Super Glue vs Epoxy – Understanding Epoxy and Super Glue

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Epoxy and super glue are both different types of adhesives that we all use for projects in our homes, as well as being used in the industrial sector. These adhesives are highly effective, giving an extremely strong bond with multipurpose applications. This is why we use them so extensively for DIY projects in our homes. However, what are the differences between epoxy vs glue, and which of these would be best suited for what project?  We will be having a better look at these two different adhesives, super glue vs epoxy.

Differences of Epoxy vs Super Glue

Both superglue and epoxy are exceptionally good adhesives, providing an extremely strong bond that can be effectively used on many different surfaces. What then separates these two adhesives from each other?  In the final analysis, the main difference is how they both cure.

Super glue epoxy is made up of one single component or substance that is known as a cyanoacrylate, which when exposed to the air hardens. On the other hand, epoxy contains two different substances or components which need to be mixed to make it effective. One component is called epoxy while the other is referred to as a hardener. When these two substances are mixed, it causes a chemical reaction to take place allowing the epoxy to cure or harden. In other words, the time you have to work with it is limited before it hardens or cures.

NOTE: Both the epoxy and super glue provide a strong and durable bond, but the application of each product is different. When you make comparisons between epoxy vs superglue each one has its own particular and unique features or properties.

Qualities of Super Glue vs Epoxy

As we have already discussed, both adhesives produce a strong durable bond, but the strength of the bond that each one produces is different. How strong is epoxy? The epoxy adhesive has more structural strength and can be used to cement or bind gaps between two separate items. Epoxy can also maintain its strong bond when it encounters resistance from different angles. So, if you want to know how strong the epoxy bond is, you will need to understand that particular type of strength.

Epoxy is also used extensively in the industrial sector and can also be purchased as putty. This putty form of epoxy is not only used as an adhesive but also as a filler, where it is used to seal up cracks, gaps, or holes. Once it has hardened or cured, you can sand it down to form a smooth strong surface finish.

Superglue, on the other hand, provides you with a much lower shear strength, which means that if you attempt to pull the two items that were bonded apart, the super glue will hold fast. However, the superglue is unable to hold its bond strength when stress at different angles is applied. Therefore, super glue epoxy is ideal for bonding smaller items that do not move or support any form of load. With its crystal clear finish super glue is an excellent choice for arts and crafts projects, and around the house.

Super Glue vs Epoxy: How They Work

When you are considering the difference between epoxy vs glue, you need to understand how each product is used. Epoxy comes in many forms and also has many different uses such as; it can be used as a coating over various kinds of surfaces, it can be molded into forms for arts and crafts projects, it can also be used in the electronics field as an insulator or even for making floors.

When epoxy is used as an adhesive it works effectively on many different surfaces. In this regard, you need to consult the manufacturer’s instructions, as epoxy may not work too well on certain types of surfaces. Epoxy as an adhesive is used mainly to bond certain items that will be under severe stress or force. Superglue, on the other hand, does not have as many uses and is also used in much smaller quantities. Super glue is mainly used for crafting projects, quick fixes in the home, or joining smaller parts to each other.

When comparing the difference between super glue vs epoxy the final finish plays a vital role. When dry, epoxy finishes can be clear like glue or it can be thick like putty. Super glue is much thinner and always dries to a crystal-clear finish. Therefore, super glue is preferred for more detailed work that requires a clear finish.

Another challenging difference when working with epoxy vs super glue is the cleaning afterward. If you allow your epoxy to cure properly it becomes so hard that it is almost impossible to remove it. Removing it will probably damage the surface underneath the coating. However, when epoxy is still in its liquid form you can easily remove it by using acetone or vinegar.

Super glue is a lot easier to remove whether it is still wet or if it has dried, you simply use gamma-butyrolactone or acetone to wipe it off. Super glue also has a much faster drying time and, as such, is much more efficient and effective to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Epoxy Form a Strong Bond?

How strong is epoxy? Of all the reactive adhesives on the market, epoxy is believed to be the strongest. It can withstand around 300 lbs. (pounds) of tensile strength.

Is Epoxy Better than Super Glue?

Both of these adhesives form an extraordinarily strong bond, and both are excellent for specific purposes. What purpose depends on the particular project you are working on. To sum it up for you, super glue’s sheer strength is a lot less than epoxy, but it is a whole lot easier to work with. Epoxy, on the other hand, is used more for structural strength.

What is the Life Span of Epoxy Glue?

This depends on the items being bonded, as well as the conditions. If it is correctly applied to the right surfaces it can last an extremely long time, as it forms a powerful bond when cured.

When comparing epoxy vs glue, it all depends on what type of project you are working on and what type of materials you want to stick together. Both of these adhesives offer you an outstanding choice, as both of them have powerful bonding characteristics with their particular strengths.