gluefaq.com
Home » Top 9 Best Glue for Ceramic

Top 9 Best Glue for Ceramic

Ceramics can and do of course look very nice, whether a ceramic vase, a plate, a decorative item, or even ceramic flooring. However, although ceramic looks nice and can be fairly durable, it can crack, split and just break in general.
That said, when ceramics break, you don’t necessarily have to throw them out, but what you do need is the best glue for ceramic.
Today we want to help you find the best glue for ceramic repair by going over a comprehensive buyer’s guide, answering your most pressing questions, and by reviewing some of the top options out there too.

Click here to skip to our recommended pick!

best glue for ceramic

Image
Product
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy
  • Clear drying for a nice look
  • Gives you a few minutes to work with it
  • Ideal for repairs
Loctite Heavy Duty Epoxy
  • Resists water and most solvents
  • Strong bond strength
  • Can be used for many materials
Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant
  • High resistance to heat
  • Waterproof
  • Ideal for repairs
Bob Smith Industries Gap Filling Super Glue
  • Stays in place
  • Bonds very fast
  • Waterproof
Gorilla 7700104 Super Glue Gel
  • Extremely strong band
  • Fast setting
  • Fairly easy application
Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement – For Ceramic Mug
  • Dries clear
  • Ultra strong bond
  • Great for cups and mug
Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H Maxi-Cure/Insta-Set Combo Pack – for Ceramic Tile
  • Works for most materials
  • Bonds extremely fast
  • Insta-set for instant setting
Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant – for Porcelain
  • Very strong bond
  • Very fast setting
  • Precise delivery
Devcon Waterproof Glue – Food Safe Epoxy
  • Food safe
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Waterproof

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Gorilla 2 Part Epox

Gorilla 2 Part Epox

If you are looking for the best glue for ceramic, it is important to note that the best type is epoxy glue. Epoxies are so called thermoset plastics which are created by the reaction of two or more chemical compounds. When the chemicals react, they heat up and form a strong plastic resin with great tensile strength, durability, and a resistance to chemicals, water, and more.

Our number one choice for the best epoxy glue for ceramics is Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy. This particular glue comes with many key features.
Features

  • Dries clear
  • 5 minute setting time
  • Easy to use

Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy comes contained inside of a syringe applicator with two separate components.

It is very easy to use thanks to the fact that both components of the epoxy can be dispensed at once. Of course, some mixing is still required.

This glue forms a very strong bond with high tensile strength. It can be used for many different types of materials, things like ceramics, plastics, rubber, and more.

It’s perfect for doing all sorts of repairs, particularly on ceramics.

This glue sets in about 5 minutes, thus allowing for plenty of time to work with it before it sets. Once this glue is cured, it is resistant to a variety of chemicals, solvents, heat, and it’s waterproof too.

Check Latest Price

Types of Glue for Ceramic

Glue for Ceramic

One thing to note is that there are a couple different types of glue that can be used for ceramic, for instance, for ceramic mug repair. The two options at your disposal are epoxies and super glue.

Epoxy

As we touched on above, epoxies are your best bet to go with here. They generally contain two or more compounds, which when they come into contact, form a heat based chemical reaction, which causes the components to form into a strong plastic resin.

This type of glue tends to set and cure quite quickly, although it may take a few hours to totally cure. The reason why epoxy is such a great choice for ceramic repairs and other related applications is due to its very high resistance towards chemicals, solvents, heat, and water.

This makes it rather perfect to use for ceramic repair, especially for things like dishware that will be eaten off of and washed with hot water and soap. Just remember that if you are using epoxy for dishware repair, make sure that it is non toxic ceramic glue.

Super Glue

Gluing for Ceramic

The other option that you have at your disposal is what is commonly referred to as super glue. Super glue is technically known as cyanoacrylate, and there are various types of it. These are often known as instant or power glues due to the fact that they usually set and cure very quickly, often within a matter of minutes or even mere seconds.

Super glue does form quite a strong bond strength, and if you find the right one, it can also be used as high temp ceramic glue, as it is often quite resistant to heat. Moreover, most varieties are also waterproof. However, what needs to be noted is that super glue tends to have a low sheer strength, and it also doesn’t usually work too well to bond smooth surfaces.

Safety Precautions

Glue Ceramic

Care does need to be taken when using either epoxies or super glues, so let’s quickly go over some important safety precautions.

  • Always use disposable safety gloves when using super glue or epoxy, particularly if you are using a very fast setting variety. Super glue will bond to human skin, so keep it off of your fingers.
  • Always wear safety glasses when working with epoxy, as it can be extremely damaging to the eyes.
  • Some industrial glues may also require you to wear a face mask or respirator. At any rate, working in a well ventilated environment is important. Some glues can release strong fumes.
  • If you are using glue for repairing ceramic dishware, ensure that it is non-toxic, waterproof, and heat resistant.

Important Notes

Household glue poisoning – medlineplus.gov

Read Glues/Adhesives Safety Guide – cpsc.gov

Glue for Ceramic – Buying Guide

Glue to Ceramic

Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?

Check out our list below for a summary of our results.

  1. Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy
  2. Loctite Heavy Duty Epoxy
  3. Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant
  4. Bob Smith Industries Gap Filling Super Glue
  5. Gorilla 7700104 Super Glue Gel
  6. Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement – For Ceramic Mug
  7. Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H Maxi-Cure/Insta-Set Combo Pack – for Ceramic Tile
  8. Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant – for Porcelain
  9. Devcon Waterproof Glue – Food Safe Epoxy

Let’s take a closer look at epoxy for ceramics, what the best glue for ceramics is, and help you figure out what the point of this stuff is in the first place. How to repair broken pottery is probably something you’d like to know all about.

Choosing the Right Glue for Ceramic Repair

Before you go out and buy just any glue for ceramic repair jobs, there are some important purchasing factors to consider.

Toxicity & Food Safety

One thing to ensure when buying glue for ceramic repairs, when using it for dishes and plates, it needs to be food safe ceramic glue. Some ceramic glue may be slightly toxic, which might be OK for projects that do not include any kind of dishware, but for cooking dishes and other similar ceramics, it absolutely needs to be food safe.

Heat Resistant

Gluing to Ceramic

Something else which ceramic adhesive should be, especially when it comes to oven dishes and other similar items, is heat resistant. Heat resistant glue for ceramic can be used on oven dishes and other similar items. If you plan on repairing ceramic cookware, it needs to be heat resistant and oven safe ceramic glue.

Water Resistance

Something else which epoxy for ceramics should be is waterproof. Under no circumstances should ceramic glue be weakened by water in any way. This may be especially important for pottery glue, seeing as vases need to be able to contain water without leaking.

Bond Strength

The strongest glue for ceramics will feature a bond strength as strong as the ceramic itself, if not much stronger. Epoxy, such as floor tiles glue, needs to be extremely strong, resistant to impact, pressure, and vibration. This can be especially important for floors which experience lots of foot traffic.

Dry Time & Clamping

Most ceramics should not need clamping, as delicate ceramics really cannot handle much pressure. However, ceramic glue should dry relatively quickly to form a strong bond. It should not dry so fast that it cannot be applied without it drying halfway through application, but besides that, it should dry quickly.

Resistance to Solvents

The best ceramic glue should be highly resistant to solvents. Various ingredients you might cook with or clean with, even just water, should not be able to degrade or destroy the bond created by ceramic glue.

Paintable

Finally, ceramic glue should be paintable. Ceramics often feature very nice designs, so in order to keep that great look once ceramics have been repaired, the glue should allow you to paint over it.

How Does Glue for Ceramic Work?

Gluing Ceramic

Something that is important to note about ceramic adhesive is that for the most part, it’s specially designed to bond porous materials together.
When ceramic breaks, the edges and cracks are going to be very porous and rough, not smooth and flat, which means that whatever epoxy for ceramics you get, it needs to be able to bond porous materials together. Any type of glue designed for smooth materials will most likely not work for ceramic repairs.

How to Fix Broken Ceramic

If you are planning on using pottery glue to repair pottery, especially for something like Terra Cotta, you will need to heat the ceramic items up first, up to around 140 degrees. The added heat will allow the epoxy to take hold and bond much better.
For other more general ceramics, fixing them involves a process of stabilizing the broken pieces so they cannot move, applying a thin layer of glue, attaching the pieces together, and then using a special type of clay to hold them together.
Remember that for ceramics, due to their delicate nature, under no circumstances can you clamp them together, or else they will shatter into pieces.

How to Glue Ceramic

Let’s go through a simple step by step process on how to glue ceramic and how to fix broken ceramic.

  • Get a large bucket or container and fill it with PVC pebbles, plastic pebbles, rice, or sand. This will create an ideal base for the pieces of ceramic to sit on and sink into while the glue is being applied and while it dries. You need something to keep the pieces in place.
  • Use some rubbing alcohol to clean all ceramic pieces, specifically where the glue is going to be applied. If there is dirt or dust in the way, it will prevent the glue from bonding and holding properly.
  • Take the ceramic epoxy which you have chosen and use a dabber tool or something thin to apply a thin layer to the broken piece of ceramic. Remember that you only need to apply it to one side, and then stick them together. Be sure to work quickly because most products will start to set within about a minute, so there’s not too much room for error.
  • In order for the glue to cure properly, the temperature should be at least 75 degrees.
  • Gravity should be enough to hold the pieces together (if you planned it out right), but if not, use some pottery clay to hold the various pieces together while the glue sets.

The Best Glue for Ceramic

Here we have nine of the best glue and epoxies to use for ceramic repair, so let’s take a look at each right now.

The top best product [hide]

Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy


Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy
Gorilla 2 part epoxy is of course our number one pick for the best ceramic glue. One reason for this is due to the great packaging. Here, the resin and hardener are contained in two separate compartments, but thanks to the syringe design, can both be dispensed evenly and simultaneously. You will have to mix the two together right before use. You may also like how this glue takes about 5 minutes to set, so you do have a bit of time to work with it before it hardens. It then does not take much longer to cure, and once cured, forms a very strong bond.

What is also nice is how this glue dries clear, making it perfect for ceramic repairs where you don’t want to be able to see that any repairs were made. It can even be sanded down afterwards. To ensure a long lasting bond, this glue is highly resistant to water, chemicals, solvents, and more.
Technical Specifications:
  • Dual compartment syringe
  • Clear drying
  • High tensile strength
Pros
Clear drying for a nice look
Gives you a few minutes to work with it
Ideal for repairs
High chemical and solvent resistance
Easy to dispense
Cons
Requires mixing
Not 100% waterproof

buy on Amazon

Loctite Heavy Duty Epoxy


Loctite Heavy Duty Epoxy
When it comes to extremely strong epoxy, this has to also be one of the best options out there. What is nice about this stuff is that it can be used for many materials including metal, glass, ceramic, wood, plastics, porcelain, tile, fiberglass, concrete, and stone. This glue takes about 5 minutes to set once mixed, so you do have a bit of time to position pieces properly, but it will need up to 24 hours to cure. Keep in mind that this is also a 2 part epoxy, so it does need to be mixed. Both components, the resin and hardener, come in separate bottles, so you do need to dispense equal amounts for the best results.

That said, this glue does have very high tensile and impact strength. It can be sanded, drilled, and more, all without cracking or breaking. The bond strength created by this glue is very strong, plus it’s also water resistant. It should be resistant to most solvents as well.
Technical Specifications:
  • 5 minute set
  • Water resistant
  • High impact resistance
Pros
Resists water and most solvents
Strong bond strength
Can be used for many materials
5 minute setting time
Does not shrink
Can be drilled, sanded, and more
Cons
Not 100% waterproof
Can be hard to dispense equal parts of both components

buy on Amazon

Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant


Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant
What is important to note here is that this is actually silicone rubber, not an epoxy or super glue. That said, silicone rubber is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for ceramic repair, particularly for dishes. It does also dry clear, so you won’t be able to see it when dry. This glue stays slightly flexible even when dry, thus allowing for a high level of impact resistance. Also, it will not shrink as it dries, and it will not crack either. Another important note is that this silicone is technically designed for aquarium repairs, and it is non-toxic, another crucial factor for ceramic dishware repair. You may also like how this glue has a very strong resistance to high temperatures.
Technical Specifications:
  • Waterproof
  • Non-toxic
  • Heat resistant
Pros
High resistance to heat
Waterproof
Ideal for repairs
Non-toxic
Stays flexible
Great impact resistance
Cons
Not resistant to all solvents
Takes quite a long time to set and cure

buy on Amazon

Bob Smith Industries Gap Filling Super Glue


Bob Smith Industries Gap Filling Super Glue
This is a very fast bonding type of super glue, one which creates a bond in as little as 10 seconds, and takes no more than a few minutes to fully set. Bob Smith Industries Gap Filling Super Glue is made in the USA and it forms a bond stronger than the original ceramic itself. This particular option has the ability to metal, plastic, wood, ceramics, rubber, leather, and more. It can be used to repair broken ceramics and to fill in gaps alike. Keep in mind that Bob Smith Industries Gap Filling Super Glue is very viscous and stays in place quite well, although also a bit hard to spread.
Pros
Stays in place
Bonds very fast
Waterproof
Bonds virtually all materials
Easy applicator nozzle
Cons
A bit hard to spread
Not food safe

buy on Amazon

Gorilla 7700104 Super Glue Gel


Gorilla 7700104 Super Glue Gel
This Gorilla 7700104 Super Glue Gel is ideal for pottery, porcelain figurines, and other such items. It dries and sets within about 30 seconds and is thick enough to stay in place. It comes with a good anti-clog cap which helps make application easier. This is a rubber enhanced formula which uses special ingredients to create a very strong bond that is waterproof, heat resistant, and more. Do keep in mind that this option is not food safe. However, Gorilla 7700104 Super Glue Gel does have the ability to bond plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, rubber, leather, paper, and various other materials too.
Pros
Extremely strong band
Fast setting
Fairly easy application
Works for virtually all materials
Cons
Not food safe
Hard to paint over

buy on Amazon

Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement – For Ceramic Mug


Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement – For Ceramic Mug
Here we have a type of ceramic glue that can be used for porcelain, china, and ceramics. The benefit here is that Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement is dishwasher safe and totally waterproof once dried. Moreover, it is totally non-toxic and food safe, so it can be used for cups, mugs, glasses, and other such items. That said, Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement is not overly heat resistant, so it should not be used for bakeware. This product bonds within minutes, but will take a few days to totally cure. That said, it creates a super strong bond that is worth the wait. Keep in mind that Elmer's E1012 China and Glass Cement does dry clear.
Pros
Dries clear
Ultra strong bond
Great for cups and mug
Food sage and non-toxic
Totally waterproof and dishwasher safe
Cons
Difficult to paint
Not oven safe

buy on Amazon

Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H Maxi-Cure/Insta-Set Combo Pack – for Ceramic Tile


Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H Maxi-Cure/Insta-Set Combo Pack – for Ceramic Tile
This Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H Maxi-Cure/Insta-Set Combo Pack comes complete with a package of super strong bonding glue that has the ability to bond ceramic tile, other ceramics, wood, metal, glass, plastic, and more. This is a very fast bonding glue that bonds in about 30 seconds flat, and it’s made to be quite thick so it doesn’t run off. Combined with this, you also get a bottle of Insta-Set, which when applied causes the glue to set instantly. This is perhaps the strongest glue for ceramic out there, but beware that it is not food grade or heat resistant.
Pros
Works for most materials
Bonds extremely fast
Insta-set for instant setting
Extremely strong bond
Doesn’t run
Cons
Not dishwasher or food safe
Not very heat resistant

buy on Amazon

Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant – for Porcelain


Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant – for Porcelain
Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant is a 2 part epoxy that mixes together once it comes out of the tubes. This particular option can withstand PSI of over 3,000, and it forms a super strong bond. The precise delivery system is designed so you can precisely apply the glue to small areas. This glue is resistant to heat, solvents, and water, and is therefore ideal for porcelain. Moreover, this glue can be sanded and painted over as well. This product will work to bond metal, glass, ceramic, wood, many rigid plastics, china, tile, fiberglass, concrete and stone. However, keep in mind that it is not food safe or oven safe.
Pros
Very strong bond
Very fast setting
Precise delivery
Heat, water, and solvent resistant
Can be sanded and painted
Cons
Not oven safe or food safe

buy on Amazon

Devcon Waterproof Glue – Food Safe Epoxy


Devcon Waterproof Glue – Food Safe Epoxy
This particular option is designed to be used with metal, wood, concrete, glass, china, and ceramics. This is a high strength option designed for industrial applications, but can just as well be used at home. This option forms a bond that is dishwasher safe, food safe, heat resistant, waterproof, and resistant to virtually all solvents and chemicals. Do keep in mind that this epoxy is a bit runny, which requires careful application, but that said, once the resin is applied, the hardener can be applied for extremely fast setting. This glue dries clear, can be sanded, and can be painted.
Pros
Food safe
Dishwasher safe
Waterproof
Extremely strong bond
Nearly instant setting
Cons
Can be a bit runny and messy
Not oven safe

buy on Amazon

How to Stay Safe when Using Ceramic Glue

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to gluing pottery back together, or when using any sort of glue for ceramics for that matter.

  • If you plan on gluing ceramics that are going in the oven, such as for oven dishes, be sure to use food safe ceramic glue and heat resistant glue for ceramic.
  • If you are planning to glue together cookware and dishes, it has to be food safe glue so that you don’t end up poisoning somebody.
  • Be sure to wear gloves when using any sort of glue like this because most of these products will stick to fingers really bad and may glue together your fingers. Ripping dried super glue or ceramic glue off your hands will be painful.
  • It is a wise idea to wear goggles while using ceramic glue, because sometimes it can release fumes that irritates the eyes. At the very least, this will help prevent getting glue in your eyes.

The Benefits of Glue for Ceramic

The main benefit of using glue for ceramics is of course that you can actually repair ceramic pieces. Simply put, besides glue, there is no other good way of repairing anything made of ceramic. In other words, you don’t have to throw out a ceramic piece just because it’s cracked or broken.

What Properties Should Ceramic Epoxy Have?

Just to reiterate, when buying epoxy for ceramics, it should dry clear, and you should be able to paint over it.
Also, it should be thick enough to stay in place but thin enough to spread easily, it needs to dry fast enough to create a solid bond quickly, but not so fast that you can’t easily work with it, and it should be waterproof, heat resistant, solvent resistant, and you may also need it to be food safe and oven safe.
That being said, finding epoxy for ceramic which has all of these features can be difficult, so you may have to pick glue for the specific task at hand.

Glue for Ceramic Repair: FAQ

Can ceramic glue be waterproof, food safe, oven safe, and chemical resistant all in one?

No, you are going to have a very hard time finding a glue that meets all of these needs. As you can tell from our reviews, you have to choose a glue based on the specific application.

Is glue for ceramics oven safe?

There are a select few glue for ceramics which may be oven safe, but for the most part, it can be very hard to find. You can find glue that is waterproof, food safe, and chemical resistant, but only a select few are oven safe.

What is the best glue for ceramic tile?

The most important factor to look for when buying glue for ceramic tile is how strong the bond is, how much pressure the glue can handle, and that it is waterproof.

Can super glue be painted over?

Most ceramic glue can be painted and sanded, but less so for super glue. There are some superglue out there which can be painted and sanded, although only a select few.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember here is to choose a type of glue that works for the specific application. Glue for ceramics comes in many types, with some being ideal for tile flooring, some for figurines, some which is food safe, and some which is dishwasher safe too.
However, most options will not come with all of these features, so you do have to pick and choose a bit. Generally speaking, the food safe options won’t be quite as resistant to various elements and chemicals, but are of course safe to use for dishes.

About GlueFaq.com

GlueFAQ is your personal assistant in questions:

  • • Which glue to choose?
  • • How to glue different surfaces?
  • • How to use glue safely?
  • etc.

We will try to give an answer to any of your questions related to glue.