Choosing between Epoxy and Gorilla Glue can be tough when both have good attributes. You must be tired of exploring all the different types of glues in the stores.
It all depends on your purpose, perhaps it is about fixing your RC vehicles.
So, which one should you choose when it comes to Gorilla Glue vs Epoxy?
Epoxy is used for industrial purposes mainly for large wood bonding while the composition of Gorilla Glue is sufficient for less heavy-duty materials. Mainly, the materials used for manufacturing RC vehicles are compatible with Gorilla Glue.
The adhesives of Epoxy should not be applied to RC products. This is for a varied amount of reasons. Keep reading this article to understand why.
Gorilla Glue vs Epoxy: Quick Comparison
| Features | Gorilla Glue | Epoxy |
| Cost | Less | More |
| Water Proof | Yes | Yes |
| Clamp Time | 60 min | 90 min |
| Temperature | -40 to 100 °C | -150 to 170 °C |
| Gap Filling Capability | Less | More |
| Dry Time | 24 hours | 72 hours |
| Strength | Less | More |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon! | Check Price on Amazon! |
The quick comparison chart, outlines 7 factors to separate the two. I will be outlining some more factors to create a more detailed comparison. This is to give you a proper indication of which product to choose.
Keep reading on the factors to determine more precise facts and figures.
Material Strength
When it comes to the strength of the adhesives, epoxy is stronger than gorilla glue.
Strength is the first factor to look for in the gorilla glue vs epoxy comparison. It can be either called material strength or tensile strength. This is measured in terms of PSI.
Now, you may wonder how strong is epoxy glue. In terms of PSI, the strength of the adhesive is 2900-4400 psi.
Epoxy performs better than any type of super glue as the best filler. This is for any wooden and metal surfaces where its peel strength is suitable. This is for filling any gaps, holes, and cracks.
I am going to go further by comparing epoxy to gorilla glue. Since gorilla glue has similar features, there will be a lot of factors to consider. The factors would include which glue is more suitable for RC vehicles.
The epoxy solution penetrates deeper into any surface. This is why epoxy stands out in comparison to gorilla glue.
For any metal surfaces, any hot glue won’t stick to smooth surfaces. In the epoxy mixture, at any temperature resistance quality, the bonds are hard to separate.
In the RC vehicle scenario, you can’t discount the glues like the JB weld and gorilla glue. This is to showcase the suitability of gluing metal framework of such RCs.
Is epoxy glue stronger than gorilla glue?
In comparison to epoxy, the gorilla glue is not as strong. According to many accounts and reviews, epoxy performs better than Gorilla glue. As I mentioned before, the feature of being a filler makes things perfect for epoxy.
Porosity
The epoxy contents can be mixed with other substances such as hardeners. This makes the wooden bonding stronger and stays longer.
In the context of metal or plastic surfaces, the RC car context will be looked at. The porosity level for epoxy will be highly dense and many may consider it unnecessary. This is the reason why gorilla glues are reasoned as sufficient for RC materials.
A question would be does epoxy glue expand?
Yes, epoxy glue expands when applied with other mixtures such as certain resins or hardeners. The watered-down solution would expand itself with greater volume to seal any materials.
Now you may also wonder is epoxy more fluid than gorilla glue?
Generally yes, epoxy mixtures are more fluid than gorilla glue. This is why to avoid moisturization, gorilla glues are recommended to be applied on RC vehicles. This means the gorilla glue won’t float into the electrical components as the epoxy would do.
This is why Epoxy is applicable for wooden surfaces. On the other hand, gorilla glue is recommended for running motors inside plastic surfaces.
When it comes to porosity, epoxy performs better than gorilla glue on highly porous surfaces. The mixture has the quality to go deeper into any pores with strong bonding. The gorilla glue does well inside any plastic surface.
Surface Texture
Epoxy glue doesn’t perform well on all surface textures. Whereas, gorilla glue can be used on most surfaces.
The epoxy glue won’t go well with simple plastic materials. Simple items such as plastic cups or bowls don’t go well with epoxy glue.
In addition, silicone and rubber items are also not applicable with epoxy.
Keeping the surface texture quality intact, can you paint over epoxy glue? The answer is yes as Epoxy is good for bonding wooden surfaces.
The process involves sanding over the mixture applied cracks and holes. When the sanding is done, spray painting is important for a perfect texture.
In the comparison scene, considering the surface texture factor will be put in mind. I shall be asking what does epoxy glue not stick to.
The answer is simple. Epoxy mixtures do not stick to plastic surfaces. However, this does not involve RC vehicles.
In toy cars, the strong epoxy adhesives will create higher tensions inside the materials. This would rather cause the running motors to malfunction.
The process of cleaning RC cars will also be difficult with the ideal RC glue alternatives. This is if there is extra epoxy fluid hanging around.
Now, to get rid of the hassle of epoxy glue not adhering to different textures, you can invest into good quality epoxy glues. Here are some of my go-to epoxy glues that work on most surfaces:
- J-B Weld 8265S Original Cold-Weld Steel Reinforced Epoxy – JB Weld Original produces a bond stronger than steel and offers durable repairs to a variety of surfaces.
- Bob Smith Industries BSI-201 Quik-Cure Epoxy – Has a quick working time of only 5 minutes. Perfect for emergencies.
The Gorilla super glue is considered to be good with any textures. They also bond well with wooden surfaces. However, they do not penetrate deeper than the Epoxy would.
In addition, epoxy glues cannot be mixed with hardeners or fillers. This means on wooden surfaces or on walls, the sanding process can’t be implied. In the case of any furniture, the Gorilla glue can be applied.
Tensile Strength
Epoxy glue is considered to have better structural strength than gorilla glue. This means the epoxy solution goes well with a complicated structural bond.
Epoxy is made to assist materials that are bigger in size. This also means that the materials are connected through many compartments.
It suggests that epoxy can stick to more diversified material contents. The plastic and metal surfaces of RC cars can come into assistance as well. Some epoxy doesn’t work well with plastics.
This is where you can check this video for more information-
This is why you will be asking if epoxy glue is strong. The epoxy simply supports complicatedly built or manufactured materials.
Such a factor would also make you wonder if epoxy glue is flexible. You would be surprised to know that the Epoxy does not do well with peel strength and flexibility.
The strong and aggressive bonding provides a permanent bond to any materials. This is the reason why Epoxy mixtures are not flexible. This is exactly why they don’t do the job with the simple plastic-built RC vehicles.
When it comes to tensile strength epoxy glue is stronger than gorilla glue. Here, the epoxy possesses a tensile strength of 35-41 N/mm2. Whereas the gorilla glue has a tensile strength of 24 N/mm2.
It means that Epoxy is good for wooden surfaces for its aggressive bonding. On the other hand, Gorilla glue is good for simple plastic-built surfaces.
Shear Strength
The shear strength is indicated by the ability to resist external forces. This is for the RC vehicles that go well with Gorilla glue shear strength.
This means the bonding created by the gorilla will allow the RC vehicles to resist. This is in terms of external pressure. The plastic or metal surfaces won’t be impacted by fluctuating external temperatures.
Now you may wonder if gorilla glue is the strongest glue.
Compared to the other glues on the market, gorilla glue is stronger. However, compared with epoxy in an overall scene, it is not.
Another question! Does gorilla glue hold up to heat? The Gorilla Glue Gel can tolerate heat up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Epoxy can however hold up to heat as much as 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
This does not mean you will apply Epoxy to an RC vehicle. In the most suitable scenario, RC vehicles don’t heat up that much. This is another reason why Gorilla glue goes best with RC vehicles.
Does Gorilla Glue have Better Shear Strength Than Epoxy?
The numbers and real-time reviews suggest Epoxy has better shear strength.
Throughout this article, I have pointed out how Epoxy is not stronger than Gorilla. In terms of shear strength, they don’t fall behind as well.
Adhesion
Let us drive into the factor of adhesion while comparing Epoxy and Gorilla. Is epoxy glue toxic when dry? The epoxy mixtures dry very fast and they are normally considered non-toxic.
The mixture may dry down within 20 minutes while applied on wooden surfaces. You can easily pour some water, to make it fluid again. This won’t cause any toxic effects.
Another comparison question! Does gorilla glue foam up?
Yes, gorilla glue does foam up, especially when exposed to moisture. The polyurethane glue contents of the gorilla react to high temperatures when stuck to the surfaces. This means the glue foams up through chemical reactions.
The foam, therefore, causes expansion into the gaps to secure better bonding. The bonding strength is considered sufficient.
In order to repair any RC vehicles, many would consider heating the glue a bit. This is to ensure a proper bonding that lasts for a long time.
On the other hand, it is not a good idea to heat up epoxy. This is because the bonding is already stronger. There can be rising smoke or vapor issues with overheating concerning epoxy.
Which Glue has Better Adhesion Property?
Out of the two, Epoxy has a better adhesion property. I have discussed before several strength factors that make Epoxy stand out.
Again, I can’t stress enough the fact that stronger bonding is not good. This is when applied to certain items such as RC vehicles…
Bonding Time
The bonding time of epoxy is about 60 minutes. This is how long you have to wait for the mixture to settle down. This is why epoxy is considered to be a filler as it fills in.
This answers the effect of how long the epoxy glue cure takes to fill.
Now let’s move into a rapid question sesh.
Does gorilla glue dry quickly?
Gorilla glue dries faster than epoxy. That is why the gorilla glue should be applied as fast as possible. It is just a normal hardener that does not require any mixture.
How long does gorilla glue take to set?
The gorilla glue takes different times to settle. Some take up to 2 hours while others can cure in by 30 minutes. This is when a fast curing formula is applied.
How long does gorilla glue take to dry?
It takes around 10 to 40 seconds for the gorilla glue to dry. That is why the glue should not be left anywhere out in the open. You can do so with Epoxy.
You can note that the gorilla glue can take up to 24 hours to settle in completely. Epoxy would take up to 72 hours to completely fill in.
The gorilla glue takes less time to bond than the epoxy glue. However, the gorilla glue will not bond properly with wooden surfaces. Epoxy would do a better job bonding faster and stronger with wood.
Therefore, the option of choosing the right glue depends on where you will be putting it.
Gap Filling
I have mentioned before that the Epoxy mixture has the ability to penetrate deeper. This is why for RC vehicles, Epoxy should not be used. As it goes deeper with a stronger fluid action, the inner parts may be affected.
The gorilla glue products are designed to perfectly imply the glues. This is into the surfaces of several RC vehicle parts. It will dry down fast, forming a proper stick.
Gaps usually occur on wooden surfaces and large metal make-ups. The materials in the RC cars don’t form large gaps. In the comparison factor, epoxy fills up gaps easily.
The gorilla glue can also fill small gaps or broken parts. You can easily stick up the plastic or metal alloys where there are small cracks. This is why Gorilla is considered the ideal glue for RC tires.
For larger cracks, the work is more which would include fillers like epoxy.
Moisture Resistance
Now, a key question that may come up in your mind is if gorilla glue is waterproof?
The Gorilla Glue is considered 100% waterproof. It can be used in any condition, in an internal or external setting.
Moving on to the Epoxy glue, is epoxy glue waterproof?
The epoxy solution is also waterproof since it works as a filler. You can apply water to the mixture to prevent it from drying down.
You can also ask if the gorilla glue water is soluble. The answer is yes, the waterproofed contents are easily soluble in water.
Also, does gorilla glue work underwater? Yes, I have mentioned before that gorilla glue works in any conditions. This includes keeping the bond intact while underwater.
Which Glue is more Water resistant, Epoxy or Gorilla Glue?
It is hard to differentiate between epoxy and gorilla glue when it comes to water resistance. Both do well underwater. This means the quality of the bonding is not affected by water or any other fluid.
The strong bonding ability of the Epoxy is not affected by the external chemical intrusion. The same goes for Gorilla glue as long as it is applied to certain materials.
Heat Resistance
A typical question would be if epoxy glue is heat resistant. The answer is yes, epoxy can resist temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, the epoxy compound has a complex mixture that can tolerate heat more than the gorilla. The Gorilla glue cannot resist heat more than 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Epoxy More Heat Resistant Than Gorilla Glue?
I say yes, Epoxy is more heat resistant than Gorilla glue. The epoxy has more heat resistance capabilities.
Also, the epoxy solution is usually used for furniture manufacturing. Different wooden compartments are attached to the furniture using epoxy.
This is also done by keeping it in extremely heated conditions. The furniture is crafted in a nice shape by doing so.
Flammability
It is also hard to differentiate the two in the flammability factor. Is epoxy glue flammable? No, the Epoxy is not flammable.
At the same time, the gorilla glue is also not flammable. Why? This is because if you burn the gorilla compound, the material would lose its shape.
The same happens when you burn the epoxy-attached solution. The heat may go more than it can resist. This further causes the surface to go dark while losing shape.
Any water-based contents are usually not flammable. Glues are supposed to be fluid and that is why neither Epoxy nor Gorilla is flammable. You won’t be able to find any glue product in the market that is flammable.
Longevity
I have considered the longevity factors to separate the two, before! Epoxy does a favorable job in this department.
You may also wonder how long does epoxy glue last? It is hard to measure how long does epoxy glue last. Some would say epoxy glue can last upto 3 to 5 years whereas others would say 10 years.
The gorilla glue solution can go around 1 year. You can therefore answer how long does gorilla glue last. A far lesser time compared to Epoxy!
As a strong bonding, you may want to know how to remove epoxy glue. It can be easily done by adding acetone to the solution. The burning chemical component of the acetone can easily remove epoxy.
Cost
Normally, the small 16 oz to 32 oz bottles of gorilla glue cost approximately $16 to $21 respectively. The large gallons would approximately cost $90.
Generally, a small 15-gram pack of Gorilla glue would cost around $5 approximately. The gorilla glue does not come in larger packs.
Which Glue Costs More? Epoxy or Gorilla Glue?
In comparison, Epoxy products are more costly. If you have to work with RC products, you can find cheaper options with Gorilla products. Here, you don’t have to spend extra buying Epoxy products.
So, Which Glue to Choose for RC?
Many times in this article, I have mentioned how Gorilla is suited for RC products. This is to accompany how epoxy glue works. The epoxy resin mix with hardeners to produce a strong chemical solution.
This solution is not good for the materials that are used to manufacture RCs.
You can ask what is epoxy glue used for. Epoxy is used for bonding hard metals, woods, concretes, and ceramics. They are usually used for commercialized manufacturing purposes.
In another situation, you can ask what is gorilla glue used for. They are mostly used for everyday home product bonding. This includes the usage of gorilla products to fix breaking RC products.
What About Other Glues?
There are a lot of different types of glues that are available in the market. All are produced to be set for different purposes. There is wood glue, super glue, hot glue, and, so on.
Epoxy vs Super Glue
Just like gorilla glue, super glue is used for attaching everyday products. On the other hand, epoxy is used for high-end commercial bonding.
Epoxy vs JB Weld
JB weld has similar features as epoxy with a stronger chemical solution. The JB weld is also considered a filler that comes in small packs. This is to stick hard metal surfaces or porcelain and ceramic materials.
Epoxy is highly stronger than JB weld and is good for bigger products. Mostly, wooden and metal surfaces.
Epoxy vs Hot Glue
In the comparison of Epoxy glue vs hot glue, the epoxy does not stick to glass. The hot glue can sufficiently be used for sticking glasses. They do well with some forms of metal and plastic surfaces also.
Again, hot glue is not used for commercialized bonding. This is what sets epoxy apart from any type of glue.
Gorilla Glue vs Super Glue
Is gorilla glue or super glue stronger? Yes, the gorilla glue is stronger than super glue due to its polyurethane mix. The cyanoacrylates contents of super glue are not as strong.
This is why gorilla glue is considered the best among all the glue types.
Gorilla Glue vs JB Weld
If the Gorilla glue is considered the best among all, JB weld stands out. JB Weld is more versatile than the gorilla. JB Weld can be used in wider types of materials than gorilla glue.
The JB Weld is more heat resistant and contains a strong chemical mixture. However, for RC vehicles, it is still recommended that you use Gorilla glues. The materials used in RCs just compliments the Gorilla glue.
Gorilla Glue vs Hot Glue
You can simply ask Is gorilla glue or hot glue stronger? There is some hot glue that is stronger. They are used for commercialized purposes.
Some hot glues are not stronger than the Gorilla. They are used for normal sealing and packaging or leather attaching purposes.
The Gorilla glue is used for limited plastic attaching purposes. Mostly for everyday toys and small plastic electronics.
FAQs
What kind of oil paint can be applied on Epoxy bonded surfaces?
Oil paints are generally applied on wooden surfaces. Since Epoxy is more suited to bonding wood, any sort of acrylic paint can be applied.
Which of the epoxy and gorilla products can blend in with high moisturization?
Epoxy, due to its strong chemical composition can deal with humidity and moisturization. This is why Gorilla glue cannot be applied on large wooden surfaces.
Which material would the epoxy not bond with?
The epoxy will not bond with a plastic container and certain ceramics. The epoxy will also not bond with rubbers. Rubber sealants are good with Gorilla glue bonds.
Conclusion
There you have it! I have gone to extra lengths in the comparison of Gorilla Glue vs Epoxy. This is including a vast amount of factors.
Hope you have found success reading this article.
Bye for now!
