Epoxy Explained

Learn what epoxy is, how it works, and when to use it for strong, long-lasting repairs. Discover the differences between Gorilla Epoxy Clear and Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate to quickly choose the right option for your project. Find step-by-step guidance and pro tips to help you get the strongest possible bond.

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Learn what epoxy is, how it works, and when to use it for strong, long-lasting repairs.
Find step-by-step guidance and pro tips to help you get the strongest possible bond.

Compare your options to find the perfect fit

Gorilla Epoxy

Gorilla Epoxy

Ultimate Gorilla Tape

Ultimate Gorilla Tape

Gorilla Foam Seal Insulating Foam Sealant

Gorilla Foam Seal Insulating Foam Sealant
Compare Gorilla Epoxy Products

Gorilla Epoxy

Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate

Set Time

5 minutes

10 minutes

Strength

Up to 3300 PSI

Up to 4250 PSI

Curing Color

Clear

Black

Water Protection

Water Resistant

Waterproof*

Best For

Household repairs, glass, ceramics and surfaces where clear appearance matters

Heavy-duty repairs, outdoor projects, and surfaces exposed to moisture

Shop Epoxy Clear
Shop Epoxy Ultimate

*Bonded wood materials should not be submerged or soaked in water

When the job demands strength and durability, try Gorilla Epoxy

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Incredible Strength

Designed to handle demanding repairs, Gorilla Epoxy offers incredible bonding strength.

Person wearing blue gloves applying epoxy resin to the edge of a small glass container with a spatula.
Gap-Filling Formula

Fills voids and spaces for a tight, long-lasting hold—even on uneven surfaces.

Person wearing blue gloves assembling a gold-colored lamp part next to a vase and a tube of Gorilla epoxy adhesive on a white surface.
Versatility

Bonds a wide range of materials, making it a go-to adhesive for nearly any project.

Shop Epoxy Products

What Exactly Is Epoxy and
How Does it Work?

Epoxy is a strong, versatile, two-part adhesive made by mixing a resin and a hardener. Once combined, a chemical reaction occurs, creating a durable, water-resistant bond.

When the two ingredients are mixed together, the mixture begins to cure over several minutes, ultimately creating a durable, rock-solid bond during the curing process.

Hands in blue gloves dispensing Gorilla Epoxy clear resin and hardener into a mixing tray with labels explaining resin as the main structural body and hardener as the catalyst starting the curing process.

How do I use Gorilla Epoxy?

It's Easier Than You Think
1
Timer icon representing fast curing or setting time
PREPARE YOUR WORK AREA AND SURFACE

Work in a well-ventilated area and protect your surface from spills. Have your mixing tray and stir sticks ready before you begin.

Note

For the best bond, lightly roughen smooth areas. Then clean and dry all surfaces to remove dust, grease, or debris.

Person wearing blue gloves assembling a gold-colored lamp part next to a vase and a tube of Gorilla epoxy adhesive on a white surface.
2
Timer icon representing fast curing or setting time
Get ready to dispense
  • Remove stir stick from the middle of the plunger. Prior to opening, pull back slightly on the plunger to help minimize initial product flow.
  • Remove the cap from both syringes.
  • With the tip pointing upward, snap or cut off the end from the tip of the syringes.
  • With the tip still pointing upward, slowly press the plunger until resin and hardener reach the tip. This removes air and ensures an even flow.
Person wearing blue gloves taking the cap off of a Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate adhesive syringe.
3
Timer icon representing fast curing or setting time
Get ready to dispense
  • Push out equal parts of resin and hardener onto a clean, disposable surface. The package can be used as a mixing tray.
  • Mix thoroughly for about 20 seconds until the mixture is uniform.
  • As you mix, you will notice the epoxy warms up. This is a reaction that occurs as the resin and hardener combine.
Hands wearing blue gloves mixing clear epoxy resin with an orange stick, with epoxy container nearby.
4
Timer icon representing fast curing or setting time
Apply and Clamp
  • Apply the epoxy to your fix. The mixture will continue to thicken, and the bond strength will decrease the longer you wait to apply.
    • For Epoxy Clear: Apply within 5 minutes
    • For Epoxy Ultimate: Apply within 3 minutes
  • Join the surfaces and clamp them firmly. Leave your project undisturbed to allow the epoxy to fully cure and reach maximum strength.
Social media content showing Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate used to attach solar lights
5
Timer icon representing fast curing or setting time
Close and Store
  • Pull the plunger back slightly.
  • Wipe the tip clean with a dry cloth.
  • Align the notch on the tip with the cap and close tightly for storage.
Person wearing blue gloves taping up the epoxied lamp, with the closed epoxy syringe laid down flat.
Timing and clock icon
Important
Timing Notes
Set:

Epoxy Clear: 5 minutes

Epoxy Ultimate: 10 minutes

Handling:

Allow to cure for 30 minutes undisturbed
(no weight or handling)

Full Cure:

24 hours

For tough repairs that need more than just a quick fix.

Gorilla Epoxy bonds well to a wide variety of surfaces including most plastics*, metal, wood, glass, ceramic, stone, tile and fiberglass.

Metal surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Metal

Wood surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Wood

Ceramic surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Ceramic

Glass surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Glass

Plastic surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Most Plastics*

Stone surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Stone

Tile surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Tile

Fiberglass surface sample for adhesive compatibility demonstration

Fiberglass

Note

*Not recommended for use on polyethylene or polypropylene plastics.

Stop replacing and start
repairing with confidence

Gorilla Epoxy

For clean, quick, indoor fixes:
Go with Gorilla Epoxy Clear.

Shop Now

Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate

For maximum strength and outdoor repairs:
Reach for Gorilla Ultimate Epoxy.

Shop Now

Frequently Asked Questions

We realize any DIY project may have a spill and we want to help you with tips and tricks to successfully remove glue from fingers and nails.

For bonded skin, please call 1-800-420-7186 to speak to a medical professional.

What is epoxy and how does it work?

Epoxy is a two-part adhesive made up of a resin and a hardener. When the two components are mixed together in equal parts, a chemical reaction occurs that causes the mixture to cure and harden into a durable, rock-solid bond. The mixture will begin to warm up during mixing — this is a normal part of the curing process. Once fully cured, epoxy creates a strong, permanent bond that resists impact, moisture, and stress far beyond what standard glues can achieve.

What is the difference between Gorilla Epoxy and Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate?

The two products differ in set time, strength, color, and water protection. Gorilla Epoxy (Clear) sets in 5 minutes, cures clear, is water resistant, and reaches up to 3,300 PSI of strength — making it ideal for indoor household repairs and projects where a clean, invisible bond matters. Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate sets in 10 minutes, cures black, is fully waterproof, and reaches up to 4,250 PSI — making it the better choice for heavy-duty repairs, outdoor projects, and surfaces regularly exposed to moisture.

What materials does Gorilla Epoxy work on?

Gorilla Epoxy is designed for versatility and bonds strongly to a wide range of materials including metal, wood, glass, ceramic, stone, most plastics*, tile, and fiberglass.

*Not recommended for use on polyethylene or polypropylene plastics.

How long does Gorilla Epoxy take to fully cure?

Both Gorilla Epoxy and Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate reach full cure in 24 hours. However, the initial set happens much sooner — Gorilla Epoxy (Clear) sets in 5 minutes and Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate sets in 10 minutes. After joining the surfaces, leave the repair undisturbed for at least 30 minutes before any handling or light use, and wait the full 24 hours before subjecting the bond to significant stress or weight.

How long does Gorilla Epoxy take to cure fully?

While Gorilla Epoxy sets in as little as 5 to 10 minutes depending on the product, a full cure typically takes 24 hours. For best results, follow the specific product instructions and allow adequate time for the epoxy to harden completely before handling.

Do I need clamps when using Gorilla Epoxy?

Yes, clamping is recommended while the epoxy sets. After applying the mixed epoxy and joining your surfaces, clamp the pieces firmly together and leave the repair undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. This ensures consistent pressure across the bond during the initial set period and helps achieve maximum strength.

Can I use Gorilla Epoxy to fix a broken glass item?

Yes. Gorilla Epoxy bonds well to glass and is a reliable option for repairing broken vases, figurines, eyeglass frames, and decorative glassware. Gorilla Epoxy Clear is the preferred choice for glass repairs since it cures transparent, keeping the repair as invisible as possible. Lightly clean the surfaces, mix a small amount of epoxy, apply sparingly to one side, and hold the pieces together until the initial set is complete.

Can I use Gorilla Epoxy to repair outdoor furniture or garden items?

Yes, and for this application Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate is the right choice. Its fully waterproof formula and 4,250 PSI bond strength make it well-suited for repairing metal patio furniture, wooden benches, stone planters, ceramic garden ornaments, and similar outdoor items that face UV exposure, rain, and temperature swings. Always clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before applying, and allow a full 24-hour cure before returning the item to outdoor use.

Can Gorilla Epoxy be used to bond metal to metal?

Yes. Both Gorilla Epoxy formulas bond strongly to metal surfaces including steel, aluminum, and brass. This makes epoxy a solid choice for repairing metal brackets, handles, tools, and hardware. For best results on smooth or coated metal, lightly sand the bonding area first to give the epoxy a surface to grip, then clean away any dust or oil before mixing and applying.

Can I use Gorilla Epoxy to repair jewelry or small decorative objects?

Yes, with care. Gorilla Epoxy Clear is the better option for jewelry and decorative items because it cures transparent, keeping the repair discreet. Mix only a very small amount — epoxy's working time is limited and the mixture thickens quickly — and apply with a toothpick or fine tool for precision on small pieces. Because epoxy creates a rigid, permanent bond, it works best on hard materials like metal pendants, ceramic beads, stone settings, and glass components rather than flexible or soft materials.

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Gorilla mascot character hand reaching right

Still have questions?