Life
The 4 Best Glues For Broken Ceramic
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In a lot of ways, the best glues for broken ceramic are like the best all-around glues: They’re durable, quick to activate, and dry to a finish you like. That said, when you’re fixing ceramic, you’ll also need to consider the consistency of the glue when it’s wet, to make sure it’s easy to apply (and stays put when you do lay the glue down). And if you’re looking to repair dishware, but sure to check if the adhesive is microwave- and dishwasher-safe once it’s dry.
When it comes to an easy-to-apply glue, viscosity will make a big difference. In short, viscosity is the thickness of the glue. The ideal viscosity differs depending on personal preference, but the atmospheric temperature and the kind of material you’ll be applying it to are also important. A low-viscosity glue is thin and liquidy at room temperature, so it fills in small gaps well — but most reviewers agree that a thicker-viscosity glue is best for ceramic because it’s drip-free and more precise during application (especially if you’re piecing together a few shards of ceramic).
If you’re fixing a ceramic statue or a decorative bowl, this next part isn’t as important — but it definitely applies to dinnerware. For functional plates, bowls, and mugs, you’ll likely want to make sure that your glue of choice is durable enough for the microwave and dishwasher.
According to reviewers, these are the most durable and discreet glues for ceramic — plus a DIY kintsugi kit that turns shattered item into a work of art.
1. The Overall Best Glue For Ceramic
Pros:
- Forms an extremely strong bond that’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe
- Versatile for use on a few different materials
- Easy to apply and cures quickly
Cons:
- Expensive
This Glue Masters professional-grade glue (which has more than 6,000 reviews and an overall rating of 4.5 stars across a range of sizes and viscosities) is made from an industrial-strength cyanoacrylate resin. As a result, it creates a strong bond when you’re fixing your ceramics.
It comes in multiple sizes and three different viscosities, but reviewers agree that the thickest is the best choice for ceramics because it allows for the most precise control during application. In addition to its strength, it’s quick-drying — it settles in under 90 seconds — and versatile enough for use on a wide range of other materials like wood and plastic as well. Reviewers have even used it to fix parts inside of their microwaves and dishwashers, so it’s obviously durable enough to withstand heat and moisture.
One reviewer wrote: “I was looking for a glue to fix broken ceramic mug that wouldn't fall apart in the microwave, and this is it! Since then I have used it multiple times and I haven't found anything this glue wouldn't work on. It's a bit pricey but it is well worth the money!”
Viscosity: Thick | Dry Time: 90 seconds | Microwave-safe: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
2. The Fan-Favorite Super Glue
Pros:
- Affordable
- Dries quickly
- Compatible with tons of materials including ceramic, wood, leather, plastic, and metal
Cons:
- According to the brand, it’s not dishwasher- or microwave-safe (but many reviewers haven’t had an issue)
It’s racked up more than 50,000 reviews and an overall rating of 4.6 stars. In fact, this Gorilla Super Glue is one of the the best-selling liquid glues on Amazon. That’s all because it’s versatile, quick-drying, strong, and less than $10 for a bottle. The gel formula is thick for easy application and dries totally clear in less than a minute, no clamping required. Unfortunately, when a past customer asked whether the glue is food-, microwave, and dishwasher-safe, the brand replied that while it’s “non-toxic when cured,” the Gorilla Glue company would “not recommend Gorilla Super Glue Gel for use in a microwave or dishwasher.” However, dozens of reviewers have tried it without reporting any negative results.
One reviewer wrote: “This an easy to use gel based super glue that doesn't run. One small dot on the middle of a broken piece of ceramics, then held it in place for about 1 minute and it gripped. Left it overnight and now you can hardly tell the ceramics ever broke at all.”
Viscosity: Thick | Dry Time: 45 seconds | Microwave-safe: N/A | Dishwasher-safe: N/A
3. The 2-Part Kit With The Fastest Activation Time
Pros:
- Cures instantly once the adhesive activator spray is applied
- Extremely versatile (the only unapproved materials are concrete, fabric, and foam)
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- No information about whether or not it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Most top-selling adhesives bond in a minute or two — but they should probably be left to cure overnight before you start using them again. This MITREAPEL super CA glue is the exception, and that’s because it also comes with a spray adhesive activator that, when applied, ensures that your piece is ready to use again within 12 seconds. Between the thick, precise-tipped glue and the fine-mist spray, application is a breeze. However, it’s not described as safe for the microwave or dishwasher.
One reviewer wrote: “This by far is the best glue hat I ever used. I used it to glue a ceramic dish it made a secure bond almost instantly! I also used it to fill in a gouge in a laminate floor. It dried harder than the floor it self and perfectly filled in the crack in the floor. Very impressive!”
Viscosity: Thick | Dry Time: 12 seconds | Microwave-safe: N/A | Dishwasher-safe: N/A
4. The Best DIY Kintsugi Kit
Pros:
- Transforms broken pottery into a one-of-a-kind piece
- Comes with everything you need
- Fixes mugs, plates, and bowls broken into multiple pieces
- Easy to use, according to most reviewers
Cons:
- The kit is single-use
- Not food-, dishwasher- or microwave-safe
Kintsugi (literally translated as gold-mending) is a Japanese art form in which cracks in a piece are mended using bold, usually gold, lines to highlight the imperfections, emphasizing them as part of the piece’s history. If your mug or bowl is shattered into several parts, this DIY Kintsugi repair kit doesn’t just fix it — it helps you breathe new life into it. This kit comes with everything you need for the project, including an instruction booklet, glue, gold powder, gloves, mixing sticks, and brushes. (However, keep in mind that this is not recommended for dishware that you’ll be eating and drinking from.)
One reviewer wrote: “So pleased with this kit. Clear directions...easy to use. The mended item is more beautiful than before!”
Viscosity: n/a | Dry Time: 24 hours | Microwave-safe: No | Dishwasher-safe: No
