Ask any carpenter or woodworker, and they’ll tell you just how rewarding it’s to work on a project. The exciting feeling you get right when you have an awesome woodworking project idea is quite indescribable.
We here know that feeling all too well! Do you know what else we know? Any good carpenter should have good wood glue in their arsenal. So this will be a complete Elmers Carpenters wood glue review along with everything you need to know.
By the end of this article; you’ll know all about Elmer’s wood glue and much more. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Brand Overview: How It All Started
Elmer’s has been in the game for quite a while. They started their journey way back in 1947.
It’s no wonder, then, with the massive experience they have in the field, the brand name is a beloved name for all carpenters and woodworkers across America.
The brand makes some solid PVA glues and school glues for use in educational facilities.
Difference between Elmer’s Wood Glue Versions
Currently, Elmers makes the Elmers Wood Glue and Elmers Wood Glue Max. We’ll talk about the specific features in more detail in the review section.
So what’s the difference then?
Well, there’s only one minor difference between the regular one and the Max variant. The regular version isn’t waterproof. Elmers Wood Glue Max is. That means you can use the Max variant indoors and outdoors.
We would recommend you go with the Max. Since the cost of both is very similar, it doesn’t make sense to let go of the extra weatherproof functionality of the Elmer’s Wood Glue Max.
Elmer’s Wood Glue Features
What’s so great about Elmer’s wood glue, then? You’d be surprised by just how many there are. Let’s get into those.
Minimal Clamp Times
One of the best things about the carpenter’s wood glue from Elmer’s is that it doesn’t require long clamp times. Traditional wood glue may require keeping the two parts clamped for up to 24 hours!
Elmer’s glue needs a much shorter time. It’ll work with just 20 to 30 minutes of clamp time. But we recommend you keep it clamped for at least an hour to be on the safe side.
Stronger Bond Than Wood
Elmer’s glue gives you a phenomenal bond and glue strength. It actually creates a bond that’s even stronger than the wood around the glue. That’s quite impressive if you ask us.
Safe and Non-toxic
This glue is completely non-toxic. That means you can use it around pets and animals without worry. You won’t feel any irritation or any other symptoms. Now, there’s a word of caution we need to mention here.
It can’t be ingested, though. That’s big no-no. Elmer’s wood glue food-safe properties make it great for use in the kitchen as well.
Waterproof
Elmer’s Wood Glue Max is waterproof. This makes it the perfect choice for use indoors as well as outdoors application. And, of course, in the kitchen or bathroom.
Think of it this way; if you have a place where the humidity is high, you can reply on Elmer’s to perform.
Humidity also plays a role in the drying time or curing time. Elmer’s wood glue dry time is somewhere around the 24-hour mark.
But this depends on the circumstances. But Elmers wood glue drying time isn’t that bad at all for most folks.
Can be Sanded, Painted, and Stained
PVA glue doesn’t do well with paint and stains. Elmer’s one is an exception. They managed to fine-tune their formula to ensure that it works well.
What Material Does Elmer’s Wood Glue Work On?
One of the most common questions you’d have is what materials can you use this glue on. Well, the answer to this is very simple.
It’s mostly designed to join wood to wood. You aren’t stuck with just wood, though. Anything similar with a porous surface will work.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the applications:
| Works On | Doesn’t Work On |
| Wood | Metal |
| Cardboard | Glass |
| Paper | Ceramic |
| Leather | Non-wood materials |
| Any Natural Fabric | Plastic |
Super glue is a very strong material. But it’s best that you use the right type of wooden materials.
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Is Elmer’s Wood Glue Food-Safe?
Since Elmer’s wood glue is non-toxic, you can bet that they’re also food safe. That’s why it can be used on join cutting boards and in the kitchen.
If you get some on your hands, you can easily wash it off. And It won’t even release any fumes.
Elmer’s Wood Glue vs Titebond
Here’s the thing; let’s not pretend that Elmer’s is the only brand that makes good wood glue. Other brands do it well too. A widespread comparison that is made all the time is Elmer’s wood glue vs Titebond.
How do they stack up to each other? Both are good options. Titebond has a couple of variants as well. Titebond 2 is one that provides a good middle ground when it comes to water resistance. But it gives you partial water resistance.
We would still recommend Elmer’s for someone who wants reliable glue for wood projects and materials.
How to Use Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue?
So, you know all about the glue and how it works. Now let’s dive into what’s the best way to use their wood glues.
Step 1 – Prep wood
Before you even apply any glue to wood, you need to prepare it first. Clean and dry the surfaces completely. If needed, you can sand it down to smoothen. Sanding will get rid of varnish, paint, and finish. That’ll give you a stronger bond.
Step 2 – Applying the glue
Start by applying a thin layer of glue to both surfaces. You need to apply both pieces of wood. This is quite important to keep in mind.
Manufacturers recommend you apply it on both sides. Just a thin layer of glue will be enough for a strong bond. Use only what you need to cover the surface.
Step 3 – Clamp!
Clamping is very important. PVA glue needs enough clamping time to ensure that the bond is strong. Since Elmer’s wood glue has a short clamping time, it’ll be easier.
We recommend no less than 20 to 30 minutes. But an hour is great for total strength.
Step 4 – Clean up
Now comes the tedious part – clean up. You need to clean up excess glue while it’s wet. You can use a damp cloth to clean it. Don’t leave any on the nozzle of the bottle, either.
Step 5 – Store in place
Once you’ve applied the glue, cleaned up the excess, keep it in a cool and dry place. Don’t keep it under direct sunlight. Make sure it’s away from heat and moisture. And Voila! That’s it.
Step 6 – Safety Data Sheet
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Then this one will be right up your alley. Here’s a complete Elmer’s Probond Max Glue review.
This super glue should be great for all kinds of DIY projects. And it’s no surprise that the bond is super solid.
The item volume is 160 Oz, and the bottle is a durable one that won’t break. Plus, it’s pretty easy to apply as well, thanks to the squeegee nozzle.
You need to be careful of water and moisture when applying it, though. Since this is a PVA type of wood glue, everything we mentioned before applies here.
This is a highly water-soluble glue. Whatever surface, either with grain patterns or wood grains, you’ll be using it on, should be clean and dry.
With a product description like that, it isn’t surprising to see why this has rave reviews from customers on Amazon.
As we mentioned before, these types of wood adhesives work with wood and similar surfaces, keeping the natural tones. But that’s not the end. The shelf life of it is impressive as well.
Highlighted Features
Easy Squeegee Bottle
One of the most annoying things is getting glue on your hands. You can say goodbye to annoyances like that with this item. The convenient bottle it comes in makes it very seamless to use.
You can just squeeze it onto the surface directly. And your hands will be ‘glue-free’. You can use a damp rag to clean off excess glue from your hands.
For Both Interior and Exterior Use
Versatility is something this one has nailed down. You can use this glue for both interior and exterior use.
Whether you have a wooden piece of furniture or a small nick in your wooden furniture indoors or have a small passion project you’re working on outdoors, this glue will come in handy.
Non-toxic and Pet Friendly
It’s a non-toxic, no harmful fumes glue. That means if you have little four-legged friends in your house, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Of course, we would recommend you be careful about them not eating the glue. But in general, it’s a safe glue to use around pets.
Waterproof and Stainable
Although it’s water-soluble, once this super glue is set, it’s super water-resistant. This means it’s great for indoor projects and outdoor projects. Apply it, let it set, and forget it. Elmer’s Wood Glue waterproof feature is something that you’ll love for sure.
Pros
- Easy to use thanks to the squeegee bottle design.
- Water-resistant making it perfect for outdoor projects.
- Non-toxic which means it’s safe around pets.
- Great bonding strength for wood surfaces.
Cons
- Highly water-soluble, surfaces need to be completely dry when applying.
Elmer’s Wood Glue Buying Guide
You might ask yourself; there’re other supposedly strong glues. We’re sure you’ve heard of names like Gorilla glue and Krazy glue.
Knowing what to look for is very important in that case. That’s why we decided to add a small buying guide to help you get a better idea about it all.
Click here to view Elmer’s Wood Glue on Amazon
Glue Strength
This one’s the single most important feature you need to look out for. At the end of the day, its job is to hold two pieces together. If it lacks the bond strength, it won’t work that well, now will it.
Shelf Life
You wouldn’t want to keep buying a new bottle every couple of months. If you aren’t a hardcore user, the bottle might sit for a while. Look for ones that have a good shelf life which will help it last longer.
Clamping Time
Elmer’s product only requires 20 to 30 minute clamp time. This will be a blessing in disguise when you’re using it. You need to look for ones that have such short clamping times when possible.
Water Resistance
This feature is great if you want versatility. With proper water resistance, you’ll be able to use it for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Non Toxic, No Harmful Fumes
All glues can be very toxic if ingested. But some are non-toxic to be around. Only consider non-toxic glues. Food safety is important too. That’ll allow you to use the glue in the kitchen.
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FAQs
What are the ingredients?
PVA stands for Polyvinyl Acetate. That’s the primary ingredient for Elmer’s PVA glue as well.
Can I mix Elmer’s Wood Glue with Sawdust?
You can! This trick is used mainly to that it dries the same color as the original one. Wood has a natural color. Ideally, you would want the joint to be that color as well.
But since Elmer’s wood glue will dry a natural yellow color, it does give off a natural wood color look. Thus mixing it with sawdust won’t be necessary.
How to thin Elmer’s Wood Glue?
You can thin be just by adding a little water. But be aware that the bonding strength will weaken. We don’t recommend you thin the glue since you can use it straight from the bottle it comes in.
Does Elmer’s Wood Glue Expand?
This is a common question. Good news! Both of Elmer’s glue doesn’t expand. You don’t need to worry about any weakened joints due to expansion.
How to remove Elmer’s Wood Glue?
You can use a damp rag or cloth to clean it up from the pieces of wood while the glue is still wet and not completely dry.
Letting it dry can be a pain when it comes to taking off. You’ll need to sand it or grind down the wood a little bit. If you got some on your clothes, wash them right away.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. Now you all there is to know about Elmer’s wood glue. Our review of the Elmers Carpenters Wood Glue review should get you up to speed about everything.
These glues are very high strength and versatile. If you have any wood projects, you won’t regret going for Elmer’s.