How To Store Original Gorilla Glue So It Doesn't Dry Out

Original Gorilla Glue is a moisture-activated polyurethane, meaning water is what triggers the chemical reaction that makes it cure.

Opening the bottle is what starts the clock. The moment you uncap the bottle and squeeze some glue out, room air rushes in to replace it. That air carries water vapor, and the vapor goes to work on the glue still sitting in the bottle.

That's why the fix is to get the air out before capping. The real target isn't the air itself, it's the water riding along with it.

Rule 1: Squeeze out the headspace before capping

Do this after every single use.

1. Wipe any excess glue from the tip of the bottle with a dry cloth.
2. Squeeze the bottle until the glue rises to the very top of the nozzle, with no air gap left inside.
3. Keep squeezing while you screw the cap on tightly. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or glue will start dispersing.

This matters most on larger bottles, where there's more headspace to fill as the glue level drops.

Rule 2: Apply glue to the dry side

When you're dampening your project (Gorilla Glue needs moisture to bond), put the glue on the DRY piece. Never let the bottle tip touch the damp surface.

Rule 3: Store it cool, dry, and away from humid environments

• Choose a cool, dry, temperature-stable spot out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. These are the most humid rooms in most homes, and humidity is exactly what you're protecting the glue from.
• A garage or shed is usually a poor choice, because temperature and humidity swing so widely.

Super glue is sold with deliberate headspace so the bottle can be squeezed and so a column of dry air buffers the glue from outside air. To read more about how to store super glue, click here.