Love doing fabric crafts but hate needlework? Could it be that you’re a novice at sewing and need a no-fuss solution to ripped jeans, hems, and bows or sequins that fall off in the wash? Either way, Gorilla Glue could be just what you need!
Gorilla glue can be used on fabric. It’s the perfect no-sew solution for hems and trims, among a million other fabric-related things. Its application mirrors that of normal fabric glue, making it easy to repair clothing items on short notice.
In this article, we’ll discuss if you “can you use Gorilla Glue on fabric”. Plus, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need so you have an easier time gluing fabric using Gorilla Glue.
What Is Gorilla Glue?
Gorilla Glue is an adhesive that made its first appearance in 1994. Since its base is methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), it’s also called a polyurethane adhesive. The glue bubbles and expands as it dries. This allows the glue to fill cracks and corners, creating a more stable bond. It’s versatile. It’s strong. Plus, it works on almost any material, including fabric.
How Does Gorilla Glue Work?
Gorilla Glue binds surfaces like any other glue, except its formula promises a far greater strength resistance and a permanent bond. The water-activated polyurethane formula develops a strong, long-lasting bond when applied to natural and synthetic fabrics and materials. This is why Gorilla Glue is recommended for a quick fix for the hem of your party dress, want to stick the sole of your shoe back on, or repair broken glass or furniture.
It is moisture-activated. So before you use the glue, you must prepare the surface by wetting it. Of course, there are exceptions to this. For example, you may have to apply a small amount of moisture on both sides instead of one if you’re using Gorilla Glue on dense hardwoods.
Can You Use Gorilla Glue On Fabric?
You can use Gorilla Glue on fabrics. It is considered a high-strength variant to most glues on the market today for several reasons—one such reason being its durability. Since Gorilla Glue is waterproof, the bond does not wash away after a cycle in your washing machine. It also sets quickly, meaning less time waiting to complete your project or repair work.
Gorilla Glue formulas vary depending on their purpose. If you’re using Gorilla Glue for fabric-related repairs, purchase the fabric glue variant, not the original formula, even though it will help glue your fabric. The fabric-specific Gorilla Glue is clear, not colored, so it will not show when it dries.
Since Gorilla Glue is versatile, you can use it to apply patches, beads, rhinestones, and trims to fabric. For craft projects, you can use Gorilla Glue to create seams and hems. It’s also the perfect no-sew solution that simplifies repairs on clothing items, especially on short notice.
Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue
Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue is clear in color and comes in a 2.5 ounce-container. It is formulated to provide fast-setting, permanent bonds that remain flexible even after it undergoes washing. It’s both washer and dryer safe, so you don’t have to worry about reapplication.
The glue works on beads, buttons, canvas, denim, fabrics, felt, rhinestones, ribbons, sequins, etc. It’s important to note that the glue may not work on delicate, thin, or loosely woven fabrics. Make sure you do a patch test before you take on any projects concerning fabrics with similar qualities.
Does Regular Gorilla Glue Work On Fabric?
Regular Gorilla Glue is not designed to work on fabrics. It works best for tough repairs, including craft projects comprising woodwork, foam, glass, ceramic, concrete, etc.
Since it’s designed to work on everything outdoors, the “finish” is not neat. Remember, Gorilla Glue fits in the expanding glue category, meaning it expands as it dries. Expect it to pour out of corners and cracks. While this property helps create a stronger, more stable bond, it ruins fabrics and makes application messy. Eventually, the glue will crack and cut through your fabric, damaging it. In essence, regular Gorilla Glue is not appropriate for use on fabric materials.
How To Use Gorilla Glue On Fabric?
Before you use the adhesive on your chosen fabric, do a patch test. This will help you determine whether or not the Gorilla Glue will work for your requirements.
Directions To Use:
- Prewash the fabric without using fabric softeners.
- Once dry, apply the adhesive to the material that needs to be bonded.
- Wait a minute or two for the adhesive to partially dry before joining the materials. This will increase its bond strength significantly.
- Now, press the material together firmly.
Allow at least 24 hours for the glue to fully cure. If you want to speed up the curing process, use a blow dryer or a heat lamp. Don’t throw the fabric in the washer/dryer for at least three days after the process is completed. Following this, you can wash your glued fabric in a delicate cycle with little to no heat.
Tips and Tricks For Using Gorilla Glue On Fabric
Using Gorilla Glue can be tricky, especially if it’s your first attempt. Here are some tips and tricks that will make your experience with the bonding glue less messy and more pleasant.
- Since Gorilla Glue is prone to foaming, thin it with a solvent like acetone or MEK to get a fully functional glue for your fabric.
- You can use Gorilla Glue to increase the strength and heat resistance of solvent-based adhesives.
- A 10% solution of Gorilla Glue can be used as a brushable polyurethane coating.
- Make sure you have the embellishment placement well mapped in your brain. As Gorilla Glue dries quickly, you don’t have much time for trial and error.
- Wash the fabric by hand or run a cold water cycle in the washing machine to get the most out of your Gorilla Glue application. If you’ve done patchwork on your fabric or appliques, you can tumble dry the fabric.
Types Of Fabrics On Which Gorilla Glue Cannot Be Used
Gorilla Glue is not a one-size-fits-all adhesive. It works on some fabrics and shows a stark reluctance in conforming to other fabrics.
You cannot use Gorilla Glue on natural fabrics like cotton and wool. Since this polyurethane adhesive relies on moisture to carry out the bonding process and expands and foams during the process, it is messy and can potentially ruin natural fabrics.
Gorilla Glue also has an exothermic reaction with these fibers. It can burst into flames or create white, choking smoke. Use precautions when working with Gorilla Glue as it releases carbon dioxide when in contact with water. This byproduct is dangerous and should not be inhaled. It may also irritate your eyes.
On the off chance that you don’t experience either of the two scenarios listed above, there’s still a chance that you won’t make much headway with using Gorilla Glue on these fabrics. It will cure in a brittle state and will lose the bond if it moves or flexes the wrong way.
Best Glue For Fabric
Want alternatives to Gorilla Glue? Here are our top three picks for the best glues for fabrics.
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive
Each Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive bottle contains 4 ounces of fast grabbing, drying, and flexible glue. This clear adhesive does not soak and stain your fabric, which is why it is used across the fashion industry. It is also versatile.
The Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive can be used to repair everything from hems to costume touch-ups. Furthermore, it is formulated to work on lace, leather, and wood.
Permatex 25247 Fabric Repair Kit
The Permatex 25247 Fabric Repair Kit is designed for heavy-duty fabrics like automobile upholstery, carpet, clothing, and furniture. It is available with color options, thus allowing for undetectable spot repair work.
The kit contains seven cups of fabric repair compound, two cups of fabric air dry adhesive, an application spatula, a screen applicator, a mixing bottle, and an instruction card, along with a color matching chart.
Just match the color and mix accordingly. Then apply glue and separate the fabric shreds by using the screen applicator. If it’s minute detail work, you can use a Q-tip to apply the fabric shreds onto the glue.
Odif USA 505 Temporary Fabric Adhesive
The Odif USA 505 Temporary Fabric Adhesive is a spray adhesive that comes in 12.4-ounce cans.
The adhesive is odorless, colorless, and acid-free. It’s used for basting, machine applique, and quilting. It does not gum up the needle, doesn’t leave a residue or stains, and is efficient at handling layers of fabrics securely. This is why it is used as a temporary fix or as a stabilizer in machine embroidery and hemming.
Since it’s temporary, you can reposition your fabrics without staining or ruining them should the need arise.
How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Fabric
Removing Gorilla Glue can be tricky as it creates a pretty permanent bond on application. Don’t despair, though, as you can reverse it. To start the removal process, follow these steps:
- Apply acetone to the fabric.
- Take a toothbrush and rub it throughout the glue-treated area.
- Depending on the fabric, use light jabbing motions or take an aggressive rubbing approach to flake the glue away.
- If the glue hasn’t shown signs of detaching itself from the fabric, repeat steps 1-3.
- Once you’re sure you’ve removed as much glue as possible, make sure you give the glue time to dry. Otherwise, it can stick to other parts of the fabric and create a bigger mess.
- Now, pop the fabric in the washing machine at its warmest setting. Remember, read the label of the fabric and follow manufacturer advice to avoid damaging it.
Conclusion
Gorilla Glue can be an easy fix for all sorts of sewing-related problems and make adding embellishments so much easier! Before you experiment with anything, you must be well versed in the process. So, if you’re new to this, it’s best to proceed cautiously.
I hope this article has solved all your queries about using Gorilla Glue on fabrics. If you still have any questions, comment below. I’ll be happy to answer them.
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