Best glue for ceramic items
If you want to fix a broken planter, vase, or similar item, you need ceramic glue. We’ll show you how to do it and how to choose the best glue for ceramic repair.
Ceramic glue: The basics for successful repairs
With so many adhesives on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for a ceramic item. Fortunately, many types of glue will work very well as ceramic glue. The difference is how the item will be used and which possible strains it needs to endure.
For smaller repairs, super glue will work fine on most ceramics. It dries quickly and is extremely strong. If the broken item is larger, however, super glue might not be the answer.
Another type of glue doing quite well as a ceramic adhesive is a good general contact adhesive. Make sure it says “suitable for ceramic or porous surfaces” on the label. The glue is applied to the surfaces and allowed to dry for a few minutes. Then when the pieces are joined, the bond holds very quickly.
Epoxy can be used as a ceramic glue as well. It dries to a very hard, durable surface and fills larger gaps. Many epoxies can be drilled and sanded, and they even hold nails or screws once fully cured.
If you are repairing an item that will come into contact with food, make sure to use a food safe ceramic glue.
How to apply glue for ceramics
Repairing ceramic items is very simple. Follow these steps:
- Pre-fit the pieces. Make sure you have all of them and that you know where they go.
- Wipe off the edges to be glued and remove any dust or dirt.
- Apply ceramic glue to each surface to be bonded. Not too much, a little will go a long way.
- Press the pieces together making sure they are placed properly.
- Hold the item still while the glue sets or, if possible, position it so it will not move until the glue is completely dry.
- Scrape or sand away any excess glue.
- If necessary, prime and paint or otherwise finish the item to match the surrounding area.
What if some of the pieces to be repaired are chipped or have small missing parts? An epoxy- or putty-type ceramic adhesive might do the trick. Epoxy is a two-part glue that is mixed just before use. Some putty adhesives come premixed and just need to be softened up by kneading them for a few seconds. These will form a strong, rigid bond and can fill gaps where a piece is missing or when the fit is not absolutely tight.
What is the best glue for ceramics?
A great repair adhesive which is easy to use is Loctite Stik’N Seal Indoor Adhesive. You’ll get a powerful, water-resistant bond without the nasty fumes. It’s great for ceramics, glass, tile, and most plastics, so this is a very versatile product to keep handy. Perfect for fixing those broken coffee mugs and dishes.
If you prefer the precision application of a super glue gel, try Loctite Super Glue Power Flex Control Gel. It’s ideal for porous surfaces, including ceramic, porcelain, and wood. The strong bond will hold up to extreme temperatures and vibration very well. Because it’s a gel, there is no running or dripping.
Finally, you can get the strength and advantages of epoxy in an easy-to-use pre-mixed putty with Kintsuglue. Just take it out of the package, knead it for about 10 seconds, and apply it. You can mould it into any shape, even bridge gaps or create a replica of a small part that was destroyed or is missing. It is strong, paintable, and waterproof.