Contact Cement vs Gorilla Glue | In-Depth Comparison
Contact cement and gorilla glue are both powerful and versatile adhesives that can be used for various projects and purposes.
However, they also have some differences that might affect their performance and suitability for different materials and situations.
Contact Cement is a solvent or water-based adhesive that bonds two surfaces on contact, while Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane-based adhesive that expands as it cures.
I will try to conclude the battle between them by comparing contact cement vs gorilla glue in this article.
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What is Contact Cement?
Contact cement is a type of adhesive that forms a bond when two surfaces are pressed together. It can be solvent-based or water-based, and it usually comes in a liquid or gel form.
Contact cement works well on materials such as plastics, leather, rubber, veneers, laminates, metals, and wood.
Contact cement is ideal for projects that require a fast and permanent bond, such as repairing shoes, furniture, countertops, or flooring.
What is Gorilla Glue?
Gorilla glue is a brand name of a polyurethane-based adhesive that forms a bond when it reacts with moisture.
Gorilla glue can be used on materials such as metal, rubber, ceramic, glass, wood, stone, paper, leather, and more.
You can use Gorilla glue to fix cracks, gaps, and breaks in various objects that need a strong and waterproof bond.
Contact Cement vs Gorilla Glue Comparison Table
| Feature | Contact Cement | Gorilla Glue |
| Bonding mechanism | Bonds on contact | Bonds on moisture |
| Clamping time | None | 1-2 hours |
| Curing time | None | 24 hours |
| Expansion during curing | None | Up to 3 times |
| Strength | Strong and flexible | Very strong and durable |
| Surface compatibility | Smooth and rough surfaces | Rough surfaces with more moisture |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes |
Comparison Between Contact Cement and Gorilla Glue
Based on the features of contact cement and gorilla glue described above, we can summarize some of the main differences between them as follows:
Composition
Contact Cement is a type of adhesive that contains either a solvent or water base and a synthetic rubber resin.
The solvent or water evaporates when the adhesive is applied, leaving behind a thin layer of rubber that sticks to the surface on contact.
Contact Cement can be either clear or colored, depending on the brand and variant.
Gorilla Glue is a type of adhesive that contains polyurethane, a synthetic polymer that reacts with moisture to form a foam-like substance.
The polyurethane expands as it cures, filling in the gaps and creating a strong bond between the surfaces. Gorilla Glue is usually brown or white in color, depending on the variant.
Application
Contact Cement requires a two-step process to apply. First, you need to apply a thin and even layer of Contact Cement to both surfaces that you want to join.
Then, you need to wait for the adhesive to dry until it becomes tacky (usually 5 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the layer).
Finally, you need to press the surfaces together firmly and align them correctly. Once the surfaces are in contact, the bond is instant and permanent.
Gorilla Glue requires a one-step process to apply. You only need to apply a small amount of Gorilla Glue to one of the surfaces that you want to join.
Then, you need to moisten the other surface with water (since Gorilla Glue needs moisture to cure).
Finally, you need to clamp the surfaces together tightly and hold them in place for about 10 to 45 seconds until the glue sets. The glue will continue to cure for an hour or two until it reaches its full strength.
Drying Time
Contact Cement dries faster than Gorilla Glue.
Contact Cement takes about 5 to 15 minutes to dry before you can join the surfaces together. However, once the surfaces are in contact, the bond is immediate and irreversible.
Gorilla Glue takes about 10 to 45 seconds to set before you can release the clamp. However, it takes an hour or two to cure completely and reach its maximum strength.
Read More: E6000 vs Contact Cement
Bond Strength
Both Contact Cement and Gorilla Glue offer a strong and durable bond for various materials.
However, Contact Cement may have an advantage over Gorilla Glue when it comes to bonding smooth and non-porous materials, such as plastics, glass, leather, rubber, or metal.
This is because Contact Cement creates a thin and flexible layer of rubber that adheres well to these types of surfaces.
Gorilla Glue may have an advantage over Contact Cement when it comes to bonding rough and porous materials, such as stone, wood, ceramic, or metal.
This is because Gorilla Glue expands as it cures and fills in the gaps and irregularities of these types of surfaces.
Water Resistance
Gorilla Glue is more water-resistant than Contact Cement.
Gorilla Glue is designed to withstand exposure to water and heat without losing its bond strength or integrity.
This makes it suitable for outdoor or indoor projects that may encounter wet or hot conditions.
Contact Cement is less water-resistant than Gorilla Glue. Contact Cement may lose its adhesion or peel off when exposed to water or heat for prolonged periods of time.
However, there are some variants of Contact Cement that have better water resistance than others, such as the Du-Bro S-180.
Removal
Gorilla Glue is easier to remove than Contact Cement before it cures.
Gorilla Glue can be wiped off with acetone or scraped off with sandpaper before it cures completely.
However, once it cures, it becomes very difficult to remove without damaging the surface or using special solvents.
Contact Cement is harder to remove than Gorilla Glue before and after it cures. Contact Cement creates a permanent bond that is almost impossible to remove once it cures.
Even before it cures, Contact Cement can be very messy and sticky to handle and may leave behind residues or stains on the surface.
Which One Should You Use? Contact Cement or Gorilla Glue?
The answer to this question depends on the type of project you are working on, the materials you are using, the conditions you are working under, and your personal preference.
However, here are some general guidelines that might help you decide:
Use contact cement if you need a fast and permanent bond on materials such as leather, plastics, metals, laminates, veneers, rubber, or wood.
Contact cement is also suitable for projects that involve curved or irregular shapes, or smooth surfaces that have less moisture content.
Use gorilla glue if you need a strong and waterproof bond on materials such as wood, stone, metal, ceramic, glass, leather, rubber, or paper.
Gorilla glue is also suitable for projects that involve cracks, gaps, or breaks in the surfaces or rough surfaces that have more moisture content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Contact Cement Be Used as Glue?
Yes, contact cement can be used as glue. It is a type of adhesive that forms an instant bond when two surfaces are pressed together. It is especially useful for nonporous materials that other adhesives can’t glue together.
Is Gorilla Glue a Contact Cement?
No, Gorilla Glue is not a contact cement. While both are adhesives, they have different properties and uses. Gorilla Glue is an instant waterproof adhesive based on polyurethane and works well with various materials.
Contact cement, on the other hand, is a type of adhesive that forms an instant bond when two surfaces are pressed together. It’s especially effective on a wide range of materials including, plastics, wood, leather, and even metals.
Is Gorilla Glue Permanent?
Yes, Gorilla Glue is a permanent adhesive that can bond to almost any surface.
It is considered to be one of the strongest adhesives in the world and has been tested to withstand temperatures up to 150°F (65°C) and survive withstanding shock, vibration, and even immersion in water.
Final Thoughts
Contact Cement and Gorilla Glue are both strong adhesives that can be used for various DIY projects.
Contact Cement is faster to dry, better for smooth and non-porous materials, and creates a permanent bond, but it is less water-resistant, harder to remove, and more messy to apply.
Gorilla Glue is slower to dry, better for rough and porous materials, and more water-resistant, but it is easier to remove before it cures, less flexible, and more prone to expanding.
I hope this comparison between contact cement vs gorilla glue has helped you to understand the differences between them.
