Super glue is arguably the most popular type of adhesive out there on the market today. It works fast and forms a strong bond within a short period. But those who regularly work with glues know that there is another adhesive that is just as popular as the super glue, epoxy glue.
But what are the differences between the two? Without understanding the differences and the properties of each individual glue, you will not be able to get the most out of either one.
By learning to differentiate between the two, you will be able to decide which one will better serve your specific needs. In this article, our goal is to break down the two adhesives to help you understand the key elements of epoxy and superglue.
Epoxy vs Super glue is a debate even among many veteran users, and after going through this article, you will have no trouble choosing one over the other. With that said, let us dive in.
What Is Super Glue?
Super glue is undoubtedly the more popular adhesive between the two and there is a good chance that you have used it once or twice already. The main compound in super glue is cyanoacrylate which uses an exothermic reaction to produce a quick and strong bond between two surfaces.
Typically, superglue is in liquid form and when you apply it to the surface, the cool temperature of the environment solidifies it. Since it dries fast, you need to quickly attach the two objects for it to take effect. Super glue is also used in many medical, domestic, and industrial situations.
What is Epoxy Glue
Unlike super glue, which usually comes in the form of a single tube of adhesive, epoxy glue comes in two tubes. One of the tubes contains the resin whereas the other one contains the hardener.
You need to combine the two tubes in correct proportions to prepare the adhesive before application. Typically, epoxy glue is used in larger projects that require a permanent bond.
Once it dries, epoxy glue hardens and solidifies to an extent that it becomes almost impossible to remove. Compared to super glue epoxy takes a longer time to cure fully.
Usages Of Both Epoxy & Super Glue
Just as their properties vary, their usages are also quite different. And to make efficient use of either adhesive, you need to understand when and where you want to use it.
Epoxy Glue
Epoxy glue for instance comes in many different forms. It is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of projects. Some of the common uses of epoxy glue include using it as a coating for surfaces, in making different objects and crafts, and also as insulation for different appliances.
Some people even use epoxy glue to make a floor. Typically, epoxy glue is much more flexible as it has superior bonding strength. Once it dries, you will not be able to take it apart without damaging the surface where you apply it. Removing it without damage can be quite challenging.
Super Glue
Super glue, on the other hand, is better used in smaller amounts. Typically, people only use super glue for minor fixes or crafting. You can also use it to join smaller objects together. But if the object is too heavy, the bonding strength might not hold over a long period.
Unlike epoxy, super glue dries fast and forms a moderately strong bond within a few minutes. This can be great if you are working with small objects or quick fixes. But for large-scale projects, super glue is rarely the first choice of adhesive for someone.
Epoxy vs Super Glue : Know Detailed Comparison Between Them
Now that you have a basic idea of the two types of adhesives, we can dive into some of the striking differences between them.
Bonding Strength
Epoxy glue has a much stronger structural strength compared to super glue. If you use it to bond two objects, it will be resistant to any form of force from any angle. That is why epoxy glue is used extensively in industrial settings. Apart from its normal liquid form, epoxy is also available as putty.
Super glue is also quite strong, but it falls short of the strength that epoxy adhesives provide. If you try to pull apart two objects bonded with super glue directly, you will have a hard time. However, if you twist at an angle, the adhesive will fall apart quite easily.
Drying Period
If you want fast-acting glue, super glue is always the better choice. It dries almost instantly after application. Although epoxy glue also acts quite fast, it is not as quick as super glue. It takes a decent while to cure and solidify.
Ease of Use
Although it is not that hard to apply or prepare either adhesive, super glue makes the application process a tad bit easier. All you have to do is take the tube and apply it on the surface and you are done. After it dries, you do not have to worry about anything else.
However, with epoxy, you need to mix the resin and hardener in the right proportion. Though it is not that hard, it can be a bit tricky for someone who has never used it before. We recommend consulting an experienced person before mixing and applying epoxy adhesives.
Finish And Removal
Super glue in general is not as flexible in terms of finish as epoxy. Once dried, super glue almost always leaves a clear finish. That is why it is such a great choice for small-scale repairs and arts and crafts projects. Unless you look for it, you will hardly notice dried super glue on an object.
On the other hand, epoxy glue comes in many different finishes. You can find epoxy adhesives that leave a clear glue-like coat. But you can also get a thicker finish of different colors too if that is your requirement. That is why many people use it to make unique textures on different objects.
And when it comes to removal, epoxy glue is extremely difficult to get rid of. Sure, you can use acetone or vinegar to take it apart if it is in its liquid state. But after drying, it becomes as solid as a rock. So, applying any substance to loosen up the bond is not an option.
But that is not an issue with super glue. You can use acetone even when it has dried to break the bonding strength. Besides, if you pull at the bond at an angle, the strength of this adhesive may fail. So, you will be able to clean up super glue a lot easier than epoxy glue.
Final Verdict
When choosing between epoxy and super glue, you should always think about where you want to use it. If your goal is to do small fixes or arts and crafts, super glue might be enough.
But for larger projects, you cannot beat the bonding strength of epoxy. We hope we could give you a clear picture of the two adhesives and show you the main differences between super glue and Epoxy.
Also read:
