I Tested 5 Glues for Laminating Wood: Here are the Best (2024)
If you’re laminating wood, finding the right glue can be a challenge. I’ve tested some of the most popular glues to help you find the best choice. Here are my favorites!
In a hurry? The best glue for laminating wood is Titebond III Ultimate glue because of how durable it is and it’s superior water resistance. It works great for both interior and exterior projects and it’s simple to apply.
Top Glue for Laminating Wood
- Titebond III Ultimate – #1 Best Overall
- Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue – Best Value
- Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate – Most Durable
- J-B Weld Original Epoxy – Great for Exterior Projects
- Starbond Medium CA Glue – Best for Small Projects
1. Titebond III Ultimate – #1 Best Overall
If you’re serious about woodworking, Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is a reliable choice thanks to its waterproof capabilities and easy cleanup – and it’s perfect for laminating wood.
The waterproof formula is perfect, making this a great option for exterior projects. I particularly appreciate the longer open time provided by this glue; which gives you leeway to fine-tune alignments before the glue starts to set. Despite the slightly runnier formula compared to others, it’s super easy to apply.
What I Liked:
- Great water resistance for both interior and exterior projects.
- Cleans up with water, making post-project cleanup a breeze.
- Offers ample working time, so you can can adjust your pieces without rushing.
What I Didn’t Like:
- The consistency is a bit more fluid, so you’ll need to be careful when applying it.
- Dries with a slight color, which may be visible in some joints – which is something to consider.
My Thoughts:
Overall, I’m a huge fan of Titebond III glue for various applications, including laminating wood. It has great water resistance and is quite durable. While it’s not as strong as an epoxy glue, it’s still very durable and a great choice.
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2. Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue – Best Value
Looking for a great glue on a budget? Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue is one of the best glues for laminating wood for several reasons.
It’s similar to the Titebond III above, but the water resistance is just a touch worse. However, the durability is very similar, if not a little stronger.
I found the cure time is forgiving, allowing for adjustments during assembly, which is critical when laminating wood.
What I Liked:
- Has some water resistance, making it suitable for exterior projects.
- Exceptionally strong hold for both interior and exterior projects.
- Reasonable cure time allows you to make adjustments as needed.
What I Didn’t Like:
- Nozzle clogs easily, so I recommend using one of these wood glue dispensers.
My Thoughts:
If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend going with the Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue. It’s durable, water resistant, and easy to apply – making it perfect for laminating wood. My only complaint is the somewhat worse water resistance compared to the Titebond III, but if you’re working on interior projects – it gets the job done.
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3. Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate – Most Durable
If you need the most durable glue you can find, I recommend this Gorilla Epoxy Glue. You can opt for either the Ultimate version (which has a black color) or the clear version – I found they both are great glues and work for laminating wood.
The easy-to-dispense syringe made it super easy to mix, and in just 10 minutes, the bond was pretty strong!
And just like the other glues, this epoxy glue is completely waterproof, making it great for outdoor projects.
What I Liked:
- Achieves a remarkably solid bond that other glues can’t match.
- Sets quickly, which saves time.
- Completely waterproof, making it great for outdoor projects.
What I Didn’t Like:
- Dries black, which may be visible in some cases.
- Dries quickly, so you’ll have to work faster.
- More expensive than other options.
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for an extremely durable glue, the Gorilla Epoxy Glue is a great choice. It’s extremely strong, waterproof, and a great glue for a variety of projects. My only complaints are how fast it sets, which means you’ll have to work faster and it’s slightly more challenging to apply. Otherwise, this is an amazing glue that’s perfect for laminating wood.
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4. J-B Weld Original Epoxy
Another great epoxy glue is the J-B Weld Epoxy glue. This glue has the same strength and water resistance as the Gorilla epoxy above, although it’s a little more difficult to mix.
The mix-and-apply process is straightforward, but you have to be careful to get the right combinations for maximum strength.
Additionally, this glue dries a dark grey color, so you might need to consider that depending on your project.
What I Liked:
- Extremely strong glue that will last for decades.
- Great water resistance that makes it suitable for outdoor projects.
What I Didn’t Like:
- Requires precise mixing, or the strength can be compromised.
- Dark grey color may not work depending on your project.
- More expensive than other glues.
My Thoughts:
Another great epoxy glue is the J-B Weld Epoxy Glue. It’s one of the strongest glues you can buy and it offers superior water resistance. My only gripe is the manual mixing and price, but put those to the side and this glue is great.
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5. Starbond Medium CA Glue
If you’re looking for an easy to apply glue, this Starbond Medium CA Glue is an awesome option.
While it’s not quite as strong as the epoxy glue above, it’s stronger than most traditional glues – making it a solid option for laminating wood.
My recommendation is to be careful with application, since any missteps with this glue are difficult to correct.
What I Liked:
- Relatively strong compared to traditional glues.
- Easy to apply.
What I Didn’t Like:
- Mistakes can be tough to fix.
- Not the best value.
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a versatile glue for laminating wood, this CA glue is worth a look. It’s not quite as durable as an epoxy glue, but it’s still very strong.
What to Consider When Finding a Glue for Laminating Wood
When I choose glue for laminating wood, it’s important to consider the type of wood involved. Hardwoods and softwoods can react differently to different glues, so it’s important to match the glue to the wood type. For example, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) works well for softwoods, while epoxies are better for hardwoods because of their stronger bonding capabilities.
The open time is another consideration when laminating wood. This term refers to how long the glue remains workable before setting. Longer open times allow more flexibility in application, especially for large or complex projects. PVA glues generally offer longer open time, whereas cyanoacrylates set quickly.
Finally, the bonding strength is crucial. Epoxy glues provide strong, durable bonds, but their application can be more complex, and they often come with a higher price.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the best glue for laminating wood is the Titebond III Wood Glue. It’s a great glue for a variety of projects and offers great strength for laminating wood.