E6000 is a popular craft glue, almost in the same league as gorilla glue and super glue. However. It’s most common in glassworking, ceramics, concrete, and metalworking.
So, you may be wondering, is it applicable in woodworking? Can you use e6000 to join wooden boards or even wooden boards to other materials? If so, how strong and durable is the bond?
We answer these and similar questions below.
Does E6000 Work on Wood?
Yes, e6000 works exceptionally on wood. It strongly adheres to wood, forming unbreakable, waterproof, and chemical-resistant bonds. Moreover, it’s one of the best glues for bonding wood to metal. The only downside is that it produces a slight odor on application. Fortunately, the odor disappears once the glue cures fully.
What is E6000 Glue?
E6000 is a high-grade polyurethane glue first developed in the 1980s. Lately, it’s become a household brand among Americans, proving useful in a variety of situations. Moreover, it’s among the toughest and most versatile adhesive glues on the market.
The adhesive is manufactured by Eclectic, a US-based company that also makes sealants, epoxy coatings, and specialty coatings. More importantly, it’s a clear, self-leveling adhesive that doesn’t become brittle in cold weather. It can also withstand extremely high vibrations.
Other technical specifications of E6000 glue are as follows;
- Dielectric strength – 400 v/ml
- Elongation – 900%
- Tensile strength – 3,500 PSI
- Viscosity – 50,000-200,000
E6000 Glue Uses
What Can You Use E6000 For? The following are the most common applications;
- Plastics
- Metal
- Rubber
- Vinyl
- Masonry
- Wood
For instance, if your favorite coffee mug breaks and you aren’t prepared to part with it yet, you can reattach the pieces using E6000 glue. The same applies if you notice cracks in your leather furniture.
Apply some E6000 and wait to cure. You may not even recall the cracks.
E6000 Glue Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of E6000 glue is its versatility. The glue works for nearly every material imaginable, including plastic, ceramic, and concrete. This makes it a valuable tool to have in the home.
Besides versatility, E6000 glue stands out as one of only a handful of fully water-resistant glues. More importantly, it maintains water resistance in accidental exposure as well as intensional submersion. Thus, you can use it for water containers, such as buckets.
Many users are also excited by E6000’s high tensile strength. The glue dries to an unbreakable bond. Indeed, the item is more likely to break before the E6000 bond cracks. Therefore, you can use the glue on weight-bearing parts, similar to WD-40.
Finally, E6000 is highly flexible. Although it dries to an extremely strong bond, the adhesive has a 900% elongation rating, meaning you can pull it to 9x the original length without cracking or breaking.
Unfortunately, E6000 glue isn’t without downsides. For instance, many users complain about the “wet” smell and the fact it’s available in very small quantities (0.5 FL OZ).
However, the biggest challenge is removing it once cured. It’s almost impossible to remove cured E6000 glue from the surface in one piece.
In fact, there’s a significant risk of damaging the workpiece when removing the glue. So, how do you remove glue from wood without damaging it?
Does E6000 Glue Work on Wood Surfaces?
Yes, E6000 is an excellent adhesive for wooden surfaces. First, it’s twice as strong and 60x more flexible than regular polyurethane glues. Therefore, it guarantees a much more durable bond.
Moreover, wood naturally expands as the weather changes. For example, a 12-inch board cut across the grain expands by about ¼ an inch when wet. E6000’s flexibility means it doesn’t crack or break when the wood expands.
Also, E6000 makes a great choice for woodworking applications because it withstands indoor and outdoor elements. For instance, suppose you notice cracks in your patio chairs.
You want an adhesive that won’t succumb to extreme heat and cold. E6000 glue does that while remaining unimpacted by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
E6000 Glue woodworking applications
You can use E6000 glue for nearly every woodworking application, from original projects to repairs. However, the most common applications are;
- Filling gaps and cracks in wooden projects
- Mending wooden parts
- Waterproofing wood joints
- Assembling wooden projects without clamping
- Repairing and restoring furniture and other wooden projects
Other common uses of E6000 include decks, fencing, gazebos, pergolas, garden furniture, and patio furniture.
How long does E6000 take to dry on wood?
Typically, E6000 dries to the touch in 10 minutes and cures fully in 24 hours. It starts getting tacky in two minutes and is occasionally dry to the touch in five minutes. However, you often must wait 10 minutes for the glue to dry.
Similarly, E6000 sometimes dries completely in a matter of hours. For instance, it may cure fully in 12 hours in dry weather if the wood surface is completely dry. On the other hand, humid weather or a wet wood surface can delay the curing process substantially, typically by three or more days.
Note that a longer drying or curing time can result in a weaker bond. Therefore, you must use the glue in optimal conditions.
How strong is E6000 Glue on wood?
E6000 glue forms an extremely strong bond on wood. It penetrates deep into the wood fibres, curing to a stable bond with a shore hardness of 80 and a tensile strength of 3200. This makes it harder than the protective hats construction workers wear.
Moreover, E6000 is water resistant. Therefore, it retains extreme strength even in damp conditions. Similarly, it maintains a strong bond in humid conditions and winter weather. According to the manufacturer, it withstands temperatures ranging from -40 to 180 degrees.
You don’t need to clamp the joint to obtain a strong bond. Instead, allow the glue to cure for 24 hours and resume normal use.
Is E6000 permanent?
Yes, E6000 provides a permanent bond. Indeed, the details are in the name. It’s called E6000 Permanent Craft Adhesive because it provides a permanent bond that is washer and dryer safe.
This is good and bad news. It’s good news if you need a permanent glue that won’t come off if you wash the item or subject it to extreme temperature conditions. For instance, outdoor furniture sits through freezing winters. Therefore, lousy glue and other finishes used to paint outdoor furniture wood would easily come off in such conditions. But E6000 doesn’t.
Unfortunately, removing fully cured permanent glue is a big challenge. For instance, suppose you only realize you joined the wrong boards after the glue fully cures. You cannot separate the boards without cutting through the glue. This means you may have to damage the joint.
What does E6000 not stick to?
E6000 glue doesn’t stick to selected plastics, specifically propylene and polyethene. Strangely, it sticks to nearly all other plastics, including vinyl. For instance, E6000 easily sticks to the plastic parts in automobiles. However, two plastics – polypropylene (PP) and polyethene (PE) are notoriously stubborn, even for other adhesives.
The main reason is that most glues, including E6000, work on the principle of moisture evaporation. Exposing the glued surface to the air enables evaporation, allowing the glue to dry and cure.
But PP and PE are slippery, non-porous, low-energy surfaces that don’t permit evaporation. Therefore, the glue beads up on the surface or forms a very weak bond.
Here, find the factors influencing wood glue drying times.
Pros and Cons of Using E6000 Glue on Wood
We’ve already seen the overall pros and cons of the E6000 adhesive. But how well does it work on wood, and what are some of the expected challenges?
What We Liked Most
- Not water soluble
- It’s strong and durable
- Fire resistant
- High dimensional stability
- No adhesive fail
- It’s transparent
- It dries and cures fast
- Abrasion and impact resistant
- It’s chemical and temperature resistant
What Could Be Improved
- It emits a harsh odor on application
- It’s difficult to remove once cured
Can I Use E6000 on Painted Wood?
Yes, you can use E6000 glue on painted wood surfaces. But no, it won’t provide a strong, durable bond.
The main reason is that E6000 and other adhesives need to penetrate wood fibers to provide a strong bond. But painting creates a near-impermeable layer over the wood surface. Therefore, very little glue gets to the other side.
But, you can ensure a stronger bond for important projects. Here’s what to do;
- Clean the surface to remove dust and debris. Wipe it with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry.
- Sand the two surfaces to create tiny grooves for glue penetration. Consider medium-grit sandpaper, such as 120 grit and lightly sand the areas you wish to join.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the sanding dust. Then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
- Apply E6000 glue to the sanded surfaces and join the surfaces. Feel free to clamp for a clean joint.
- Allow the project to dry overnight.
The best news is that E6000 forms a strong, durable, and hard surface that you can paint for uniformity once the glue is fully cured.
Does E6000 Bond Wood to Metal?
Yes, E6000 is one of the best adhesives to bond wood to metal. It forms a strong bond that lasts many years with good maintenance. Moreover, E6000 bonds are weather and temperature resistant.
The bonds are also highly flexible, expanding by 9x the original length without cracking or breaking. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about cracking when the metal expands.
For this reason, the E6000 is a valuable tool when building wooden furniture with metal parts. It also works excellently when holding steel nails to wood surfaces. Apply some glue to the nail shank, then drive the nail into the wood for a permanent bond.
How to Use E6000 Glue on Wood
If it’s your first time using E6000 glue on wood, below is a step-by-step guide to follow for the best results.
Requirements
- E6000 Permanent Adhesive
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Clean rags
Bonding Wood Using E6000 Adhesive: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare for the project
Before you start applying glue to wooden parts, you need to prepare adequately. First, gather the requirements, including the E6000 adhesive, sandpaper, and clean rags.
Then, select a good day for the job. Good weather promotes strong bonding and faster drying.
Next, choose an airy location for the project, given that E6000 produces substantial amounts of fumes. Outdoors in the open is your best option. Alternatively, open the doors and winds. Finally, wear a breathing mask
Step 2: Prep the surface
This is a two-step process. First, clean the wood to remove dust, soil, and debris. A clean surface promotes stronger bonding.
Feel free to wash it with soap and water. Alternatively, use a degreaser for oily surfaces. Then allow the surface to dry.
Next, sand down the surface. A smooth surface ensures even glue spread for a uniformly strong bond. It also eliminates bumps and valleys.
Begin with 120-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 220-grit sandpaper. Then vacuum the surface to remove the sanding dust.
Step 3: Apply glue to the surface
Remove the cap from the E6000 tube and puncture the sealing foil. Then squeeze the glue onto the intended surface(s).
We recommend applying small amounts of E6000 because thicker glue doesn’t bond well. Also, thicker glue takes longer to bond and is unnecessarily wasteful.
Instead of applying more glue, focus on achieving a uniform spread, ensuring a thin glue film throughout the surfaces. Then recap the time and join the two wood surfaces.
Step 4: Remove the excess glue layer
It’s not surprising to find excess glue hanging from the edges of the joint. You should remove the excess before it dries for a consistent project. Fortunately, removing the glue before it dries is not too difficult.
Dip a clean rag in acetone and use it to rub the affected area gently. It takes a few passes to eliminate it completely.
Step 5: Allow the bond to dry and cure
E6000 dries to the touch in as little as three minutes and cures in 12-24 hours. However, it may take longer to dry in poor weather or on poorly prepped wood surfaces. For instance, the glue takes up to 72 hours to cure in cold weather.
Do not resume normal use until the glue cures fully. Also, don’t subject the bond to extreme weight or temperatures until it cures fully.
How to Remove E600 From Wood Furniture
E6000 is very difficult to remove once fully dried. But there are a few options if you must break the bond. Here’s how to use acetone to soften the bond and remove the joined wood pieces;
- Soak a cotton cloth in an acetone solution
- Dab the damp cloth on the glued surface
- Allow the bond to soften for 10-20 minutes
- Rub the area to remove E6000 from the surface
- Repeat the process until all the E6000 is completely removed
- Rub the surface with a soft cotton cloth to remove residues
E6000 vs. Other Adhesives
You’re likely wondering how E6000 holds up against other glues. The following are common comparisons.
E6000 vs. Gorilla Glue
E6000 and Gorilla glue are both great. However, most users prefer Gorilla glue because it’s more efficient and doesn’t have the foul odor found in E6000 adhesives. Also, Gorilla glue is more user-friendly for indoor projects.
That said, E6000 provides a stronger bond and is more weather resistant. Thus it makes a better choice for outdoor projects and high-pressure situations.
E6000 vs. Wood Glue
E6000 glue and wood glue are both quality options for woodworking projects. They are both strong and durable. Also, both are chemical resistant.
However, wood glue is less smelly, while E6000 is stronger and more flexible. That said, you can use E6000 in place of wood glue if you don’t mind the extra costs.
E6000 vs Hot Glue
E6000 glue is better than hot glue for most applications. First, it’s cost-effective and doesn’t require electricity. Secondly, E6000 provides a stronger, more permanent bond than hot glue.
This explains why E6000 is replacing hot glue in many jewellery projects. That said, hot glues are excellent for regular projects and more versatile than E6000.
E6000 vs. Super Glue: Is E6000 Stronger than Super Glue?
It’s very difficult to pick between E6000 and Super Glue. However, if you must, consider Super Glue. E6000 provides a slightly stronger bond – 3500 PSI vs 3000 PSI.
However, Super Glue cures faster, typically within minutes (versus 24 hours for E6000) and doesn’t require much surface preparation. Also, Super Glue is more affordable and easier to find at the local hardware store.
FAQs
Is E6000 food safe?
Unfortunately, no. E6000 is rated toxic and, therefore, unsuited for any items that come in contact with food, drinks, or water. Prolonged exposure causes dizziness, headache, and nausea. However, accidental ingestion is worse, possibly causing cancer. But it’s generally considered safe for children’s toys, especially once fully cured.
How long does e6000 take to set?
The E6000 adhesive takes ten minutes on average to set in optimal conditions. However, it can take shorter in good conditions or longer in poor conditions. Meanwhile, the full cure takes 24 hours on average and up to 72 hours in poor weather conditions. Apply heat using a handheld dryer to accelerate drying.
How strong is e6000 glue?
E6000 glue dries to a bond strength of 3500 PSI. For reference, the most durable concrete footings and slabs are 3500 PSI to 4,000 PSI. Meanwhile, sidewalks are about 2000 PSI, while driveways are 3,000 PSI. This tells you that E6000 bonds are as strong as they come. It’s almost unbreakable when fully cured.
E6000 glue cost
E6000 glue costs $3 to $9+, depending on where you buy it and the type. For instance, you can order 2.0 Oz E6000 glue on eBay for $3.14 per tube. Meanwhile, 4.0 OZ tubes cost as much as $9.96 on Amazon. That said, it’s an inexpensive glue which is even more valuable when you consider the range of applications.
How long does E6000 take to dry?
E6000 dry time is 24 hours to 72 hours. That’s how long it takes the glue to cure fully. However, you’ll notice that it becomes tacky in under five minutes and dries to the touch in about ten minutes. The extra time allows complete moisture evaporation, enabling the glue to achieve the strongest bond strength.
Can you use E6000 to hold air plants?
Yes, E6000 glue is completely safe for air plants, bromeliad, orchids, and other indoor plants. Dab a small amount of E6000 at the base of the plant or the underside of the leaves and allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes to secure the plant in place. It’s one of the best ways to style indoor plants.
So, Does E6000 Work on Wood?
E6000 is an exceptional polyurethane adhesive that works wonderfully for woodworking applications. You can use it to bond wood to wood or wood to other materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, and selected plastics.
But more importantly, it’s strong and very durable, forming a 3500 PSI bond that’s harder than concrete. So, it’s a valuable tool to have in your workshop.
Important read: How to Glue Glass to Wood.