Skip to Content

Can You Use Gorilla Glue on Nails? (Read This First!)

Gorilla glue is said to be very durable, strong, and lasts for longer periods. However, if it’s safe to use on body parts such as nails is a common question you might find yourself wondering. This is why you should do deeper research on it before using it on your nails. 

Can you use gorilla glue on nails?

It is recommended to not use gorilla glue on nails because as it dries up and comes into contact with water, it expands. It might also end up forming light bubbles and come into contact with whatever you are touching with your hands. It is also worth noting that it’s almost impossible to remove it. 

Once the gorilla glue starts to expand and bubble, it might end up seeping out from the nails when it gets lifted upwards from your nail beds. Not only will it get stuck to everything you touch, but it will also be a space for bacteria and dirt to accumulate. 

Can you use gorilla glue on acrylic nails?

It is highly recommended to not do so because gorilla glue is way too strong for your natural nails to handle. It can trap moisture and as a result, be a ground for fungus to feed on.

Can you use clear gorilla glue on nails?

For many people, it does end up working but more often than not, it is a disaster if you apply clear gorilla glue over nail glue. It does not come off for a very long time and there are chances that it might lift off your entire nail. 

Can you use gorilla super glue gel on nails?

Gorilla super glue gel is very strong and can harm your actual nails. Once the fake nail lifts, it can trap dirt and make your nail and the surrounding skin black which can lead to bad infections.

Gorilla Super Glue Gel, 20 Gram, Clear, (Pack of 1)

Is it safe to use gorilla glue on nails?

It is not quite safe to use gorilla glue on nails because there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Your nails are sensitive, to begin with, and thus might not be able to take the roughness of gorilla glue. It can cause your nails to weaken down significantly and break off easily. 

In much more serious cases, your nails will be much more exposed to bacteria and fungus. When gorilla glue cures and comes in contact with water it can separate and invite dirt and germs in.

It can cause your nails as well as your cuticles to look black which is not that attractive. In serious cases, it can cause terrible infections as well. If not used safely with the help of a professional, it can inflict a lot of damage. 

What happens if you use super glue for fake nails?

Even though many might argue it is safe, using superglue for fake nails has a lot of risks and possible damages attached to it. 

They are both different grade elements and nail glue is tested and deemed safe to use on your nails whereas superglue is not. If you use super glue on your nails it will end up trapping water and moisture which might lead to fungal infections.

It is also very difficult to remove and the strong solutions alongside harsh tugging can cause damage to your nails. 

Is there a difference between nail glue and gorilla glue?

Even though both nail glue and gorilla glue are made from the same base element cyanoacrylate, they are not fully the same. There are some differences between them which makes gorilla glue much stronger and appropriate for industrial or hardware use only.

Grading:

For both of them, the main difference is their grades. Nail glue is tested and deemed appropriate for using it on human nails. Gorilla glue on the other hand is much stronger and graded for industrial use. They are not intended to be used on human body parts. 

Smell:

Gorilla glue has a very strong smell that many people cannot tolerate. Their fumes are toxic and when inhaled in large amounts it can cause brain damage. This in itself should be a key reason as to why you should not put it anywhere near your body.

Nail glue is much gentler even though it is a strong glue. It is intended for your nails and will not do much damage even if it gets on your skin accidentally. 

Solubility:

Gorilla glue is even stronger than super glue. It tends to expand and bubble up which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

However, if it does not do that then it means strong solutions will not be able to penetrate it properly and loosen it enough for you to remove it. You might end up having to break or remove your actual nail.

Nail glue is much lighter and with sufficient dunking in acetone, it will easily come off without harming your real nails. 

Viscosity:

Gorilla glue is runnier compared to nail glue which means it can get quite messy if you try to use it on your nails. Not only that, it can get really painful if it touches your skin. Nail glue, even if you get it on your skin accidentally, will not burn.

Gorilla glue also tends to release a heated sensation when it dries up which nail glue does not.

Which is stronger: Liquid nails or Gorilla glue?

It depends on what you are using it for, but generally, gorilla glue is stronger because it is graded as an industrial-level glue. It is strong enough to attach different types of surfaces for example wood to tile and it stays put.

Liquid nails on the other hand are more appropriate for construction jobs or repairing household items. It is not strong enough to hold different surfaces together. 

How to get gorilla glue nails?

If you are considering applying gorilla glue on your nails then it’s best if you take professional help to avoid any damage. Otherwise, you should be very careful and follow certain measures to not hurt your nails any further. 

Clean your nails:

The most important step is for you to properly clean your nails so that it does not become a ground for bacteria to feed on. 

File your nails:

Gently file the top layer of your nails and use rubbing alcohol to clean it off. It will also clean all the build-up and oils on your nails for a safer application.

Alongside that, ensure to trim your cuticles so that the gorilla glue does not come into contact with it, or else it might burn and damage your skin. 

Apply it carefully:

Apply it very slowly and carefully on your nails and use one drop only. Gorilla glue is very runny so you have to be patient and gently squeeze the tube or it will get everywhere and get messy. 

Clean it off with alcohol:

If it gets anywhere then use rubbing alcohol to clean it off immediately. Once it dries off it will be nearly impossible to get off.

If your gorilla glue expands then soak it in alcohol immediately as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi once moisture seeps in. 

Can you use gorilla glue to fix a broken nail?

Since gorilla glue is so strong it is advised to not use it on your nails. However, if you are desperate enough then you can use superglue to fix your broken nails quickly. Super glue is less strong than gorilla glue but still effective.

A tiny drop of it alongside a piece of a teabag will work just fine in fixing your broken nail. 

How long does gorilla glue last on nails?

Gorilla glue is nearly impossible to take off and thus will last for around 3-4 weeks on your nails if you regularly get your hands wet. It might damage your nails and stunt growth and in some cases, it might cause your entire nail to come off.  

How to get gorilla glue off fingernails?

You can use rubbing alcohol or acetone. If you dip it in strong solutions like those for a long time then you can pry the glue off your nails.

The residue of gorilla glue is very difficult to get rid of from your nails and it might cause your nails to look crusty for a long time and be prone to damage. 

What is the best glue for press-on nails?

Nail glue or glue that comes with your application kit is the best and safest glue to use on your nails. It is graded and tested to be safe for using it on your nails and it will thus ensure that minimum damage is inflicted on your nails.

Will rubbing alcohol remove gorilla glue from nails?

If the glue is in small amounts then dipping your nail in rubbing alcohol will loosen the glue enough to get it off your nails. However, if your glue is stuck to your nail then the alcohol won’t be able to penetrate and it might get difficult to remove it.

You will have to wait for the glue to loosen up enough for the alcohol to penetrate inside.  

Final Thoughts:

You should not be using any other types of glue on your nails other than nail glue. Super glue is very harmful and gorilla glue is worse as it can cause severe damage to your nails. If you do not have nail glue then consider substituting it for something cheaper like double-sided tape.