When it comes to woodworking, a strong glue joint can be just as important as a tight joint. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the wood glue aisle wondering whether to grab Titebond II or Titebond III, you’re not alone.
Both are top-quality PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glues from Franklin International — but they serve slightly different purposes. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and when to use each.
🧪 Quick Comparison: Titebond II vs Titebond III
| Feature | Titebond II | Titebond III |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant (ANSI Type II) | Waterproof (ANSI Type I) |
| Open Time | ~5 minutes | ~8–10 minutes |
| Clamp Time | 30 minutes minimum | 30 minutes minimum |
| Full Cure Time | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Color When Dry | Yellow | Light brown |
| FDA Approved for Indirect Food Contact | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
🔍 Key Differences Explained
1. Water Resistance
- Titebond II is water-resistant, meaning it’s fine for cutting boards, kitchen items, or outdoor projects that won’t be exposed to constant moisture.
- Titebond III is fully waterproof, making it better for outdoor furniture, planters, or anything left in the rain.
✅ Use Titebond III for anything fully exposed to the elements.
2. Open Time
- Titebond II gives you around 5 minutes of working time.
- Titebond III gives you up to 10 minutes, which is handy for complicated glue-ups, panel glue-ups, or slower setups.
✅ Use Titebond III when you need more time to align pieces before clamping.
3. Color & Sandability
- Titebond II dries to a light yellow, which blends well with most light woods like maple or pine.
- Titebond III dries to a tan/brown, which may be more visible on lighter wood.
⚠️ Both can show glue lines if overapplied, so wipe off squeeze-out immediately.
4. Food Safety
- Titebond III is FDA-approved for indirect food contact, meaning it’s safe for cutting boards or wooden utensils.
- Titebond II is not officially approved, even though many still use it for similar applications.
✅ For cutting boards or kitchen use, Titebond III wins.
💵 Price Consideration
- Titebond II is typically 20–30% cheaper than Titebond III.
- If you’re building lots of projects or don’t need waterproofing, the savings can add up.
🧰 When to Use Each
| Project Type | Recommended Glue |
|---|---|
| Indoor furniture | Titebond II |
| Outdoor furniture | Titebond III |
| Cutting boards | Titebond III |
| Cabinets or trim | Titebond II |
| Boat parts or high-moisture areas | Titebond III |
| Quick, budget-friendly projects | Titebond II |
🪚 Final Verdict
Both glues are excellent — and many woodworkers keep both in the shop for different tasks. If you’re working indoors, on a budget, or want a quick set time, Titebond II is more than enough. But if you need extra durability, water resistance, or working time, Titebond III is the safer bet.
💬 What do you use more: Titebond II or III? Have you noticed a big difference in your projects? Drop a comment below and share your experience!
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