Best Glue for Pottery

How to Choose Glue for Pottery?

If your favorite cup, plate, or piece of ornament gets broken, it can be a catastrophe, but all is not wasted because of ceramic glue. Putting a broken ceramic item back together may not be as tricky as you may think, plus with great ceramic glue in your toolkit, you can be confident that you can save a cracked pottery item.

Besides being excellent for fixing broken ceramic items, ceramic glue is perfect for fixing ceramic floors or countertops too.

Within this article, we will cover the multiple ways to use ceramic glue, its application, and things to consider when buying this item to ensure you have the best pottery glue for your specific needs. We will also have a look at several great brands of pottery glue for you to include in your toolkit.

What is pottery glue?

As the name implies, pottery glue is an adhesive strong enough to glue broken pottery back together. There is a wide range of pottery products and different glues that are suitable for specific items (we will go into more detail in the following sections). By and large, pottery glues are extremely effective adhesives that can glue broken pottery back together over a long period of time.

There are a variety of uses for pottery glues, such as repairing broken plates, bowls, and cups, fixing valuable old pottery, souvenirs, and even ceramic tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. Pottery adhesives have different prices, but this product is a very inexpensive option to repair broken things instead of replacing them.

How to glue ceramic

It’s easy to glue broken pottery together – check out the instructions here.

• Set out the broken pieces to ensure you have all of them.
• Spread a fine line of glue on each side of the ceramic pieces.
• Accurately push the pieces together and fit them quickly if necessary.
• Keep the pieces pressed together to allow the glue to take hold. If needed, secure the pieces to achieve set time.
• Scratch off surplus dried glue once it is completely set.

Best Choice

Gorilla Super Glue with Brush & Nozzle Applicator

When it comes to the finest of the finest adhesives, Gorilla Super Glue takes the cake for itself. With its unique rubber particles that increase adhesive strength and impact resistance, this super glue is perfect for restoring pottery. It can also be used on plastic, metal, stone, fabric, paper, rubber, and many other materials.

Gorilla has created one more outstanding superglue solution with this product. It features those exclusive rubber particles that boost impact resistance and bonding strength. Apart from this time-tested compound that Gorilla is famous for, the adhesive formula is available in the handiest of application methods: Nozzle and Brush.

Perhaps the real highlight of this glue, however, is its applicators. You get both a thin bristle brush for small, fine cracks and a nozzle with a precision tip for quick and easy application at a great price.

If you have to bond things fast, you can choose the conventional nozzle system of the bottle. This will give you a more generous amount of glue per drop. On the other hand, the bristle brush gives you better control over the quantity you have to use. This is great for tiny projects that have to be glued, like tiny parts of jewelry and ceramics. This superglue dries in less than 45 seconds. The downside is that this super glue is not FDA-approved or waterproof.

Pros:

• Multi-purpose application of the glue in two directions.
• Comes with 12 grams of glue.
• The bristle brush has a nice texture and allows for a uniform distribution of the glue.
• Clean bonding and greater control.
• A quick-drying formula that sets between 10 and 45 seconds.

Cons:

• Consistent use of the brush when applying means that the adhesive is exposed to air, which may result in it hardening or becoming thickened.

Related post: Super Glue vs Epoxy

How many kinds of ceramic glues are there?

Actually, there are two main kinds of ceramic glues: epoxies and superglues. Within the following passage, we are going to discover the distinctions between epoxies and superglues and figure out which kind of glue to apply for particular ceramic items.

1. Epoxies

Epoxy glues are a kind of polymer glue that is made up of two fundamental ingredients: resin and hardener. Normally, you blend these two compounds on your own to create a really powerful adhesive. The more hardener you put in your compound, the more powerful the glue will become, though it will also need a longer time to harden, a fact that you will need to be aware of. An awesome characteristic of epoxy glue is that it is 100% waterproof, making it a perfect ceramic glue to use when the thing you are bonding has to be washed (like mugs, plates, or any other ceramic dishware). The firmness of this glue is highly appreciable.

Therefore, if you glue things one time, it will stay in place no matter what (so watch you don’t spill any of it unintentionally!). It may be a bit challenging to determine the proper proportion in mixing epoxy adhesives, but luckily you are able to get the basic compounds ready-measured from the manufacturers to create an efficient and durable epoxy adhesive. One other downside to working with epoxy adhesives is that when it comes to fixing damaged ceramic products, they may be slightly more visible than other adhesives (but you can choose to get appropriately colored epoxy adhesives to suit the ceramic you’re fixing). Other than that, epoxy glue is amazingly temperature stable, can hold up to high pressure, as well as being waterproof.

The benefit of epoxy glue is it can be used as a gap sealer too, so not only can it glue ceramic pieces back together, it can also fill in the spaces if the fractured pieces aren’t a perfect match.

2. Super glues

Super glues in general are simpler to apply than epoxy glues, with no need for you to prepare the compounds yourself. They consist of cyanide cyanoacrylate that hardens by reaction with atmospheric humidity. If you’re in search of a simple application, super glue is a great option since it can be used directly from the container, and it dries fast after being applied. Super glue is a handy ceramic adhesive if you are searching for a fast way to fix things when disaster strikes.

The downside to using superglue is that it is not as potent as epoxy glue and dissolves readily, making it not extremely water-resistant if you are fixing things that are cleaned in the dishwasher on a consistent basis. Superglue is also unable to pack in gaps. Therefore, if you don’t have all the broken pieces, this kind of glue can’t make up the spaces in a similar way that epoxy glue can.

Top 4 Best Ceramic types of glue

So now that you understand the miracles pottery adhesives can perform, now is the perfect moment to check out some outstanding items. Below is our pick of the five best ceramic types of glue.

E6000 Craft Adhesive

E6000 is a one-of-a-kind rubber-based glue. It is not like ordinary glues and offers a number of exclusive features that make E6000 able to succeed in areas where other glues fail. E6000 is popularly used for its flexibility and versatility as a set glue, yet it is also supremely strong, suitable for use even on slick finishes including glass and metal.
E6000 will not become stone-hard once it is set. Rather, it stays a stretchy, supple, powerful rubber that can bond to nearly any surface where it is applied.

Thanks to this unbelievable versatility, the E6000 is ideal for uses in which a more rigid adhesive like CA superglue might break or crack, including fabrics and clothing, footwear, jewelry, and so on.

Developed especially for industrial settings, the E6000 offers unmatched strength and performance. E6000 is highly beneficial and extremely multipurpose, but it isn’t as simple to apply as for other glues. It is messy, needs a lot of time to set, and is prone to get sealed in the bottle if not correctly cleaned before storage.

Pros:

• Highly durable.
• Completely waterproof.
• Comes in black, white, and transparent.
• Can be repainted.
• Resists extreme temperatures.
• Super stretchy and flexible after setting.

Cons:

• Intense vapors when drying.
• Messy.

J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Set Epoxy Syringe

Clear Weld from J-B Weld is a versatile and fast-setting epoxy adhesive that is ideal for a range of surfaces like plastic, glass, ceramics, tile, metal, and wood. This is a durable glue that maintains a tough and long-lasting bond with a tensile strength of 3900 PSI. Most adhesives are between 500 and 2,000 PSI. This is a transparent adhesive with a clear cure color, this might be the perfect glue for bonding two transparent materials to prevent messy joints.

ClearWeld is turning out to be cutting edge as its packaging might set the standard high for packaging materials for adhesives. The syringe-like packaging offers comfortable application by pushing the plunger and enables the free flow of the glue for better-controlled dispensing. The reclosable, zero-waste cap is handy for storage.

This fast-setting epoxy-based glue is apparently one of the most preferred multi-purpose glues on the market. It is supplied in a set of 6 0.85-oz syringes, costing approximately $30 together. The replaceable top cap gives users the option of using the same canister on several projects with no stickiness or dryness, despite the fact that the adhesive cures in 5 minutes and is completely clear in 1 hour. The adhesive bond is claimed to be tougher than steel.

Also supplied are a mixing bowl and stirring stick for extra convenience. This epoxy is non-FDA approved and is not water-resistant.

Pros:

• Clear and quick setting.
• Multipurpose application.
• Contains a mixing bowl and a stick.
• It is among the most cost-effective glues available on the market.

Cons:

• For outdoor use not actually recommended.

Epoxy Glue – Porcelain Adhesive Repair Kit by Pratley

We would like to present you now the Quickset epoxy glue supplied directly by the Pratley brand. Provided in a tube, this item is quite convenient to be applied to items. Pratley Quickset Glue is a super strong glue that sets fast and bonds to the stiffest materials including jewelry, pottery, stone, cement, glass, fiberglass, and metals. Can be used where a more fluid consistency is needed in a tight-fitting joint.

Pratley Quickset Adhesive is just what you need if you want to bond two solid objects made of rigid material.

This two-component epoxy adhesive performs exceptionally well on almost any surface and it has even been successfully applied to fix cracks in toilet pans! It is perfect for pottery, glass, metal, cement, stone, or fiberglass. As soon as it is completely set, the look of the finish is clear, however, the result is a long-lasting fixation. This clear glue is especially good for surfaces where you don’t need the glue to be visible. But be sure to blend it in very small amounts, as the adhesive does have a limited lifespan after mixing.

Pratley Quickset Clear Glue is a highly strong glue that adheres to almost any rigid surface in approximately 15 minutes. It is transparent in fine sections. Great for fragile, but long-lasting fixes. Pratley Quickset Adhesive is distinguished by considerable firmness, which confers on it the ability to hold in place all rough, solid materials. This is why, in our opinion, this product is a worthy investment.

Key features:

• A very multipurpose glue that is suitable for any family in the home.
• May be used for situations where you do not want the adhesive to appear, for example, on decorative pieces.
• Is different from white glue and is non-thixotropic.
• Sticks to most stiff materials.

Pros:

• Is sufficiently clear to stay invisible after use.
• An ultra-strong glue is suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces.
• Proven success story since 1948.

Cons:

• The product smells intense and unpleasant.

Krazy Glue Home & Office Brush On Super Glue with Brush Applicator

Krazy Glue Home & Office Super Glue is as potent as its name, delivering an immediate, heavy-duty adhesive bond to perform on pottery as well as metal, vinyl, plastic, and wood.
This adhesive provides the assurance of excellent coverage whether you use it on a large or small area. The brush applicator makes it easier to control the adhesive during application. The brush applicator provides wide coverage of the surface. This allows you to glue even hard-to-reach areas.

The non-clogging bottle makes it easy to dispense the adhesive. The brush stays fresh and the bristles stay loose even after repeated use. This ultra-strong glue dries quickly and is great for use on pottery.

Krazy Glue has a multi-purpose formula that allows it to be used in the office, home, and DIY. It sticks to pottery, wood, vinyl, plastic, metal, and more.
This low-cost domestic aid becomes even more precious thanks to it being delivered in a double pack. You can use it to fix your favorite cup or anything else made of ceramic. This adhesive is not FDA-approved, and therefore not recommended to be used on objects that will come in contact with food. In addition, it is non-water resistant.

Key features:

• Perfect for daily use in the office and at home.
• Appropriate for common day-to-day fixings.
• Bonds to a wide range of surfaces like plastic, vinyl, metal, and more.
• The brush applicator promotes simple control and superior coverage.

Pros:

• A bottle that will not clog, maintains the glue fresh for a prolonged period of time.
• Is able to easily fill narrow places and cover wide surfaces.
• Creates an immediate bond.
• Leading superglue in America.

Cons:

• Continuous heat influence may weaken the adhesive with time.

Buying guide

What kind of pottery glue you opt for will be based on the kind of item you intend to use it to fix. All good quality pottery adhesives are supposed to carry extensive information about what kinds of pottery you will be able to apply them to, and about the features of the glue as such. In this buying guide, we will cover everything you need to pay attention to in picking out pottery glue.

1. What you are going to use it for

Like we said before, the nature of the pottery product you are going to be fixing will dictate the kind of ceramic glue you are going to buy. Refer to the product description to find out if the glue is suited for your particular purpose. It is also critical to take into consideration the color of the item you are going to fix. Assuming you need the glue joint to be seen, you should either opt for a clear ceramic adhesive or glue matching the color of the broken object.

2. Water-resistant

As a rule, epoxy adhesives are water-resistant, whereas superglues are not as water-resistant. If the item you’re fixing needs to be cleaned or placed in the dishwasher, check to confirm that the pottery glue you’re buying is waterproof. After all, the last thing you want is to laboriously glue your favorite pot together only to discover that it dissolves at the first hint of water.

3. Food safe

One more thing to consider when shopping for a ceramic adhesive is if it is food-safe. Ceramic glues can be impossibly potent, meaning they often include chemicals you might not like to use near food. Be sure to read the FDA approval stamp on the ceramic adhesive you’re thinking of getting. Once you get to see it, you’ll definitely get to know that it’s safe to fix a pottery item from which you’ll be dining or drinking.

4. Form of the container

It may seem trivial, but the type of container the ceramic adhesive comes in will determine how easy it is to apply the adhesive to the damaged object. Some ceramic adhesives come with a handy tip that allows you to easily get the adhesive in the right place, while others come with a brush that allows you to better control where the adhesive goes. Make sure you don’t use an adhesive container that drips excessively, as this will not only waste adhesive, but it could also be dangerous if you get the strong adhesive on your skin.

5. Price

As usual, the price of the ceramic adhesive is a major factor in the selection. There are many cheap products on the market, and some of the better ceramic adhesives have the best price-performance ratio. Be sure to read reviews before buying, and keep in mind that the most expensive ceramic adhesive may not necessarily be the best.

6. Drying time

All ceramic adhesives should indicate how long it should be before the glue will dry. Epoxy adhesives need more time to dry compared to superglues, but they do have different drying times based on the mix of components in them. Keeping some idea of the drying time is particularly useful when you are fixing things that have to be fixed quickly, and the owner won’t even know it!

7. Opacity while drying

Certain types of ceramic glues will change color while drying, making it essential to understand how the final product will appear. Particularly if you are applying an epoxy adhesive as a filler, you need to be aware of the appearance the glue will have once it is fully dry. The product specification should state the ready color of the glue so you can determine whether it is most appropriate for your repair needs.

Best brands of glue for pottery

1. Gorilla.
2. Pratley.
3. J-B Weld.

Price of glue for pottery

Glue for pottery under 8$:

• J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Set Epoxy Syringe.
• Gorilla Super Glue with Brush & Nozzle Applicator.

Glue for pottery under 10$:

• Krazy Glue Home & Office Brush-On Super Glue with Brush Applicator.
• E6000 Craft Adhesive.

Glue for pottery under 25$:

• Epoxy Glue – Porcelain Adhesive Repair Kit by Pratley.

FAQ

• Is it possible to glue ceramic kitchenware?

Yes, but only when the glue is certified by the FDA.

• Is Gorilla Glue appropriate for ceramic repairs?

Yes. Gorilla Super Glue with brush and nozzle applicator is the most widely suggested by the brand for pottery reparations.

• What is the procedure for gluing pottery back together?

Spread the epoxy or glue on the fractured pieces’ edges, and then keep them pressed against each other until they are tightly secured. Then let the glue dry.

Conclusion

In summary, there is a wide variety of ceramic adhesives available on the market nowadays. The choice should be always based on the customer’s particular needs, like drying time, effectiveness, toxicity, resistance to water and high temperatures, etc. The multipurpose nature of the adhesive also should be taken into account.

If you need to fix a domestic item (a mug, a plate, or a bowl), then you should opt for epoxy-based glues, which provide a super-strong bond and water-, pressure- and heat-resistance. They may be applied to porous materials. For urgent cases and accurate ceramic work, super glues are preferable, as they are easily and neatly applied and very fast drying in the air.

Additional Questions

Which glue is the best for fixing broken clay pottery?

The ideal choice for mending broken clay pottery is undoubtedly the Loctite Super Glue Control. It outperforms other glues in several ways. For example, it has a quick-drying formula, making it perfect for swift repairs. Furthermore, it boasts durability that makes your pottery last longer. Adding to its advantages, this glue is water and dishwasher safe, enduring a wide array of temperatures. The design of the dispenser bottle is very user-friendly, ensuring a precise application.

What type of glue should you use on ceramic pottery?

There is a vast array of adhesives available, but when it comes to ceramic repair, super glue and epoxy are the top picks. Super glue employs cyanoacrylate, a substance developed from cyanide, which results in a powerful bond. This glue offers the convenience of drying within seconds. As for epoxy, it stands out by its strength, but you’ll need to do some mixing before using it.

How to glue broken pottery?

To mend your broken pottery, you should evenly apply a thin layer of ceramic glue to both broken sides. You then firmly press these glued parts together and hold them still, making sure to follow the specific steps indicated by the glue manufacturer. Note that the pieces shouldn’t be moved. Any glue that is spilled or exceeds the surface should be wiped away after it has completely dried.

Which glue is suitable for gluing unglazed pottery?

If you’re dealing with broken edges of ceramics or unglazed pottery, the general recommendation is to use PVA glues. They perform excellently in binding porous materials. Alternatively, you may also opt for superglues. Despite having a quicker drying time, superglues offer a clear finish and a medium-strength bond that is typically sufficient for conventional household usage.