When working with epoxy and wood, you may find yourself asking the question, Does wood glue stick to epoxy? While you may get the assumption that wood glue sticks to everything, it’s important to understand what wood glue adheres to and, unfortunately, what it does not stick to. This is particularly important when it comes to using wood glue on epoxy resin projects.
The short answer is no, wood glue does not stick well to epoxy. Because epoxy is a form of plastic, wood glue has difficulty adhering to the material. Rather than using wood glue, consider using epoxy or a type of super glue for your epoxy/wood projects.
When it comes to gluing wood to epoxy, there are several glue options to consider, including epoxy resin itself. If you’re interested in using alternatives to wood glue for your epoxy projects, read on! In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about using epoxy glue on wood material and why it is a fabulous alternative to wood glue.
Will Wood Glue Adhere to Epoxy Resin?
Wood and epoxy are often crafted together for a variety of projects. From countertops and tables to home flooring and art pieces, the ideas for combining wood and epoxy are practically endless. As you work with wood and epoxy, you will likely need to bind the two materials with a certain type of glue. This may lead you to ask the question, “Does wood glue adhere to epoxy resin?”
In short, wood glue does not adhere to plastics such as epoxy. Because wood glue only works on non-porous materials, it is mainly used for gluing and repairing wood. On materials such as resin, it is best to use epoxy glue, hot glue, or super glue.
Although hot glue and super glue will adhere to epoxy, they are not the ideal solutions for epoxy-wood projects. Despite their strength and durability, they do not bond well to all types of plastics. If the glue fails to securely attach wood to resin, the entire project is at risk of breaking. Thus, it is wise to choose a high-quality, long-lasting glue designed specifically for epoxy resin.
While epoxy is technically not a glue, it is an excellent option for gluing or repairing wood on epoxy. Not only is its bond incredibly strong, but it is extremely durable and will stick well to every type of wood. Whether you’re joining two pieces of wood or attaching wood to epoxy, epoxy resin is the best alternative to wood glue on epoxy-related projects.
How to Glue Wood with Epoxy Glue
Before we dive into the details of gluing wood with epoxy, it’s important to note that epoxy is not a glue but is a resin combined with a hardening agent. Combining the two halves leads to a chemical reaction that results in a strong, solid bond. When used on wood, epoxy is a lasting adhesive that is water-resistant and extremely durable.
Fortunately, gluing wood with epoxy is a fairly easy process. Although epoxy requires a longer curing time, its strong bond is well worth the wait. Here, let’s take a closer look at how to glue wood with epoxy resin.
Allow Epoxy to Soak into the Wood
As you apply epoxy to your wood projects, it’s important to avoid glue “starvation” at the joint. This starvation occurs when the glue is not allowed to soak into the wood. For best results, apply epoxy in a thin layer to both surfaces. Allow it to sit long enough for the wood to soak up as much epoxy glue as possible. Avoid handling the project until the epoxy has had time to cure.
Before applying epoxy, make sure the surface is completely clean and dry. Because most epoxy resins do not bond to oily or acidic surfaces, the joint may fail if the surface is not clean. When cleaning oily wood, do not use solvents, as this will prevent the epoxy from adhering to the wood. Even after gluing, using solvents may cause the epoxy to lose its bond. If you happen to be working with oily wood, it may be best to use a different type of glue.
Clamp the Pieces Together
To improve the bond between the two pieces, consider clamping the wood together after applying the epoxy. Clamping the pieces together gives the epoxy time to fully cure while ensuring the wood achieves the strongest join.
For wood and epoxy to successfully bond, the clamp mustn’t be too tight. Clamping the pieces too tightly will only result in the epoxy being squeezed out. To ensure a proper fit, gently clamp the wood element to squeeze out only a small amount of excess glue. You may even consider attaching pads of soft rubber under the clamp to ensure gentle clamping forces.
As you clamp the pieces together, it’s important that the two wood elements fit properly. If the pieces do not fit well, the clamps will only bend them into place. Once the clamps are removed, the wood will spring back into its original shape. As a result, the wood may split or the epoxy may lose its join.
Carefully Measure and Mix the Epoxy
The join between epoxy and wood is only as good as the epoxy mixture itself. When mixing the resin with hardener, be sure the two halves are mixed effectively. You may consider pouring the epoxy mixture from one container to another and then mixing twice. Properly mixing the epoxy ensures a faster curing process and a stronger bond.
Remember to always wear the proper safety equipment when working with epoxy resin. Safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing are extremely important when mixing and applying epoxy, particularly if you’re working indoors.
In summary, epoxy resin makes an excellent alternative to wood glue for a variety of projects. Because epoxy will stick to both wood and cured epoxy resin, you can be assured that a strong adhesive bond will form between the two materials. Whether you’re working on epoxy-coated furniture or you’re crafting an aesthetic piece of artwork, using epoxy resin for gluing wood is an effective option for various projects.
