be polyurethane-based wood glue. It is strong, versatile, and ideal to be used for both interior and exterior projects.
It dries to a natural-looking color too, which allows it to blend easily into the wood and is suitable for many different projects.
How Long Should Wood Glue Last Before Unclamping?
How long a wood glue should be left to dry before unclamping will depend on the glue and the manufacturer’s recommendation, but this is usually a 24-hour wait. The longer you wait, the stronger the bond will be when you do remove the clamps.
Always use the recommended clamping time on the bottle of the wood glue to ensure you have left it to dry while clamped for long enough, or the bond might not form strong.
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