The History of Super Glue: Crazy or Genius?

Last updated September 20, 2026. By Andrew M. Tan.

Although Dr. Coover’s chemical didn’t work well for clear plastic gun sights, superglue made an excellent rapid bonding adhesive. Of course, despite the commercial potential of such a bonding product, Dr. Coover abandoned his formulation because it was unsuitable for his current endeavor.

The Rediscovery of Super Glue

It wasn’t until 1951 that Dr. Coover’s invention gained traction. While working for Eastman Kodak, Dr. Coover oversaw a project to create a heat-resistant acrylate polymer for jet canopies.

To his surprise, one of his colleagues, Fred Joyner, was currently working on that project and tried out the Super Glue solution by applying ethyl cyanoacrylate between two refractometer prisms. The prisms bonded firmly together to their astonishment.

This time, Dr. Coover didn’t throw out the cyanoacrylate (Super Glue), but rather saw its enormous potential: a product that would instantly connect to a range of materials and only need a little water to activate, which is usually already present on the surfaces being joined.

Commercialization of Super Glue

Super Glue was first sold by Eastman Kodak in 1958 and was known as the less memorable name of “Eastman #910,” although they subsequently renamed it “Super Glue.” Loctite and other manufacturers went on to sell their own super glues.

By the late 1970s, there were numerous manufacturers of cyanoacrylate adhesives, including Loctite and Permabond.

Ethyl cyanoacrylate is one of the most commonly used super glue formulations today.

Saving Lives: Medical Use of Super Glue

Really, why was super glue invented?

Although most recognized for mending pottery, household products, and other material, super glue also became important during the Vietnam War. During the war, Dr. Coover created cyanoacrylate sprays for use on the battlefield after testing the compound’s ability to stop bleeding.

In wartime, the biggest problem a soldier had with a bleeding wound was getting to the hospital without bleeding out. Many soldiers died because they bled to death. Using the super glue spray Dr. Coover created, medics could stop the bleeding and get wounded soldiers to the base hospital. Many lives were saved with super glue.

The life saving aspect of super glue became an important part of Dr. Coover’s legacy. The National Inventors Hall of Fame describes its use to control bleeding during the Vietnam War. Later, in 1998, the FDA approved Dermabond, a medical adhesive made from 2-octyl cyanoacrylate.

How Does Super Glue Work?

Modern cyanoacrylate (aka super glue or crazy glue) is an industrial adhesive that is used to bond materials. Cyanoacrylate glue forms a strong bond when it comes in contact with both the materials being glued. Cyanoacrylate can set in seconds, which makes it one of the fastest glues out there. Full curing takes longer; some formulas need 24 hours to reach full strength. It has the ability to stick to various surfaces, including many plastics, metal, rubber, and other materials, depending on the formula.

However, thin cyanoacrylate works best when the materials being glued fit closely together. You need to make sure the glue reaches both surfaces for it to work. A gap can weaken the joint, though thicker, gap-filling formulas can help with small spaces.

Interestingly, for super glue, crazy glue, or cyanoacrylate adhesive to work, it must be exposed to some amount of water moisture to activate. If cyanoacrylate is applied to a surface and then exposed to dry air, it will take much longer for the adhesive to harden. The water in humid conditions or from the bonding materials themselves helps activate this chemical reaction needed for bonding.

When You Shouldn’t Use Super Glue

Cyanoacrylate adhesives may be used on various materials; however, there are some surfaces that should not be used with this adhesive. For example, ordinary super glue is not a good choice for polyethylene or polypropylene plastic. Check the label for material compatibility, especially with fabrics.

Cyanoacrylate is also not recommended for use on surfaces that are exposed to high temperatures since heat can disrupt the bond. This may include metals or polymers that are exposed to high heat.

Cyanoacrylate is also not recommended for use on surfaces that are exposed to sunlight because it can discolor, change texture, and/or lose strength when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Read on below for more fun facts and uses for super glue!

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Super Glue Fun Facts

You can start a fire with super glue

When cyanoacrylate is exposed to cotton or wool fabric, it can produce a lot of heat and may cause burns or even a fire. The heat comes from the polymerization reaction.

This means that you should be careful when applying Super Glue to fabric surfaces that are in contact with your skin, which could lead to burn injuries. Do not use hobby super glue to mend bleeding wounds.

Super glue is really, really strong

When applied under optimal conditions, a 1-square inch surface bound together with super glue can hold a ton of force under tension. In a famous experiment, super glue bonding a metal surface on a crane to the top of a car allowed the crane to lift the car off the ground without the glue coming apart (source).

How to free skin bonded with super glue

Never try to pull bonded skin apart; tearing of the skin can occur as a result of forced separation. Soak the area in warm soapy water and allow time for the bond to loosen. For eye or mouth exposure, contact Poison Control for guidance.

Why super glue needs moisture

Moisture starts the curing reaction in super glue. When cyanoacrylate (super glue) meets moisture, the resin rapidly forms long chemical chains that harden into a solid. In fact, without enough moisture in the air or on the bonding material, super glue won’t work well or at all.

Variants of super glue have robust medical utility

Medical-grade variants of super glue can close some small, clean wounds. These adhesives have different formulations from hobby glue, and they do not automatically outperform stitches. Leave wound closure to a clinician; the bottle on your hobby desk is for models.

Super Glue Meets Baking Soda: A Great Combo in Miniature Hobbies and Scale Modeling

In the realm of miniature painting and scale modeling, precision and durability are key. Have you ever wondered why super glue works so well and what role baking soda plays in enhancing its properties?

Super glue, as mentioned above, is a fast-acting adhesive that forms strong bonds almost instantly upon contact with a minute amount of water. This characteristic makes it an ideal adhesive for miniature painting and scale modeling, as it securely holds together even the smallest and most intricate parts.

However, despite its impressive bonding strength, super glue can sometimes lack the needed volume or gap-filling capability when dealing with uneven surfaces or parts with small gaps.

This is where baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, comes in.

Adding baking soda to super glue creates a reaction that helps the glue fill gaps. When the sodium bicarbonate molecules in the baking soda come into contact with the cyanoacrylate in the super glue, a reaction occurs that generates a hard, durable substance. This substance fills in gaps effectively, but it does not make every joint stronger than super glue alone.

Learn more about the best gap fillers for modeling and miniature hobbies.

How Do I Use Baking Soda and Super Glue in My Miniature Hobby?

Not only does this reaction help fill gaps, but it also speeds up the curing process. The baking soda serves as an activator, triggering the super glue to harden and set almost instantly. This is particularly beneficial in scale modeling, where waiting for glue to dry can disrupt the flow of work.

Moreover, the resultant mixture of super glue and baking soda is sandable and can be painted over, making it not only a functional adhesive but also an aesthetic solution. After applying this mixture and allowing it to set, you can sand it down to create a smooth surface and paint over it, ensuring that the filled gaps or uneven surfaces blend seamlessly with the rest of the model.

In summary, the addition of baking soda to super glue creates a chemical reaction that enhances the adhesive’s gap-filling capabilities and curing speed. This trick of the trade is a valuable technique for any miniature painter or scale modeler, adding another level of precision and durability to their creations.

So next time you’re faced with a tricky bonding situation, remember this powerful combo of super glue and baking soda. It might just be the secret ingredient you need for a perfect, long-lasting model.

How to Use Super Glue on Miniatures?

For gaming miniatures such as for Warhammer 40k, super glues can be perfect for attaching small pieces together quickly without having to hold them in place for a long time.

RELATED: HANDLES AND CLIPS FOR EASIER MINIATURE GLUING AND ASSEMBLY

The key with super glues is to use as little as possible, apply it to one surface, and hold the pieces together until the glue sets, then leave the joint undisturbed for the full cure time on the label. Remember, some moisture is required for super glues to work well.

If your super glue fails to bond properly, or takes a long time to set, check the fit and the amount of glue first. A compatible glue bonding accelerant like zip-kicker can help; follow its label directions. Avoid saliva or added water with formulas meant for clean, dry surfaces.

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