How to Make Gorilla Glue Dry Faster?  Top 3 Methods (Learned!)

How to make gorilla glue dry faster is one of the major concerns while using this particular glue. There’s no doubt that gorilla glue is pretty strong. But it takes too long to dry. So the question comes to my mind: how do I make this glue dry faster?

Sand the surface of the items that you will attach to before applying gorilla glue to help them dry faster. Mix vinegar and baking soda with glue that will produce moisture to cure gorilla glue in less time. After applying the glue, use a heater to fasten the process.

However, it’s not essential that you do all these things together for effective results. Doing them separately will also reduce the time gorilla glue takes to dry. Stay tuned till the end to learn the methods with step-by-step guides.

Why is gorilla glue so popular?

Gorilla glue is a strong adhesive that can join different surfaces such as metal, plastic, wood, stone, glass, and so on. It is a perfect glutenous solution to attach to most household items.

One of the main reasons why gorilla glue is so popular is its wide availability. Moreover, the price is also reasonable. Its strength makes it an easy choice.

Does Gorilla Glue Dry Instantly? Let It 24 hours to cure

No, Gorilla glue usually does not dry instantly after application. To be honest, gorilla glue doesn’t dry but wets. Typically, it takes 1 to 2 hours to set. Then it is recommended that you allow the glue at least 24 hours to cure before you start using the item that you attached.

Top 3 Methods and Steps to make gorilla glue dry faster (DIY Solutions)

You can follow multiple ways to make gorilla glue dry faster. But you might not get the same results by applying different methods.

Different methods will show different results. Here, we have listed the top 3 methods to make gorilla glue dry faster. They are:

  1. Sanding and applying heat
  2. Mix with vinegar and baking soda
  3. Use water

How to make gorilla glue dry faster? Practice with Different Methods

It’s annoying to wait for the gorilla glue to dry after applying it to different items. You may need the item functional instantly for important projects.

Things you will need for the overall 3 methods:

Here are the things you will need to make gorilla glue faster:

  • Gorilla glue
  • Portable heater
  • Fan
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Cups
  • Spoon/stick

The first and the obvious item is the gorilla glue. We recommend you get the Gorilla Clear Glue, 5.75 Ounce Bottle. It holds a large amount of glue that you also can store for later usage. Plus, the cost is also affordable.

Now, let’s start learning the top 3 methods to dry gorilla glue in less time:

Method 1: (Sanding & apply heat)

The first method you can try is to sand the surface before applying glue. It will eliminate the particles between the surfaces, making them easier to hold together.

Though we will be discussing several other methods throughout the article, we recommend you follow this method every time you try to stick two items together with the gorilla glue.

The detailed step-by-step guide is below:

Easy 4 steps to make gorilla glue dry faster:

Step 1: Prepare The Items

First, gather the items together that you want to stick—clean dust with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Sanding & Cleaning

Now, sand the areas where you will be attaching the gorilla glue. It will stick better when the surface is fully clean. That’s why you also need to use a wet cloth to clean the residues.

Step 3: Apply Glue

Let the items dry, and then start applying the gorilla glue. Although gorilla glue will work on wet surfaces, it will take longer to cure.

The best thing would be here to keep the surface a little damp. Then, attach the items together with mild pressure. Clean any extra glue with a paper towel that comes out of the joint.

Tip: Don’t use too much glue. Put a small amount that is necessary.

Step 4: Apply Heat

As you sanded the items earlier, it already reduced the curing time. But you can use direct heat to fasten the process.

A portable heater will work perfectly fine. Be careful and don’t overheat, or it may damage the items or the connection.

Alternative: You also can use a fan instead of the heater. It will cool down the gorilla glue and will reduce the drying time.

Method 2: (Vinegar & baking soda)

Gorilla glue cures faster in moisture. That’s why a test was done to see the effects of mixing vinegar and baking soda with gorilla glue.

The results were amazing. Several measurements were followed to find the perfect one. After doing the detailed experiment, we have found the best process to reduce the drying time.

Here’s the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Mix vinegar

First, take 10 drops of gorilla glue and mix it with approximately 5 drops of vinegar.

Step 2: Mix baking soda

In the second step, add a little bit of baking soda and start stirring with a stick or spoon. There’s no specific amount required for baking soda. Keep mixing it until the mixture is like toothpaste.

Caution: Don’t keep the glue unused for longer after mixing with baking soda and vinegar. It will harden the mixture and make the glue unusable.

Step 3: Applying it to the surfaces you want

After preparing the mixture, immediately start applying it to the surfaces that you want to attach. Carefully spread the glue solution lightly and press the items together.

Step 4: Let it Cure

Normally gorilla glue takes more than 1 hour to cure. Plus, manufacturers recommend giving it a full day to attach properly. However, this mixture will cure the gorilla in as low as only 45 minutes.

Related: How To Remove Gorilla Glue From Wood: 8 Easy Ways

Method 3: (use water to gorilla glue to cure faster )

As you already know, moisture helps gorilla glue to cure faster. In our third method, we will use water to prove that idea. The logical explanation here is that the water will activate the chemicals in gorilla glue and lessen the drying time.

Let’s directly dive into the step-by-step guide to using water to dry gorilla glue faster:

Easy 6 steps to increase the gorilla glue curing time:

Step 1: Pour gorilla glue into a cup

First, take a small cup and pour some gorilla glue into it. Take as much as you need for the attaching job.

Pour gorilla glue into a cup

Step 2: Add warm water to the cup

Now, add a little bit of warm water to the cup with the gorilla glue. There is no hard and fast rule here about how much water you should use. Keep it less than the glue, and that should be fine.

Add warm water to the cup

Step 3: Start mixing

Then take a stick and start stirring them together, fast. However, gorilla glue is waterproof, and it will not actually mix with the water. The idea here is to activate the chemical substances in the gorilla glue.

Add warm water to the cup and mix

Step 4: Filter out the water

After stirring the mixture for a few minutes, filter out the water from the cup. As they didn’t mix, the water will easily come out from the mixture without doing any special filtering process.

Step 5: Stir

Keep stirring the gorilla glue after removing the water. Soon it will look like plastic filler. The difference from the moment when you first pour the glue into the cup is clearly visible. Now, it’s ready for application.

Stir

Step 6: Apply

Finally, when the gorilla glue is ready, apply it to the surface of the items that you want to attach. If you need more gorilla glue, follow the same process, and it will greatly reduce the gorilla glue curing time.

How to fast cure Gorilla Glue? Let’s Know More

When you need instant results, you may want to know which one of these methods is the fastest? Or What is the fastest way to cure Gorilla Glue on wood?

The fastest way to cure gorilla glue on wood is to add baking soda and vinegar to the gorilla glue before applying. It will get hard fast and attach to the woods almost instantly.

{Check method 2 above to find the detailed process.}

Why Does Gorilla Glue Take So Long to Dry on wood? Explore the Science

Gorilla glue takes so long to dry on wood because the woods are usually dry. The gorilla glue dries faster on dampened surfaces.

Basically, it is a combination of polyurethane addition with the presence of water or similar substances.

Note: Gorilla glue takes around 30 to 45 minutes for gorilla glue to clamp on wood.

How can I speed up drying glue? (Heat application method)

If you are in a hurry, you can let the glue dry under the direct sun to speed up the process. Besides, you also can use a hair dryer to produce heat and dry the glue faster. The main idea here is to use heat to reduce the drying time for the glue.

Gorilla Glue vs Hot Glue: Is Gorilla Glue Stronger Than Hot Glue?

Gorilla glue costs higher than regular hot glue. But is it worth the extra money?

Depending on the surface you apply, gorilla glue and hot glue may act differently. However, overall the gorilla glue is stronger than hot glue.

Sometimes they act the same. But according to studies and users’ experience, hot glue doesn’t perform better than gorilla glue.

What is Stronger Than Gorilla Glue? Let’s Talk

If you need a super-strong adhesive, you may be looking for a better alternative to gorilla glue.

Epoxy resins or polyepoxides glue is a stronger adhesive than gorilla glue. Both of these glues are excellent for repairing household items and attaching equipment. But the epoxy resins have better shear strength.

Will Gorilla Glue Fill Gaps? What’s the truth?

Gorilla glue is an excellent adhesive that works amazingly on a porous surface. But it does not work well in filling gaps. Compared to gorilla glue, radical glue is better for filling gaps. It is based on hybrid polymers that enter the gaps efficiently and fill them before curing.

Does Gorilla Glue need water to cure well?

The water helps activate the polyurethane in the gorilla glue. It starts the curing process. Gorilla glue mainly requires moisture to cure well.  That means water is necessary, but finding alternative ways to produce moisture is also fine.

How is Gorilla Glue? Why is it good for repairing works?

Gorilla glue is an excellent adhesive, especially when you apply it on a wooden surface. You will need to apply the glue following the proper instructions that you will find on the body of the package, and it will stick superbly.

Plus, the gorilla glue is also water-resistant, which makes the adhesive a fantastic choice for repairing works.

How long does it take for Gorilla wood glue to set?

Depending on the surface and application process, gorilla glue may take around 20 to 30 minutes to set.

Does baking soda harden Gorilla Glue? (Things you need to know)

Baking soda hardens gorilla glue pretty fast. You can mix a few drops of baking soda with the gorilla glue and then apply it to attach different items. The mixture of clear gorilla glue and baking soda will cure faster and also harden the connection.

You also can sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on top of the gorilla glue after application. It will also harden the gorilla glue.

Which Gorilla Glue is the strongest? (Heavy Duty GorillaWeld)

Gorilla Heavy Duty GorillaWeld Steel Bond 2-Part Epoxy is the strongest gorilla glue. It has a massive strength of 4250 PSI! The Gorillweld sets in only ten minutes and creates a strong bond.

What is the difference between Gorilla Glue and Gorilla Super Glue?

The key differences between the gorilla glue and the gorilla super glue are:

FeaturesGorilla glueGorilla super glue
ComponentPolyurethaneCyanoacrylate
Require moisture to activateYesNo
Creates foamYesNo
Recommended applicationIndoor & outdoorIndoor

Final verdict

Your concern about how to make gorilla glue dry faster should be gone by now. Gorilla glue is a pretty strong adhesive to use on woods but takes longer to cure. But when you follow the methods explained above, the gorilla glue will cure in no time.

About Adam Larry

Hello everyone! I’m Adam Larry, a pro woodworker, an expert project planner, and woodworking tools expert also owner of this website. From hand tools to power tools, I have extensive knowledge of all aspects of woodworking and take pride in creating beautiful and functional pieces for clients. I feel glad to share my woodworking experience with you with enormous excitement and enthusiasm.

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