How Long Does Gorilla Glue Take To Dry

If you need a tough, precise bonding gel, you should consider Gorilla Glue. The list of materials you can use it on is huge. You can expect it to glue together various types of surfaces, including wood, metal, stone, and ceramic. Glass, brick, concrete, and foam too. 

Gorilla Glue is an entirely waterproof adhesive that allows it to be used on both indoor and outdoor items. That versatility and its industrial holding power make it a household favorite. The question is, how long does Gorilla Glue take to dry?

The Method

Gorilla Glue needs to be activated with water to help the bonding process. Not a lot of water; only a light mist needs to be applied to the surfaces you wish to glue together, which can then be cleaned and patted dry.

Once put together, or ideally clamped, it should take fifteen minutes to harden. You should also keep the surfaces together for an hour to achieve proper curing, perhaps even two hours or longer.

Clamp Time

If you have a clamp, you should use it when applying any type of glue. Once the surfaces have been pressed together, place them in a clamp and gently, securely put them together.

If you do not have a clamp, try to put the two surfaces underneath a heavy weight, such as a few hardback books, then let gravity do the clamping. 

Using the original Gorilla Glue, you can expect the clamp time to last between one hour and two. The white version is twice as fast, so it only requires between 30 and 60 minutes. It is best practice to apply pressure evenly to achieve a strong bond.

In a clamp, that would mean ensuring that the two areas you are gluing together are covered inside the clamp. For bigger areas, it would still be advisable to use the clamp, yet you may want to glue only certain surfaces at a time. This way, you can still apply a balanced distribution of pressure. 

Drying Time

Like the clamp time, the drying time also depends on the conditions. Once the clamp time has ended, the surfaces should be removed from the clamp and left to dry. You should give the glue the full 24 hours to completely dry.

However, to achieve 80% of the total dryness, you should expect the white version of Gorilla Glue to take just a single hour. The original version’s drying time is between one and two hours. 

Quicker Drying Time

There is an ingenious way to make the Gorilla Glue cure even faster, and it only requires a single household item; sandpaper. As with any gluing, there will be two surfaces that need to be stuck together.

To get a better grip, lightly sand both of these surfaces with the sandpaper. Gorilla Glue requires some moisture, so clean both surfaces with a damp cloth and then dry it with a different cloth. 

Now you are ready to apply the glue, and only a small amount is needed on one surface. Press both surfaces together and apply some pressure, either with a clamp or some heavy objects.

If you can, use a paper towel and carefully wipe away any excess glue as this unnecessary extra adhesive could extend how long it takes to dry. 

Without this tip, Gorilla Glue will still hold really well, yet this does give a more rounded, smoother adherence and a quicker drying time. 

Consider The Weather

The drying time can also depend on the local weather conditions. If you live in a hot and dry environment, you can expect the glue to set quickly. However, setting in damp, humid, and cool conditions should take a bit longer.

Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive that sets faster in drier, warmer temperatures. If the weather outside is not helpful, try to find a warm room where you can leave the surfaces to glue together.

Use An Alternative Heat Source

It helps to be in a warm and dry location for any gluing, yet for many people, that cannot be helped. Alternatively, you can use a portable heater to replicate those ideal conditions. Even placing the surfaces on a warm radiator can help quicken the drying time.

Be careful not to get the surfaces too hot as you can cause damage, not only to the surfaces themselves but to yourself when you handle them. 

Use Vinegar And Baking Soda

If you truly want to experiment and create an even more potent adhesive, then you can use a couple of household cupboard items: mix ten drops of Gorilla Glue and five drops of vinegar in a small bowl.

Gradually stir in some baking soda until it achieves the consistency of toothpaste. You should have a thick paste that you can now apply to one of the prepared surfaces that you intend to glue. 

Just as you would with regular glue, put the two surfaces together and apply some pressure with a clamp or under some heavy items. Using a paper towel, wipe away any excess paste and leave it to dry in warm conditions. Using this homemade recipe, you should expect the paste to dry in about 45 minutes. 

Final Thoughts

Gorilla Glue is a tough and durable gel that can bond most surfaces together. From wood to metal, ceramics, rubber, and leather. It is waterproof, so you can use it to repair indoor and outdoor items.

Gorilla Glue is one of the leading multi-purpose glues though it does need some time to achieve a complete bond. 

Once your two surfaces have been prepared, you should clamp them together for at least one hour and ideally two hours. This should result in the two surfaces being stuck together, and this should be 80% dried in another one to two hours. However, for the glue to completely dry, you should leave it for a full 24 hours.