In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for using wood glue in cold weather. We will also talk about the best types of wood glue to use in colder temperatures.
Wood Glue In Cold Weather
When using wood glue in cold weather, there are a few things to take into consideration to ensure you get a strong bond. The 2 most important are the temperature of your work space and the amount of time required for the glue to properly dry.
Wood Glue Adheres Differently To Cold Wood Than Warm Wood
When wood glue is applied to cold wood, even if the glue is warm, it will quickly cool and thicken. As a result, the glue does not thin out and fill in the small crevices in the wood.
This causes the chemical reactions that start the drying process to either slow down or not happen at all.
It’s important to make sure that your workspace, the wood, and the wood glue are all at the minimum application temperature, which typically ranges from 40F to 60F.
How Long Does Wood Glue Take to Dry in The Cold?
Wood glue typically reaches its maximum bond strength after 24 hours in optimal weather conditions. It’s best to allow longer dry times as the temperature drops. Sometimes allowing 36-48 hours to fully cure.
Best Wood Glue Types For Cold Temperatures
PVA adhesives
PVA adhesives such as Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue and Gorilla Wood Glue are both great choices for use in cold temperatures. Just be sure to verify the application temperatures of the glue you choose.
Epoxy glue
Epoxy glue is another type of wood glue that can be used in cold weather. The challenge with epoxy in cold weather is that it doesn’t flow as well. Meaning the wood doesn’t absorb the glue and it doesn’t fill gaps as well, leading to a weaker bond.
Tips for Preventing Wood Glue from Freezing
Once the wood glue has cured completely, freezing temperatures will not affect the bond.
When storing wood glue you will want to keep it out of freezing temperatures when possible. This might mean finding some extra space somewhere inside your home.
There are some brands such as Titebond that can withstand freezing cycles and still be effective.
Tips for Using Wood Glue in Cold Temperatures
- Check the minimum temperature of the glue you want to use. For instance, Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue has a minimum temperature of 45°F while Gorilla Wood Glue is 55°F
- If your workspace is small enough, you can try using a space heater to bring the temperature up to the minimum required for proper drying
- A less popular idea is to do the glue-up inside your home and allow the glue to fully cure before taking it back to your workshop or garage
- Keep in mind that the surface temperature of the wood will impact the drying process. It’s best to bring the wood inside and allow it to acclimate before you start gluing the pieces
Conclusion
Wood glue is an essential part of many woodworking projects. However, when the temperature begins to drop, it can be difficult to get the adhesive to bond correctly.
