The Best Glues to Repair Your Most Treasured Ceramics, Tested

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When repairing a favorite vase, mug, or other ceramic object, the right adhesive can make all the difference.

Breaking a ceramic household item is frustrating, but most can be repaired—so long as you have all the pieces and a high-quality adhesive. The best glue for ceramic can not only rescue small shattered and broken objects, but it can even fix ceramic tiles and countertops. If you own or work with ceramics often, it’s wise to have a specialty glue on hand.

We tested a variety of super glues and epoxies on some of the most common ceramics used in the home, including stoneware, porcelain, and earthenware, to determine their ease of application, drying times, and cured finish color. Use this guide to the best ceramic glues to find the product you’ll want to keep in your tool kit or utility drawer.

1. BEST OVERALL: Gorilla Super Glue Brush & Nozzle
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Krazy Glue Home & Office Brush-On Glue
3. BEST EPOXY: J-B Weld 50112 ClearWeld Quick-Setting Epoxy 
4. BEST CERAMIC GLUE FILLER: J-B Weld 50101 MinuteWeld Instant-Setting Epoxy
5. BEST WATERPROOF: Gorilla Glue Original Waterproof Gorilla Glue
6. BEST FOOD-SAFE: DAP All-Purpose 100% Silicone Adhesive Sealant 
7. MOST VERSATILE: Eclectic Products E6000 Craft Adhesive
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Pratley Adhesives Quickset White Epoxy 

How We Tested the Best Ceramic Glues

We tested these adhesives based on three criteria: bonding time, applicator type, and the product’s color when dried. All glues tested indicated their suitability for three ceramic items: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.

We held each ceramic piece in place by hand or clamp for the bonding time recommended by the manufacturer; generally, we found the bond set faster than the manufacturer’s claim. Most of the glues came with only one type of applicator, except for the Gorilla Super Glue, which had a brush and nozzle applicator.

Our Top Picks

Although all the glues we tested in our hands-on review will repair broken ceramic items, some are easier to use and have faster drying times than others. From this list of top picks, you’ll likely find the glue for ceramic repairs and other projects that’s right for your needs.

Best Overall

Gorilla Super Glue Brush & Nozzle

Product Specs 

• Bonding time: 10 to 45 seconds
• Finish: Clear
• Applicator: Brush and nozzle

Pros

• Gel formula is easy to see upon dispensing for control and accuracy
• 2 applicator options included; comes with a brush and nozzle
• Bonds almost immediately for quick and easy repairs on multiple surfaces

Cons

• Nozzle applicator takes practice; may be tricky for some users
• Rim of container gets messy when using brush; top might stick to rim after closing
• Strong odor when wet; users will want to wear a mask if using a lot of the product

With a unique formulation that includes rubber particles to increase bond strength and impact resistance, Gorilla Super Glue gel is the best product we tested for general ceramic repairs. This Gorilla Glue can also be used on plastic, metal, stone, fabric, paper, and rubber, among other materials, and it dries in less than 45 seconds. It also dries clear to help make repairs undetectable.

Beyond the glue’s impressive properties, this product includes two applicators to fine-tune usage to suit the project: a fine-bristle brush for smaller, thin cracks and a precision-tip nozzle for quick, accurate dispensing. Practice makes perfect when using the applicators, however. In our tests, the Gorilla Glue took several tries with the tip applicator to get the glue flowing at the ideal rate. The brush applicator is easy to use, but the viscosity of the gel made it tricky to get the right amount of adhesive on the brush without making a mess.

This Gorilla Glue is neither U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for food safety nor water-resistant. It has a strong odor that dissipates after drying, but it should be applied in a well-ventilated area.

Get the Gorilla super glue for ceramic repairs at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.

Best Bang For The Buck

Krazy Glue Home & Office Brush-On Glue

Product Specs 

• Bonding time: 30 seconds
• Finish: Clear
• Applicator: Brush

Pros

• Sets superfast; immediate curing time for quick and easy fixes
• A little goes a long way; there’s enough product to last for a long time
• Brush applicator is easy to use and suitable for first timers
• Durable bond for long-lasting adhesion on ceramics and other materials

Cons

• Sets almost too fast; will bond to skin immediately if applied accidentally
• Thin formula is difficult to see when applying; may be tricky for some users

For a fast, strong bond at a budget-friendly price, consider Krazy Glue Home & Office glue. It bonds instantly on ceramics as well as metal, vinyl, plastic, and wood. The included brush applicator is easy to control and provides excellent coverage, even in tight spaces. The well-designed no-clog bottle keeps the glue fresh and the brush bristles from sticking together.

When putting Krazy Glue through its paces, we found it to create a very strong bond with just a small amount of product. But while the brush does make application easy, the glue itself is clear and thin, so it’s a bit hard to see. Plus, because it dries so quickly, we suggest doing a dry run: Practice replacing the broken pieces together so you’ll know just where to place them after adding the glue.

This low-priced household staple is available in a six-pack. It is neither water-resistant nor FDA-approved for food safety.

Get the Krazy Glue glue for ceramic repairs at Amazon or Walmart (1-pack).

Best Epoxy

J-B Weld 50112 ClearWeld Quick-Setting Epoxy

Product Specs 

• Bonding time: 5 minutes
• Finish: Clear
• Applicator: Packaging itself is syringe dispenser

Pros

• High tensile strength provides a long-lasting adhesion on multiple surfaces
• Takes very little time to cure fully; can repair items quickly
• Easy-to-use syringelike applicator provides accuracy while using
• No-waste cap prevents clogs, ensures reuse, and allows for safe storage

Cons

• Clamping or holding items may be necessary while users glue ceramic items
• Included tray and wood craft stick can only be used once

J-B Weld ClearWeld quick-setting epoxy is a multipurpose adhesive that provides strong, durable, and clear bonds on everything from ceramic and glass to wood and plastic. It has a pounds per square inch (PSI) of 3,900, creating a significantly stronger bond than most glues, which range between 500 and 2,000 PSI.

The epoxy comes with a mixing tray, a stir stick, and a craft stick for application; the bottle itself is a syringe dispenser. Though quick-setting for an epoxy—it dries in 5 minutes and cures in an hour—we found it essential to clamp or hold items together as it set. The benefit of this set time is that it allows for adjustments if needed. This epoxy is neither FDA-approved for food nor waterproof.

Get the J-B Weld ClearWeld glue for ceramic repairs at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Ceramic Glue Filler

J-B Weld 50101 MinuteWeld Instant-Setting Epoxy

Product Specs 

• Bonding time: 1 minute
• Finish: Clear
• Applicator: Wood craft stick

Pros

• Syringe-like applicator is easy to use for precise application
• High tensile strength provides a heavy-duty adhesion for long-term repair
• Fully cures in under a minute for quick and easy fixes

Cons

• Included tray and wood craft stick can only be used once

More than a mere adhesive, this two-part epoxy quickly fills cracks and crevices in ceramics quite well. With a strength of 2,300 PSI, the heavy-duty epoxy is extremely strong; it’s also versatile, working on tile, fiberglass, plastic, PVC, wood, and concrete, as well as ceramics.

J-B Weld MinuteWeld epoxy sets in under a minute and takes about an hour to cure fully. The epoxy includes a syringe, mixing tray, and stir stick to prepare the formula easily. In our tests, the epoxy successfully filled cracks in ceramic vases. As with all epoxies, working rather quickly is essential; when we tested this epoxy, we made sure to have the broken ceramic pieces within reach. Although this product creates a strong bond, it’s neither FDA approved for safety nor waterproof.

Get the J-B Weld MinuteWeld glue for ceramic repairs at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.

Best Waterproof

Gorilla Glue Original Waterproof Gorilla Glue

Product Specs 

• Bonding time: 1 to 2 hours
• Finish: Tan
• Applicator: Nozzle

Pros

• Waterproof and won’t break down when exposed to outdoor elements
• Strong bond from expanding 3 times after application onto ceramics and other materials
• Bond holds through hot and cold temperatures; suitable for use in hot and cold areas

Cons

• Large bottle is cumbersome and may make it hard to apply the product accurately
• Large applicator tip makes it difficult to control the flow of glue
• Takes 1 to 2 hours to set completely; not ideal for quick fixes

Gorilla Original Waterproof Gorilla Glue won’t break down when exposed to water, making it an ideal choice for a ceramic vase or planter as well as items that spend time outdoors and exposed to the elements. This water-activated polyurethane-formulated Gorilla Glue expands three times into the material to form a strong bond that’s durable and long lasting.

This waterproof glue is versatile, working well on wood, metal, foam, glass, stone, and concrete in addition to ceramics. In our tests, we found that the glue effectively bound broken ceramic planters with ease. However, it can take up to an hour to bond, requiring tape or clamps to hold the pieces in place. We also found the large bottle to be cumbersome, and it’s not great for use on smaller objects due to the large applicator opening. It’s not FDA approved, however, so it should never be used on items that come into contact with food.

Get the Gorilla original glue for ceramic repairs at Amazon, Lowe’s (4 ounces), Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Target (2 ounces).

Best Food-Safe

DAP All-Purpose 100% Silicone Adhesive Sealant

Product Specs

• Bonding time: 10 minutes
• Finish: Clear
• Applicator: Plastic applicator

Pros

• Dishwasher- and microwave-safe; suitable for plates, mugs, bowls, and more
• Nontoxic and food-safe for use on any food containers
• Works on nonporous surfaces such as glass as well as ceramics
• Waterproof bond is also suitable for use on aquariums and fish bowls

Cons

• Plastic applicator is designed for one-time use and doesn’t come with a cap

Don’t cry over spilled milk or broken dishware. DAP silicone adhesive sealant is a fine choice for safely fixing a favorite mug, plate, or other item that comes in contact with food and drinks. DAP’s brand is well known for nontoxic, strong adhesives often used in schools, workshops, and offices.

This clear-drying glue offers a 100 percent waterproof bond upon testing and can be put in the dishwasher and microwave after curing fully in just 24 hours. The glue has a plastic applicator with three options for size openings. We found in our testing that the applicator wasn’t super useful because it did not help control the glue flow very well; there was also no cap to keep the glue from drying out. It’s made for one-time use. We ended up skipping the applicator, dispensing the glue directly onto a ceramic surface, and using a toothpick to spread the glue into the right areas.

The glue is viscous and easy to spread without the fear of drips. It doesn’t release a strong odor, so you don’t need to wear or use a respirator in a well-ventilated area. However, the glue takes time to bond. While fixing a mug handle, we used painter’s tape to hold the piece while the glue set. Once cured, the bond is somewhat flexible. We recommend using this glue only for ceramics that come into contact with food.

Get the DAP glue for ceramic repairs at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.

Best Food-safe

Eclectic Products E6000 Craft Adhesive

Product Specs 

• Bonding time: 20 minutes
• Finish: Clear
• Applicator: None

Pros

• Works on hard-to-bond surfaces like concrete, asphalt, leather, rubber, PVC, neoprene, and vinyl
• Forms a powerful bond that is highly resistant to heat and chemicals
• Self-leveling formula spreads evenly over surfaces, reducing the likelihood of lumps and uneven application

Cons

• Requires a considerable amount of time to cure fully; not ideal for projects requiring quick setting
• Emits a strong odor and requires proper ventilation during use
• Does not offer a precision applicator tip

Eclectic Products E6000 craft adhesive is a versatile, high-performance glue that forms a strong bond with almost any material and remains flexible once cured. The glue is popular among craft enthusiasts, DIYers, and professionals due to its robust and reliable bonding properties.

The E6000 adheres to many surfaces with a durable and clear bond. It is suitable for bonding ceramics and various materials, such as wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, masonry, concrete, asphalt, leather, rubber, PVC, neoprene, vinyl, and many plastics. The glue is also resistant to water, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor projects.

This glue has been a standard adhesive among our crafting tools for years. It’s a solid performer but only suited for repairs on surfaces that do not come into contact with consumables. Although it creates a strong bond, it takes 20 minutes to set and 24 to 72 hours to cure completely, depending on the thickness of the application. However, once the glue cures, it forms a durable, flexible bond that is chemical- and