Gorilla Glue is known for repairing things other adhesives can’t. It has now become a household name for the DIYers, woodworkers, and builders to fixing broken chairs or outdoor repairs. But Gorilla Glue isn’t a single product. It’s a wide universe of adhesives and knowing which one to pull out of the toolbox can mean the difference between a successful completion and a frustrating failure.
This guide explains Gorilla Glue in clear, so you can choose the right type, use it correctly, and avoid common mistakes.
Where Gorilla Glue Came From
Gorilla Glue was founded in the 1990s, in Ohio. The original product was a polyurethane adhesive intended for strong, lasting bonds. What was different about it was how it reacted with moisture. Instead of merely drying, it expanded and bridged cracks during the curing process.
The brand expanded to include more products over time. These days, Gorilla Glue actually includes wood glue, super glue, epoxy and construction adhesive. They’re each designed for a particular type of work, but they have in common an emphasis on strength and durability.
What Makes Gorilla Glue Different
Most glues dry by air exposure. Gorilla Glue works differently. The original formula cures through a chemical reaction with moisture. This reaction causes the glue to expand and harden into a very strong bond.
This expansion is helpful because it fills small gaps and uneven surfaces. At the same time, it means you must use less glue than you think and clamp parts well.
Once fully cured, original Gorilla Glue is completely waterproof. It does not weaken with rain, humidity, or even long-term water exposure.
Types of Gorilla Glue and When to Use Them
Gorilla makes several types of glue. Each has a different purpose.
Original Gorilla Glue (Polyurethane)
This is the brown glue most people think of first. It expands as it cures and creates extremely strong bonds. It works on wood, metal, stone, foam, ceramic, and more. Once cured, it is 100% waterproof and handles temperature changes very well.
It is best for outdoor projects, repairs with small gaps, and jobs where different materials are joined together.
Gorilla Wood Glue (PVA)
This glue is made for woodworking. It does not expand and behaves like traditional yellow wood glue. It spreads easily, dries clear, and sands well.
It is best for furniture, cabinets, shelves, and indoor wood projects where joints fit tightly and clean results matter.
Gorilla Super Glue
This glue bonds almost instantly. Best used on non-porous surfaces, such as plastic, metal, rubber and ceramic. The gel version is more adhesive, and it doesn’t drip.
Perfect for fast fixes on-the-go because no clamping is necessary.
Gorilla Epoxy
Epoxy comes in two parts that are mixed together. Once cured, it forms an extremely hard and strong bond. It fills larger gaps and works on many materials at once.
It is ideal for heavy duty repairs, metal bonding and filling voids on outdoor jobs and when maximum strength is required.
Gorilla Construction Adhesive
This adhesive is designed for construction and renovation work. It goes on with a caulking gun, and can hold heavy materials such as wood, drywall and concrete.
It is mainly for large projects, not small household repairs.
Gorilla Glue Types at a Glance
| Type | Key Feature | Best Materials | Cure Time |
| Original Polyurethane | Expands, waterproof | Wood, metal, stone, foam | 1–2 hrs set, 24 hrs full |
| Wood Glue (PVA) | Clean joints, sandable | All wood types | 20–30 min clamp |
| Super Glue | Instant bond | Plastic, metal, rubber | 10–45 seconds |
| Epoxy | Gap-filling, very strong | Mixed materials | 5 min set, 24 hrs |
| Construction Adhesive | Heavy duty | Building surfaces | ~30 seconds grab |
How Gorilla Glue Bonds So Strongly
Original Gorilla Glue needs moisture to work. Lightly dampening one surface starts the chemical reaction. As the glue cures, it expands and hardens, locking into pores and cracks.
Wood glue works differently. It soaks into wood fibers and hardens as water evaporates. This creates joints that often break in the wood itself, not the glue line.
Super glue reacts with tiny amounts of moisture in the air and bonds almost instantly. Epoxy cures through a chemical reaction between resin and hardener, creating a strong, waterproof seal.
Everyday Uses That Actually Work
Original Gorilla Glue works on outdoor furniture, fences, planters, boats, and stone repairs. It survives rain, heat, cold and relentless moisture without fail.
Wood Glue is best for tables, chairs, shelves, and cabinets. It dries neatly and is easy to clean before it sets.
Super Glue is good for glasses, toys and small plastic parts as well as household repairs.
Epoxy is useful for metal repairs, cracked ceramics, automotive parts, and projects where strength matters more than appearance.
Gorilla Glue Compared to Other Adhesives
| Factor | Gorilla Original | Regular Wood Glue | Epoxy | Basic Super Glue |
| Gap Filling | Excellent | Poor | Good | None |
| Waterproof | Yes | Some | Yes | No |
| Speed | Medium | Fast | Slow | Instant |
| Cleanup | Hard after cure | Easy when wet | Solvent | Acetone |
| Best Use | Outdoor & mixed | Indoor wood | Structural | Quick fixes |
How to Use Gorilla Glue Correctly
Clean and dry all surfaces first. Light sanding helps rough surfaces bond better.
For original Gorilla Glue, lightly dampen one surface. Apply a thin layer to the other surface. Use clamps to hold parts together firmly. Leave clamped for at least one to two hours.
Wood glue should be applied to both wood surfaces and clamped until set.
Super glue needs only a tiny drop and no clamp.
Always wait 24 hours before stressing the joint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much glue causes excess foam and mess. Gorilla Glue expands, so less is better.
Skipping clamps can let expansion push parts apart.
Exposing glue to water before it fully cures weakens the bond.
Using the wrong glue for the job leads to poor results, such as using wood glue on metal.
Safety and Handling Tips
Put on gloves to shield your skin. Work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid eye contact and keep adhesive out of reach of children and pets.
If it comes in contact with skin, do not wash using water. Let it dry and wear off, or carefully apply acetone.
Store glue tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts
Gorilla Glue is powerful, waterproof and incredibly durable when used properly. It’s not the best option for every job, but when it comes to fixing outdoor repairs, gap-filling and mixing dissimilar materials, it is hard to beat.
Keep more than one type of glue on hand. Use Gorilla Glue where strength and durability matter most, and choose simpler glues for clean indoor work.
Used properly, Gorilla Glue will outlast the materials it holds together, and that’s why year after year people turn to it.
