If you’ve ever broken a mug, cracked a figurine, or chipped a ceramic tile, you’ve probably asked the same frustrating question: what’s the best glue to use on ceramic? Ceramic is strong but brittle, and repairing it properly requires more than grabbing the first adhesive on the shelf. The right glue depends on the type of ceramic, the stress the item will face, and whether it’s decorative or functional.
This guide goes far beyond generic advice. You’ll learn exactly which adhesives work best for ceramic, why some fail, and how professionals choose glues for long-lasting results.
Why Ceramic Requires a Special Type of Glue
Ceramic surfaces are:
- Non-porous or semi-porous
- Heat resistant
- Rigid and brittle
- Often glazed
These characteristics make ceramic difficult to bond. Many common household glues simply sit on the surface instead of forming a strong chemical or mechanical bond. The best glue for ceramic must be able to:
- Grip smooth surfaces
- Resist heat and moisture
- Maintain strength under stress
- Cure without flexibility loss
Understanding Ceramic Types Before Choosing Glue
Not all ceramics are the same. Identifying the type you’re repairing helps determine the best adhesive.
Glazed Ceramic
Common in mugs, plates, tiles, and decorative items. The glossy finish makes adhesion harder, requiring strong surface-bonding glues.
Unglazed Ceramic
Found in flower pots, terracotta, and some sculptures. These are more porous and easier to bond but may absorb adhesive.
Porcelain
A dense, high-fired ceramic with very low porosity. Requires precision adhesives with high bonding strength.
Epoxy Adhesive: The Best Overall Glue for Ceramic
When people ask what’s the best glue to use on ceramic, epoxy is the most reliable all-around answer.
Why Epoxy Works So Well on Ceramic
- Two-part chemical bond (resin + hardener)
- Extremely strong once cured
- Bonds to glazed and unglazed surfaces
- Resistant to water, heat, and chemicals
- Fills gaps and cracks effectively
Epoxy is ideal for:
- Broken mugs and plates
- Ceramic figurines
- Tiles and fixtures
- Load-bearing repairs
Once cured, epoxy often becomes stronger than the ceramic itself.
Types of Epoxy for Ceramic Repairs
Clear Epoxy
Best for visible repairs where appearance matters. Dries transparent and blends well with glazed surfaces.
Fast-Setting Epoxy
Sets in minutes, useful for quick repairs. However, it allows less working time for alignment.
High-Strength Industrial Epoxy
Designed for heavy stress, tiles, and structural ceramic repairs.
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue): Best for Small, Clean Breaks
Super glue is often used on ceramic, but it’s not always the best choice.
When Super Glue Works Well
- Small chips or cracks
- Clean, tight breaks
- Lightweight decorative items
- Quick fixes
Super glue bonds quickly to ceramic, especially porcelain, but it lacks long-term durability for stressed repairs.
Limitations of Super Glue on Ceramic
- Brittle bond
- Poor gap-filling
- Weak under heat or moisture
- Not dishwasher safe
Super glue is best for display items rather than functional ceramics.
Polyurethane Adhesive: Strong but Situational
Polyurethane glue expands as it cures, making it useful for porous ceramics.
Where Polyurethane Excels
- Unglazed ceramic
- Terracotta pots
- Outdoor ceramic items
However, expansion can push pieces out of alignment if not clamped properly.
Silicone Adhesive: Flexible and Waterproof
Silicone adhesive isn’t usually the first choice, but it’s valuable in certain ceramic applications.
Best Uses for Silicone on Ceramic
- Bathroom fixtures
- Ceramic sinks
- Tiles exposed to moisture
- Flexible joints
Silicone remains rubbery after curing, making it unsuitable for structural ceramic repairs.
Cement-Based Adhesives for Ceramic Tiles
For ceramic tiles, especially floor or wall installations, standard glues won’t work.
Tile Adhesives and Thin-Set Mortar
- Designed for heavy loads
- Resistant to temperature changes
- Ideal for large surface areas
These are not suitable for small ceramic item repairs but are essential for tiles.
Comparing the Best Glues for Ceramic
Best for Strength: Epoxy
Best for Speed: Super Glue
Best for Outdoor Use: Polyurethane
Best for Moisture Areas: Silicone
Best for Tiles: Thin-Set Mortar
Each adhesive serves a different purpose depending on the ceramic object.
What Glue Should NOT Be Used on Ceramic
Some adhesives fail completely on ceramic surfaces.
Avoid These
- White school glue
- Hot glue
- Rubber cement
- Craft glue
These glues lack heat resistance, strength, and durability.
Surface Preparation: The Hidden Key to Success
Even the best glue to use on ceramic will fail if the surface isn’t prepared correctly.
Proper Preparation Steps
- Clean with rubbing alcohol
- Remove dust, grease, and glaze residue
- Lightly sand glossy surfaces
- Dry completely before bonding
Surface prep can double the strength of the bond.
Clamping and Curing: Why Patience Matters
Ceramic repairs require stable pressure during curing.
- Use clamps, tape, or rubber bands
- Keep parts aligned until fully cured
- Avoid handling for at least 24 hours
Rushing the process weakens the bond.
Heat and Dishwasher Considerations
If the ceramic item will face heat or washing:
- Choose heat-resistant epoxy
- Avoid super glue
- Hand-wash repaired items
Not all adhesives are food-safe once cured.
Food Safety and Ceramic Repairs
Even when glue claims to be non-toxic, most adhesives are not recommended for food-contact surfaces.
Repaired mugs or plates should be used decoratively unless labeled food-safe after curing.
Why Professional Restorers Choose Epoxy
Professionals repairing antique ceramics almost always use epoxy because it:
- Bonds permanently
- Accepts pigments for color matching
- Can be sanded and polished
- Resists aging
This makes epoxy the gold standard for ceramic restoration.
Choosing the Best Glue Based on Your Repair
Decorative Figurines
Clear epoxy or super glue for small breaks
Functional Ceramics
High-strength epoxy
Outdoor Pots
Polyurethane adhesive
Bathroom Tiles
Tile adhesive or silicone
Common Mistakes That Cause Ceramic Glue Failure
- Using the wrong glue
- Skipping surface prep
- Not allowing full cure time
- Applying too much adhesive
- Exposing to heat too soon
Avoiding these mistakes dramatically improves repair success.
Why “Stronger” Isn’t Always Better
Overly rigid adhesives can cause stress fractures in ceramic over time. Choosing the correct balance between strength and flexibility matters.
The Real Answer to What’s the Best Glue to Use on Ceramic
The best glue is the one matched to:
- The ceramic type
- Stress level
- Environment
- Visibility of the repair
For most situations, epoxy remains the most dependable and versatile solution.
1. What’s the strongest glue to use on ceramic?
Epoxy is the strongest glue for ceramic because it creates a permanent chemical bond that resists heat, water, and stress. Once cured, epoxy often becomes stronger than the ceramic itself, making it ideal for long-lasting repairs.
2. Can super glue be used on ceramic?
Yes, super glue can be used on ceramic for small, clean breaks and lightweight decorative items. However, it is brittle once cured and not recommended for items exposed to heat, moisture, or daily use.
3. Is epoxy glue safe for ceramic mugs and plates?
Most epoxy adhesives are not considered food-safe, even after curing. Repaired ceramic mugs and plates should be used for decorative purposes unless the epoxy specifically states it is food-contact safe after full cure.
4. What glue works best for broken ceramic tiles?
For broken ceramic tiles, epoxy works well for repairs, while thin-set mortar or tile adhesive is best for full tile installation. Silicone adhesive is useful in wet areas like bathrooms.
5. Can ceramic be glued back together after breaking?
Yes, ceramic can often be repaired successfully if the pieces fit together cleanly. Proper surface preparation, the correct adhesive, and enough curing time are essential for a strong bond.
6. What glue should not be used on ceramic?
White glue, hot glue, rubber cement, and most craft glues should not be used on ceramic. These adhesives lack the strength and heat resistance required for ceramic materials.
7. How long should ceramic glue cure before use?
Most ceramic adhesives require at least 24 hours to fully cure, though some epoxies may take longer. Avoid handling, washing, or applying stress until the adhesive has completely hardened.
8. Is ceramic glue waterproof once cured?
Many epoxies and polyurethane adhesives are waterproof once cured. Super glue has limited moisture resistance and may weaken over time if exposed to water.
9. Does sanding ceramic before gluing help?
Yes, lightly sanding glossy or glazed ceramic surfaces improves adhesion by creating microscopic texture for the glue to grip. Always clean the surface afterward to remove dust.
10. Can glued ceramic be heated or microwaved?
Most glued ceramic items should not be microwaved or exposed to high heat. Heat can weaken the adhesive and cause the repair to fail, even if the glue is heat-resistant.
Conclusion
When deciding what’s the best glue to use on ceramic, the most reliable answer for most repairs is epoxy. Its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and moisture make it the top choice for both decorative and functional ceramic items. Super glue works for quick, lightweight fixes, while polyurethane and silicone adhesives serve specific environments like outdoor use or high-moisture areas. Matching the right adhesive to the ceramic type, surface condition, and usage ensures a repair that not only holds but lasts.
