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Breaking a ceramic household item is frustrating, but most can be repaired—so long as you have all the pieces and a high-quality adhesive. The best glue for ceramic can not only rescue small shattered and broken objects, but it can even fix ceramic tiles and countertops. If you own or work with ceramics often, it’s wise to have a specialty glue on hand.
You are watching: The Best Glues for Ceramic Repairs Tested in 2023
We tested a variety of super glues and epoxies on some of the most common ceramics used in the home including stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware to determine their ease of application, drying times, and cured finish color. Use this guide to the best ceramic glues going to find the product you’ll want to keep in your tool kit or utility drawer.
- BEST OVERALL: Gorilla Super Glue Brush & Nozzle
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Krazy Glue Home & Office Brush-On Glue
- BEST EPOXY: J-B Weld 50112 ClearWeld Quick-Setting Epoxy
- BEST CERAMIC GLUE FILLER: J-B Weld 50101 MinuteWeld Instant-Setting Epoxy
- BEST WATERPROOF: Gorilla Original Waterproof Gorilla Glue
- BEST FOOD-SAFE: DAP All-Purpose 100% Silicone Adhesive Sealant
- HONORABLE MENTION: Pratley Quickset White Epoxy Glue
How We Tested the Best Ceramic Glues
We tested these adhesives based on three rubrics: bonding time, applicator type, and the color of the product when dried. All glues tested indicated their suitability for three different types of ceramic items: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
We held each of the ceramic pieces in place by hand or clamp for the bonding time recommended by the manufacturer; in general, we found the bond set faster than the manufacturer’s claim. Most of the glues only came with one type of applicator, except for the Gorilla Super Glue, which had a brush and nozzle applicator.
Our Top Picks
Although all the glues we tested in our hands-on review will repair broken ceramics, we found that some are easier to use and have faster drying times than others. Keep reading and you’re likely to find the right glue for ceramic repairs and other projects.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Glue for Ceramic Repairs
Now that we’ve reviewed the best types of glue for ceramics, let’s go over some specifics. Everything from formulation to applicator to drying time can affect how well the adhesive will repair a ceramic piece. Read on to learn what should be considered before purchasing a new ceramic glue.
Glue Type
There are all types of glue, but the most common types for ceramic repair are super glue and epoxy.
- Super glue uses cyanide-derived cyanoacrylate to create a strong bond. This convenience product dries in seconds and, unlike epoxy, requires no mixing. It’s great for lightweight ceramics and creating bonds in a thin space, such as putting a broken rim of a planter back together.
- Epoxies include a hardener and a resin that, when mixed, provide a strong bond that’s ideal for ceramics. While a little extra effort is required to prepare, and drying times are longer, epoxy is more durable than super glue, so it’s the better choice for fixing items that get a lot of handling. Epoxies can also be used as fillers due to their viscosity. They effectively fill in dents, scratches, cracks, holes, or joints and can be sanded and painted to camouflage the repair.
Applicator and Container Shape
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Many super glues have a small applicator tip to deposit the adhesive on the exact spot to be repaired. Some products have a nozzle for more precise application. Other glues come with a brush to allow more control over how thick or thin the product goes on.
The shape of the container can also be an important factor in ease of use if it’s basically an extension of the applicator. Certain container designs are also less likely to cause dripping. Avoid containers that drip, which wastes product and increases the risk of glue coming in contact with the skin, causing irritation.
Drying Time and Opacity
Every adhesive, no matter the type, has a different drying time, which will usually be printed somewhere on the label. Generally, epoxies take about 30 seconds to 5 minutes to set and up to several hours to cure. Quick-setting adhesives like super glue—which typically dries in seconds—don’t give much adjustment time; it’s best to do a dry fit first before adding the adhesive to ensure you position the pieces correctly.
Drying opacity is another aspect to keep in mind. Most glues will dry to a transparent finish so that the product won’t show on the ceramic. However, some change color as they dry. If using the glue as a filler, make sure to choose one that will match the color of the ceramic piece.
Food Safety
What makes many ceramic adhesives so strong is their chemical composition. Unfortunately, these chemicals are often not “food-safe,” meaning they should not be used on dishes, cups, or other items used for food and drinks. Most super glues contain cyanoacrylate. The chemical can cause skin irritation and minor stomach upset if ingested. Although the chemical is minimally toxic in small amounts, the FDA does not recommend it for use on any object that comes in direct contact with food or drinks.
If the ceramic piece being repaired is used to serve or display food, look for an FDA approval stamp on the product label. That certification is the only way to know for sure that the glue is food-safe. An FDA stamp is not important for items that won’t be around food.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Many but not all adhesives for ceramics are either waterproof or water-resistant. If your ceramic item is regularly exposed to liquids or kept in a typically moist environment, it’s wise to use a waterproof glue. Epoxies may be waterproof, while super glues are more likely to be water-resistant. A water-resistant glue should hold up fine to hand-washing, and some can even survive a dishwasher. Read labels or online product information to determine if a glue is water-resistant or waterproof.
Accessories
As with most crafting products, ceramic glues may come with accessories that may be useful for repairs. Typically, these are tools that assist in application, such as a scraper, spatula, or an attachment that allows for better control of the flow of glue. Some adhesives come with multiple tops, syringes, and nozzles so you can brush on the glue or squeeze it out.
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When working with super glues and epoxies, it’s a good idea to do your repairs over a tarp or sheet to protect the surface below. These aren’t usually available with adhesives, however.
Tips for Using Glue for Ceramic Repairs
While many crafters rely on a great glue gun, a high-quality epoxy or super glue is often a staple for numerous projects—especially if working with ceramics. These adhesives are also handy for around-the-house repairs, such as putting together a shattered flowerpot or repairing a decorative porcelain statuette. Consider these tips to obtain great results when using glue on ceramics:
- Clean the ceramic pieces fully and allow them to dry completely before applying the adhesive.
- If using epoxy, apply it within 3 minutes of mixing it to avoid it drying.
- Hold pieces of the ceramic together until they are firm and stable.
- Use tweezers to help hold smaller pieces in place.
FAQs
You now know what it takes to choose and properly use the best glue for ceramics yet may still want more information. Read on for answers to some of the most common questions about selecting and applying epoxy and super glue.
Q. Can you glue ceramic cookware?
Yes, but only if the glue is FDA approved.
Q. Is Gorilla Glue good for ceramic repairs?
Yes. Gorilla Super Glue is the brand’s most recommended product for ceramic repair.
Q. How do you glue ceramics back together?
Apply epoxy or glue to the edge of the broken pieces and then hold them together until they are secure. Let dry for the time indicated on the package before use.
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