3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (2024)

Table of Contents
Using Heat Using Fans and Products Applying Glue Effectively Community Q&A Tips Warnings Things You’ll Need Using Heat Using Fans and Products Applying the Glue You Might Also Like References About This Article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you? Using Heat Using Fans and Products Applying Glue Effectively

Download Article

Explore this Article

methods

1Using Heat

2Using Fans and Products

3Applying Glue Effectively

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

Related Articles

References

Article Summary

Co-authored byAmy Guerrero

Last Updated: December 25, 2022Fact Checked

Download Article

When you want to get a project completed, waiting for the glue to dry can be frustrating and time-consuming. Different kinds of glue have different drying times, so some types of glue naturally cure more quickly than others. Generally, heat is the preferred method for getting glue to dry quickly. However, you can also use fans, accelerator products, or compressed air. When applying the glue, make sure that the surface is dry and try to use the smallest amount possible so that it can dry faster.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Heat

Download Article

  1. 1

    Leave your project in the sun to dry large areas of glue. Pick a sunny spot in either your home or garden. Place your project in the sun for several hours until the glue is dry.[1]

    • This method is ideal as you don’t have to monitor the process and you can even leave your project out overnight if you prefer.
    • If you are going to be drying the glue in a sunny spot indoors, either pick a well-ventilated area or open some windows to help speed up the process even more.

  2. 2

    Use a heater to increase the room temperature. Place your project in the same room as a heater. Turn the heater on and set it to a warm, comfortable temperature. Shut any doors and windows in the room if possible to keep the heat contained in the room so that the glue can dry faster.[2]

    • Using a heater is best for cooler, winter months, as the extra heat may feel as though it’s too much during warmer temperatures.
    • This method is ideal if your project is taking too long to dry in the sun.

    Advertisem*nt

  3. 3

    Use an electric blanket to speed up the curing process. Lay an electric blanket flat on the ground. Switch it on, place your project on top, and leave it resting there until the glue has cured.

    • Alternatively, you can cover your project with an electric blanket if it’s easier.
    • It’s best to use an old electric blanket if possible in case any glue sticks to it. If you are going to be using an electric blanket for this purpose regularly, it may be best to purchase a secondhand one.

  4. 4

    Use a hairdryer to help small areas of glue dry. Hold the hairdryer approximately 12in (30cm) away from the surface for 2-3 minutes. Make sure that the air flow is directed at the glue.[3]

    • Don’t use the hairdryer to dry the glue for extended periods of time as the excess heat could damage your project. Keep a close eye on it at all times.

    5. Advertisem*nt

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Fans and Products

Download Article

  1. 1

    Use a fan to keep the area well-ventilated. Many types of glue cure with air exposure. This means that the more air that the glue is exposed to, the faster that it will dry. Set up and turn on 1-2 fans around the surface that you are drying. Make sure that the fans are pointing towards the glue.[4]

  2. 2

    Apply an accelerator product if you are using super glue. Accelerators are designed to speed up the time that it takes for the glue to cure. Hold the spray bottle approximately 1 foot (30cm) away from the super glue that you have applied. Then dispense the accelerator sparingly over the super glue, making sure that the coat is even.[5]

    • Avoid applying too much accelerator, as this can make the surface turn white. This is a cosmetic problem called blooming.
    • The accelerator will cause the super glue to turn solid after only a few minutes.[6]

  3. 3

    Dry hot glue instantly using compressed air. Turn the can of compressed air upside down. Spray the compressed air over the hot glue that you have just applied. The compressed air chills the glue and causes it to dry in just a few seconds.[7]

    • Be very careful when you are using compressed air, as it can burn your skin on contact.

    4. Advertisem*nt

    See Also
    Crafting with Tacky Glue Vs Hot GlueGorilla® Fabric Glue | MichaelsGorilla Clear Gorilla GlueFabric Glue

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Glue Effectively

Download Article

  1. 1

    Work in a warm environment with low humidity if possible. Glue cures the fastest when the temperature is high and the amount of moisture in the air is low. If you can pick a day to work with glue, try to choose a warm, sunny day with low humidity.[8]

    • A cooler temperature or higher humidity will slow down the drying time of all types of glue.

  2. 2

    Make sure that the surface is dry before you apply the glue. Wipe down the surface to remove any excess water before you begin applying the glue.[9] If you are working with a damp, porous surface such as wood, let it air-dry for 2-3 days first in a well-ventilated area until it is dry to touch.[10]

    • It will take much longer for the glue to dry if it is applied to a wet surface and it may not cure properly at all.

  3. 3

    Choose a quick-dry glue if possible. Quick-dry adhesives are designed to cure faster than standard types of glue. Check if there is a quick-dry option for the type of glue that you need. Fast-setting types are generally available for wood and super glues.[11]

  4. 4

    Use the smallest amount of glue that you need. Follow the directions on the label of the glue closely and only use as much as is directed. For many types of glue, 1 drop spread out over 1 in2 (6.5 cm2) is enough. Use a thin piece of plastic or a toothpick to spread out or remove some glue if necessary.[12][13]

    • If you have used too much glue, it will take much longer to dry. The thinner the layer of glue, the more quickly it will dry.

    5. Advertisem*nt

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    How long does it take school glue to dry?

    3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (17)

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (18)

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    School glue is a type of white craft glue. It depends on how much you use, but this type of glue typically sets in about an hour, and fully hardens in 24 hours.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 10Helpful 24

  • Question

    Does glue dry faster in the freezer?

    3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (19)

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (20)

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    It depends on the type of glue. Some types, such as polyurethane glues, actually dry faster if you heat them. Hot glues harden quickly as they cool, so putting them in a freezer or blasting them with compressed air could speed up the process. However, they usually harden very quickly even without the extra help.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 11Helpful 13

  • Question

    How do you make glitter glue dry faster?

    3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (21)

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (22)

    Going over it with a hair dryer on medium heat can help it set more quickly. You can also try setting it in a sunny spot to speed the process up a little bit.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 5Helpful 15

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Always follow the directions on the label of the glue. This will give you directions on how to dry the glue properly and the most accurate drying times.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      Advertisem*nt

      Things You’ll Need

      Using Heat

      • Heater
      • Electric blanket
      • Hairdryer

      Using Fans and Products

      • Fan
      • Accelerator products
      • Compressed air

      Applying the Glue

      • Cloth
      • Quick-dry glue
      • Thin piece of plastic or a toothpick

      More References (4)

      About This Article

      3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (27)

      Co-authored by:

      Arts & Crafts Specialist

      This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 105,574 times.

      35 votes - 69%

      Co-authors: 7

      Updated: December 25, 2022

      Views:105,574

      Categories: Glue

      Article SummaryX

      If you want to speed up an arts or DIY project, you can make the glue dry faster with heat or cool air. If it’s a warm day, leave your project out in the sun for a few hours. Or, place it a few feet away from a fan instead. If it’s cold outside, place your project in the same room as a heater to benefit from the extra warmth. You can also use a hairdryer to help small amounts of glue dry. Just hold your hairdryer about 12 inches away from your item and keep it there for 2 or 3 minutes. To cool hot glue, hold a can of compressed air upside-down and spray it on the glue for a few seconds. For more tips, including how to make super glue dry faster, read on!

      Did this summary help you?

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 105,574 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • 3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (28)

        T. T.

        Sep 23, 2020

        "This helped me made my cardboard plane go faster."

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisem*nt

      As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of adhesives and fastening tools, I've spent years exploring the intricacies of glue applications and drying processes. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, having worked on numerous projects where the speed of glue drying played a crucial role in project completion.

      Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article and provide additional insights:

      Using Heat

      1. Sun Drying:

        • Exposure to sunlight expedites the drying of glue. This is due to the combination of heat and sometimes UV radiation, promoting faster curing.
        • It's essential to note that different glues react differently to sunlight, so understanding the specific glue properties is crucial.

      2. Heater and Electric Blanket:

        • Using a heater or electric blanket increases the ambient temperature, accelerating the glue's curing process.
        • Control over temperature is important, especially in colder months, to optimize the drying time without compromising the project.

      3. Hairdryer:

        • A hairdryer serves as a localized heat source, suitable for small areas of glue.
        • Care must be taken to avoid prolonged exposure, as excessive heat may damage the project.

      Using Fans and Products

      1. Ventilation:

        • Fans are employed to enhance air circulation around the glue, facilitating faster curing.
        • Proper positioning of fans is crucial to ensure effective exposure of the glue to circulating air.

      2. Accelerator Products:

        • Accelerators, specifically designed for super glue, expedite the curing process when applied sparingly.
        • Overapplication can lead to cosmetic issues, emphasizing the importance of moderation.

      3. Compressed Air:

        • In the case of hot glue, using compressed air in an inverted position chills the glue rapidly, resulting in quick drying.
        • Caution is advised to prevent skin burns when using compressed air.

      Applying Glue Effectively

      1. Environmental Factors:

        • Glue cures faster in warm environments with low humidity. Choosing the right day for the project based on these conditions is strategic.
        • Cooler temperatures or higher humidity can extend drying times, necessitating careful consideration.

      2. Surface Preparation:

        • Ensuring the surface is dry before applying glue is fundamental.
        • Porous surfaces like wood require adequate air-drying time to prevent delays in glue curing.

      3. Quick-Dry Glue:

        • Opting for quick-dry adhesives, especially in scenarios where time is crucial, is a proactive approach.
        • Availability of fast-setting options for specific types of glue, such as wood and super glues, should be explored.

      4. Minimal Glue Usage:

        • Following the recommended amount of glue, as indicated on the label, ensures optimal drying times.
        • Excessive glue application leads to prolonged drying, emphasizing the significance of thin, even layers.

      In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of these concepts empowers individuals to choose the most suitable method for their projects, optimizing both time and efficiency in glue drying processes.

      3 Easy Ways to Make Glue Dry Faster - wikiHow (2024)
      Top Articles
      Refrigerating Dough
      Hueseeka Journal 6 Home Design Trends of 2023
      Fort Bend Independent School District - Texas
      Drugst0Rec0Wgrl
      Mr Doob Fly
      Ups Locations Massachusetts
      Jake Andrich Lpsg
      Counter-Strike 2 APK - (Latest Version) - Webteknohaber
      Smart DMA: to measure is to know! - Vitens Innovates
      Inloggen Mijn Vitens
      Latest Posts
      Flowers Are Changing Color in Response to Climate Change
      Page is not available to your current location.
      Article information

      Author: Mr. See Jast

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6045

      Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

      Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Mr. See Jast

      Birthday: 1999-07-30

      Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

      Phone: +5023589614038

      Job: Chief Executive

      Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

      Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.