Best Glue for Ceramics

Brief: What is the best ceramic glue? There are a lot of different glues on the market, and it can be daunting to choose one. The first thing you should do is decide what type of project you’re working on. Is it something like pottery or glass art? Or maybe you’re just looking for an adhesive to fix a broken mug handle. Whatever your crafting needs may be, there’s a perfect ceramic glue out there waiting for you! 

Glues for ceramics are made from different materials, so it’s important you know what properties you need in your glue. In general, glues that work the best are white or clear. It’s not good to use glue with a red or yellow tint because this can add color to your ceramics project and alter the overall look.

When ceramics have a practical function, such as dishes and vases, you do not want glue with high viscosity. A glue that is very thick may not be able to hold ceramics together well enough and it will simply fall apart.

What are the different types of ceramic glue?

There are two main types of ceramic glues: epoxies and super glues. Epoxy is the better option for heavier items, while super glue is best suited to light objects.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is one of the best ceramics glues on the market for ceramics art.  This type of ceramics glue was developed in the 1980s, and ceramics artists still use it today because it works so well! Although epoxy resin isn’t really a glue per se, its adhesive properties make ceramics stick together better than any other ceramics glue available. Epoxy resin is clear. If ceramics are painted on top of each other, you want the layers to look seamless! The only downside to using epoxy resin is that it can be messy to work with.

Super Glue

Super glue is a type of glue that you can use directly from the container and dries as it reacts with the moisture in the air. They’re made out of cyanoacrylate, known as cyanide-derived cyanoacrylate, which hardens as soon as they react with humidity.

What is the best glue for ceramics?

There are many ceramics glues out there, and it can be hard to choose between them. Before you buy glue for ceramics, make sure you know what properties it needs to have, such as fast drying time or high strength. If you’re fixing a broken vase handle, you don’t want glue with a long drying time. On the other hand, if you plan on ceramics welding together, quick-drying glue may not work very well for you.

Once you know what your ceramics project needs to be successful, it will be easier to choose what ceramics glue is best for you!

Best ceramics glue comparison table

Here are all the best ceramics glues on the market. You can choose based on your specific project needs.

Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy Glue

Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy Glue is the answer to your toughest bonding challenges. It’s strong, permanent, fast-drying, and solvent-resistant, even on nonporous surfaces like glass or metal. Easier glue for messy situations, Gorilla wins over customers with its gap-filling ability and beautiful clear drying feature.

Gorilla epoxy glue has true workhorse qualities that make it a perfect solution for tough repair jobs and difficult applications where precision, durability, gap-filling quality, and ease of use matter most! Clear as day.

Gorilla 2 part epoxy glue is sure to keep your things together and in one place. It withstands some of the toughest temperatures (-10°F to 180°F) so you can use it outside on cold days, during hot summer days, or even in school science projects when things are almost heating up!

Pros & Cons

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy Glue

Elmer’s E1012 China and Glass Cement

Elmer’s E1012 China and Glass Cement is the best way to fix and reseal your ceramics, pottery, favorite mugs, cracked china, or vases. It’s dishwasher safe so it won’t ruin either surface. The Elmer’s Non-Toxic EcoVantage formula dries clear, solvent-free, and can be used indoor or outdoor.

With its amazing adhesiveness, this glue is perfect for almost anything you want to repair!

Although it has been advertised as Non-Toxic, the actual customer support center says it should not be used for items for food cooking, preparation, and serving like dishes or mugs, etc. So it’s kind of misleading. But some users are using it in mugs, and cups, etc. without any problem.

Pros & Cons

Loctite Super Glue Gel

Loctite Super Glue Gel is formulated with a gel formula that works on porous and non-porous surfaces. It is compatible with materials like Foam, Leather, Ceramic, Plastic, Metal, Rubber, and Fabric. This super glue gel comes in a self-piercing tube and dries clear, making it perfect for repairs.

The glue sets without clamping which prevents the item from ripping apart, reducing frustration and easing its use. It’s also resistant to frosty temperatures, most chemicals, as well as moisture! It dries transparently for invisible repairs!

Whether you need to make a quick fix or just get creative, this gel from Loctite will have your back! With its self-piercing tube, it’s perfect for small gaps and vertical surfaces that can be tricky to work with. The best part? You don’t even need to clamp anything, so repairs are done in no time flat!

Pros & Cons

Pratley Quickset White Epoxy – Shiny White Finish

With its quick-setting, outstanding adhesive strength and bond, Pratley Quickset White Epoxy is great for heavy-duty applications. You can use it to fill large gaps or rejuvenate failing home exteriors. It accepts paint and resists most chemicals and oil so it will serve you well on your next big project!

The Pratley Epoxy is a quick-setting glue that resists most chemicals and petrol. It’s compatible with ceramic, which makes it perfect for any ceramics repair and even fiberglass bathtub too.

Pros & Cons

Strongest Glue by HG POWER

HG POWER knows the time it takes to find a substance that will bond just about anything. They’ve created a glue so strong and versatile you can use it for almost any application. It bonds 93% of all materials like ceramics, glass, plastic, wood, rubber, metal, and stones, etc. without having to wait long periods of time or even worry about heat or cold!

It’s easy-to-use and thin while storing in the fridge for extended periods of time. I.e. You can store it for up to 2+ Years and still be able to re-use it. It is their Strongest Glue on the market!

It bonds up to 600% more effective than regular adhesives but doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind. The actual bonding process only takes 5 seconds! This is industrial adhesive, perfect for anything you need to bond together. It’s made with cyanoacrylate which is much stronger than regular glue and is one of the most versatile adhesives on the market.

Pros & Cons

How to use ceramic glue properly

Once you have settled on the best ceramic glue for the job, it’s time to get your favorite item repaired. Epoxy glue is a good option because it holds well and also provides an airtight seal. While super glue is easy to use. So we’ll ignore its use here.

Step 1. Ensure the object is secure

Repairing a ceramic object requires precision, and as such, the work area must be secure so that it will not keep shifting as you glue that together. This is done by placing the largest piece of the broken ceramic inside a container of sand to allow for better adhesion; use this secured piece to hold together all of its fragments.

Step 2. Make up your Epoxy Glue

Epoxy glue typically requires a mixture of hardener and resin, with some kits requiring the proportions to be specified (and not just “a little” or “lots”). Once it’s mixed together you have only 3 minutes before it dries- so plan accordingly.

Step 3. Get Sticking

To protect your fingers, use a pair of tweezers (or another gripping item) to hold the broken pieces of ceramics as you stick them back together. Apply the epoxy glue to the broken edges of the piece and match to a correct edge with a stick like a lollipop stick. Hold until secure and let it dry according to the instruction packet.

How to Choose the Best Ceramic Glue? (Buying Guide)

This buying guide covers all of the information you need to know when choosing a ceramic glue, from how it is made up to what types are available and which properties they each should have.

#1 What you want to use it for

Ceramic glues come in a variety of viscosities. The type you purchase will depend on the material being repaired and the color. For example, if you are repairing a light-colored object with dark ceramic glue, it will be much easier for others to tell that something is patched up than it would be if it were darker ceramic glue.

#3 Check if it is food safe?

Ceramic glues are a common tool for repairing dinnerware. When selecting one, be sure to look for food safety guidelines and approval.

#2 Water-resistance

For repairs that involve dishes, take care when selecting your glue type. Super glues usually are not water-resistant. Epoxy glues are normally waterproof and could be the better option for you if you are worried about dishwashing or washing your product in general.

#4 Consider the container shape

The type of container your ceramic glue comes in will determine the functionality of this adhesive. Some ceramic glues come with a helpful nozzle that lets you offer it to the spot you want without spilling, others come with a brush that gives you better control over where you apply it. You should avoid dispensers that overflow as this wastes both time and the product.

#5 Glue cost also matter

Some ceramic glues have a higher price point than others, and the decision to purchase or not depends on your wallet. Do some research before making any final purchases, because though an expensive ceramic glue may offer value it is difficult to ascertain without prior knowledge.

#6 Check its drying time

Ceramic glues might take different amounts of time to dry depending on the type. Epoxy glue will most likely be slower-drying than superglue, but it should let you know how long it takes for the adhesive to become hard and stronger based on its formula. Being aware of drying times is especially important when you have a little time to complete your project OR fixing many things.

#7 How will it look when it dries

Ceramic glues will change colors when they dry so be sure to read the descriptions carefully and know what state your finished product will take on in order to ensure a quality repair.

Pros and cons of different types of glue

As discussed earlier, there are two main types of ceramic glues: epoxies and super glues. Epoxy is the better option for heavier items, while super glue is best suited to light objects. Here we’ll see the pros and cons of both.

Epoxy glue for ceramics

Epoxy resin is the best option for gluing ceramic pieces together. It was created in the 1980s, and ceramics artists still use it because of how well it works. Its adhesive properties make them stick better than any other type you could find – even if they are painted on top of each other! Epoxy resin can be messy to work with; however, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• It’s clear so it won’t change the appearance of your ceramics project
• Creates a strong bond, making ceramics stick together.

Cons:

• It’s messy to use, and toxic. Make sure your workspace is well ventilated!
• It is hard to use, because, usually, you have to mix two (2) parts to prepare it.

There are many ceramics glues out there, and it can be hard to choose between them. Before you buy glue for ceramics, make sure you know what properties it needs to have, such as fast drying time or high strength. If you’re fixing a broken vase handle, you don’t want glue with a long drying time. On the other hand, if you plan on ceramics welding together, quick-drying glue may not work very well for you.

Super glue

Super glue is a quick fix for fixing broken ceramic ornaments. The glue should not be used in instances when the object needs to withstand frequent use or put in a dishwasher frequently because it will lose its bonding strength much quicker than other choices on this list.

Pros:

• Best for fixing ceramics ornaments.
• Best for quick fixes, where you have all the broken pieces and just want to stick together.

Cons:

• Waterproofing problem
• Gap filling problem

Conclusion

Ceramic products are beautiful but fragile. When fixing broken pieces of your ceramic pottery or vases, use a strong ceramics glue to make the bond stronger and longer-lasting.

Ceramic glues are multifunctional that you can use to fix ceramic mugs, bowls, and plates. Epoxy glue is the best option for items that you need to repair as it is heat-resistant in addition to being water-proof. It can also be used as a filler for gaps if necessary.

Super glue is the best option for repairing broken ceramic ornaments, as it dries more quickly than other glues and allows for greater precision.

To ensure you get the finest quality, choose a ceramic glue that has been reviewed by experts.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Note: Jigsaw Expert may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.