Hot Glue vs Gorilla Glue | What Are The Differences?
When it comes to crafting, repairs, or DIY projects, having the right adhesive can make all the difference. Among the wide range of glues available, two popular options often stand out: Hot Glue and Gorilla Glue.
Gorilla Glue is stronger than hot glue and can bond to almost any surface and withstand high stresses, heavy loads, water, and heat.
Hot glue is not as strong or durable as Gorilla Glue and may not be ideal for outdoor or high-temperature applications.
In the battle between Hot Glue vs Gorilla Glue, I will help you to find a solution for your projects.
Read More: Hot Glue vs E6000
What is Hot Glue?
An adhesive that melts with a glue gun is hot glue, which comes in solid sticks. It is actually a thermoplastic adhesive. It is applied in molten form and solidifies when it cools down, forming a strong bond.
Hot glue is easy to use, quick to dry, and can bond diverse materials such as paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, plastic, metal, and more.
It is commonly used in crafts, DIY projects, and minor repairs.
Hot Glue: Pros and Cons
Hot Glue Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast drying:
- Versatile
- Removable
Hot Glue Cons
- Not as strong or durable as Gorilla Glue
- Not very resistant
- Can be messy
What is Gorilla Glue?
Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive that comes in liquid form. It is applied to one or both surfaces and forms a strong bond by filling gaps and expanding as it dries.
Its strength, versatility, and durability make Gorilla Glue a popular choice. It can bond to almost any surface, including wood, metal, ceramic, stone, glass, foam, and some plastics.
It is suitable for heavy-duty or load-bearing applications such as construction, woodworking, and automotive repair. It is also waterproof and can be used outdoors.
Gorilla Glue: Pros and Cons
Gorilla Glue Pros
- Stronger than hot glue.
- Very resistant
- Gap-filling
Gorilla Glue Cons
- Can be messy
- Slow drying
- Difficult to remove
Hot Glue vs Gorilla Glue Comparison Table
| Property | Hot Glue | Gorilla Glue |
| Type of adhesive | Thermoplastic | Polyurethane |
| Comes in | Solid sticks | Liquid form |
| Common uses | Crafts, DIY projects, minor repairs | Heavy-duty, load-bearing, and outdoor applications |
| Bonding time | Quick (seconds to minutes) | Longer (several hours) |
| Strength | Not very strong or durable | Very strong and durable |
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Suitable for outdoor use | No | Yes |
| Suitable for heavy-duty applications | No | Yes |
How to Choose Between Hot Glue and Gorilla Glue?
The choice between hot glue vs Gorilla Glue depends on several factors, such as:
Materials to Be Bonded
Different adhesives work better on different surfaces. For example, there may be better choices for bonding foam or paper than Gorilla glue, while hot glue may not be the best choice for bonding metal or glass.
Strength and Durability
If you need a durable and strong bond that can withstand heavy use and environmental exposure, a good choice might be Gorilla Glue.
If you need a fast and easy bond that can hold light or medium materials together, hot glue may be the right choice.
Read More: How Strong Is Hot Glue Actually?
Drying Time
If you need a fast bond that does not require clamping or waiting, hot glue may be more convenient.
If you are okay with spending more time and effort to ensure a stronger bond, Gorilla Glue may be worth it.
Ease of Use and Cleanup
If you prefer an easy and clean application that can be controlled with a glue gun, hot glue may be the right choice.
If you are okay dealing with some messiness and careful handling that may require gloves and clamps, Gorilla Glue might be a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hot Glue and Gorilla Glue
Is Hot Glue as Strong as Super Glue?
No, hot glue is not as strong as super glue. Super glue forms a stronger and more durable bond than hot glue because it contains many additives and can resist water, heat, and chemicals.
Is Gorilla Hot Glue Better Than Regular Hot Glue?
Gorilla hot glue claims to be more weather-resistant, impact-resistant, and durable than regular hot glue. They also claim to be five times more durable than other brands and can be sanded and painted.
How Long Will Hot Glue Last?
Hot glue’s lifespan depends on the amount of heat it receives during use and how well it is stored afterward. It should last up to two years if kept dry between uses and stored at temperatures below 80°F (27°C).
Is Hot Glue a Permanent Bond?
Hot glue is not a permanent bond. It can be re-melted by heating it, depending on your needs, this can be a benefit or a drawback.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you to compare Hot Glue vs Gorilla Glue and find the best one for your projects.
Hot glue and Gorilla glue are two different types of adhesives that have different properties, intended uses, and performance. Depending on your project, you may prefer one over the other.
Hot glue is suitable for fast and easy bonding of light or medium materials that are not exposed to high temperatures or humidity.
Gorilla glue is suitable for strong and durable bonding of heavy or load-bearing materials that are exposed to water or heat.
