Epoxy VS Super Glue-Which One is Best?

Epoxy VS Super Glue

Whether it is industrial manufacture, art, and crafts, or every day fixing, adhesives are the imperative element. Though duct tapes can be handy for an instant it cannot be a long-term solution.

To build or to fix, a strong glue with a sustainable result is a routine necessity. Among thousands of products in the market, Epoxy and Superglue are the most prominent ones.

Though they seem to be the same, there are differences in many aspects. For a user, it is highly important to have in-depth knowledge about both of the adhesives to get maximum results.

Table of Contents

Epoxy  Glue

Polyepoxide, commercially known as Epoxy is one of the strongest glues that has been proven to be extremely impressive to customers over the years.

As it lasts long, its usage is universal. It is usually a two-part glue; it comes with Epoxy resin and a hardener.

They should be mixed before applying. The more the hardener you put, the more string the glue will be.

The most fascinating part about Epoxy is it is completely water-resistant.

Epoxy applies to a wide range of surfaces; be it for commercial use or to fix or repair DIY household objects, Epoxy works great.

Super Glue

Loctite Gel control Ultra Super Glue

The commercial name of the cyanoacrylate compound, Superglue, is globally famous for its convenient packaging.

It comes in tube packaging, to repair anything, users just have to pop the glue out of the tube and the glue will handle the rest. 

Superglue works through a chemical outcome named exothermic reactions.

It creates heat on the applied surface and creates a bond to stick the objects together.

Being watery or gelatinous inconsistency, superglue is easily accessible and manageable.

Superglue does not provide the strongest bond rather it ensures moderate bond which is applicable mostly for household objects. Due to the speedy results, it is widely used in the industrial and medical sectors.

The Differences Between Epoxy and Superglue

Considering the strength, basic properties, safety, uses, and many other vital aspects, these two adhesives are different in their performances.

The next segment discusses the main differences between Epoxy and Superglue.

Strength and Tolerance

Epoxy is comparatively more strong and tolerant to surfaces than most other glues.

Under the different gluing situation, Epoxy seems to prove its strength and handles the pressure. In static, dynamic, tension, and shear, epoxy creates a powerful and durable bond.

Being the structural glue, superglue is more of a sensitive adhesive towards the ambiance.

It has less resistance, creates a relatively moderate bond, and needs thin joints to work on. Though it is strong in its ways but not more than Epoxy glue.

Fundamental Properties

Epoxy is quite hard in consistency and needs expert hands. It is water-resistant and acts rigidly against any gluing condition.

It supports a wide range of surface variety.  Superglue is not waterproof and quite subtle against the gluing environment.

Watery and gelatinous in consistency, superglue is selective when it comes to surface supportiveness.

Working Time

Working time is very crucial for glues. It refers to the time it takes to create the bond.

If the work time is shorter the glue can be used for small joints as it will dry up soon. And the longer work time means the users will get more time to set the joints or large assemblies.

Epoxy glue has 5 minutes to 12 hours of work time which is an expanded range of time. And suits very well for large assemblies and complex joints where one has to work for more time.

Super glue is quick regarding the work time as it fixes within even seconds. The users have to be very fast and make rapid repairs. It is not applicable for complex joints and mostly suitable for quick fixes.

Application

Epoxy has several formulations and gets along with different surfaces and environments.

It is used in many forms as an adhesive or even as an electronic insulator. It can also be applied as a metal coating, model making, and most important, and widely used to repair joints.

Superglue has relatively trivial options for application than Epoxy.

But from surgeries to small joints, super glue is applicable everywhere. Little household breakage, smaller assemblies, and all the DIY fixes, super glue specializes in these sectors.

Joint/ Gap Filling

Epoxy has a high viscosity and usually is very thick thus it can fill very large gaps as well.

The two-part formulation helps filling gaps and also cures the joint at a time. Also Epoxy is less reactive to the air and surface, the hardening does not depend on these environmental situations. And makes Epoxy capable to repair or fill the thick gaps and bonds.

Superglue has a low viscosity level and is quite runny. It usually hardens very first when it comes in contact with air and not capable of curing thick joints or does not fill the large gaps or joints.

Storage Life

Epoxy has an expiry date of almost a couple of years though once open, the life shortens.

But mostly it can run for years due to the rigidity against air, moisture, and water. It does not block the packaging as well.

Superglue can run up to one year only no matter whether it is opened or not.

It comes with a relatively shorter shelf life. It has low resistance against moisture and air thus it blocks the opening of the tube while not in use.

Convenience

Epoxy gives hard times when it comes to user experience. First of all, mixing the two components can be very time consuming and hectic.

The mixture demands thorough mixing which demands manual effort or machine support. Being thick in consistency, handling Epoxy also becomes difficult.

Superglue is very comfortable to use. It is thin in texture and easy to handle.

The users just have to squeeze the tube and smear it over the affected area and nothing more. It takes less time to work thus saves time also.

Cleaning

Epoxy cannot be removed without harming the surface once it hardens. When it is not dry, acetone can partially remove it considering the state of the glue.

Superglue whether hardened or liquid can be removed easily with acetone or nail polish.

Safety

As epoxy is very intense, in direct contact it is quite harmful and can cause serval health risks. It can cause asthma, allergies, skin sensitivity, and even cancer.

Epoxy vs Superglue on Different Surface Material

Both Epoxy and Superglue can work on some common surfaces such as metal, rubber, fabric, and leather, glass, ceramic, and plastic.

But they also react differently on different surfaces according to their properties.

Epoxy due to high resistance towards the environment can be applicable on fiberglass and fiberglass related plastics.

Epoxy on any surface can take up to 24 hours to work considering the surface material.

Superglue is fast while working and is also applicable to canvases.

It is highly appreciated to cure small cracks in plastics or glass or clay materials. For small joints or chips, superglue comes very handily.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always read instructions on the product label to get a brief knowledge about the usage.
  • Get a proper idea about the suitable surface when using any of the gules so that you don’t end up damaging the surface using the wrong glue.
  • Personal safety is a must. Wear safety glass (if necessary), safety gloves, and use proper equipment while mixing the Epoxy mixture.
  • Always mix an equal amount of Epoxy resin and hardener to get the maximum results.
  • Superglue is environmentally reactive thus consider this as a one-shot product.

Conclusion

If you are more into comfortable use over the glue strength, you can switch to superglue.

If water resistance is a concern, nothing can beat Epoxy. It is totally up to you and to your requirements to choose between any of them. 

We have crafted this content to give you a detailed idea about the Epoxy vs superglue debate so that you can choose the best option at your convenience.

We only focused on creating the best comparison of the glues on different aspects.

10 thoughts on “Epoxy VS Super Glue-Which One is Best?”

  1. I have used both in hobby crafts.
    CA glue is good for small non, weight effected parts (tiny display).
    I have notice though the parts will come apart. Keep a bottle handy.
    Epoxy, is more durable. Its never failed on parts handled frequently..
    Epoxy is harder to use, you need to mix small amounts, for small objects and dry time is longer. This makes for longer build and assembly times.
    I found out shelf life for unused epoxy is not long . the resin glue breaks down. and loses bonding power if left stored (softer).
    I prefer epoxy for bonding and long endurance (nothing has fallen apart after decades). Super glue (CA) has its place. fast good bond for immediate use. (but not as durable).

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