When your favorite pottery piece breaks, it can feel like a disaster. But don’t worry—there are strong, easy-to-use glues that can bring it back to life! Whether it’s a decorative vase, a treasured ceramic figure, or a handmade bowl, finding the best glue for pottery is the key to a long-lasting repair. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get the perfect fix.
What Is the Best Glue for Pottery?
When pottery breaks, you can’t just grab any old glue from your drawer. Pottery is usually made from materials like ceramic, porcelain, and earthenware—surfaces that require special adhesive strength. The best glue for pottery is one that creates a strong, invisible bond, resists moisture, and can handle temperature changes.
After analyzing tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, top contenders for “best glue for pottery” (especially in the United States) include epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate (super glue), and polyurethane glue. These options work well for ceramic mugs, plates, bowls, and figurines. The best part? Many of these glues have low keyword difficulty (0-5 KD) and high search volume (1K+), so people are definitely looking for them!
Why Regular Glue Doesn’t Work on Pottery
Most standard household glues, like school glue or craft glue, aren’t made for ceramic surfaces. They’re too weak and often water-soluble, meaning they won’t hold up to dishwashing, heat, or even a humid room. Pottery is often porous, and regular glue just sits on top—it doesn’t penetrate or bond tightly.
Only special adhesives that are specifically formulated for ceramic or stoneware will work reliably. These products are designed to soak into the surface slightly and form a chemical bond, not just a sticky film. So if you want your broken pottery to stay together for good, it’s worth using the right product.
Things to Know Before Gluing Your Pottery
Before jumping into a repair, you need to take a few steps to ensure your fix holds. Rushing through the process might result in a weak bond or an ugly finish. Here are some essential tips you need to know:
Always Clean the Pieces First
Dirt, oil, and even dust can prevent the glue from bonding correctly. Before you apply anything, gently clean the broken edges with soap and water. Let them dry completely. Some people even use isopropyl alcohol to make sure there’s no residue. The cleaner the surface, the stronger the bond.
Use the Right Amount of Glue
More glue doesn’t mean more strength. In fact, using too much can make the repair messy and uneven. Always apply a thin, even layer of glue to one side only. This gives the best hold and reduces the chance of overflow when pressing the parts together.
Give It Time to Dry
This is where patience pays off. After gluing, many people are tempted to handle the piece right away. Don’t! Follow the glue manufacturer’s drying time—usually anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours. Some glues reach full strength only after curing for several days.
Top 3 Best Glues for Pottery Repairs
Here are the top glues we recommend for pottery repairs based on performance, durability, and ease of use:
1. J-B Weld ClearWeld Epoxy
This two-part epoxy is known for its strong bond and clear finish. It’s perfect for ceramics because it resists moisture, high temperatures, and pressure. It sets in 5 minutes and cures fully in one hour. Great for both indoor and outdoor pottery.
2. Gorilla Super Glue Gel
A household name with industrial strength. This glue is thick, so it doesn’t run, making it ideal for vertical pieces or detailed repairs. It bonds quickly—within seconds—and works well on ceramics, porcelain, and other porous materials.
3. Loctite Ultra Gel Control
Another excellent cyanoacrylate glue that’s ideal for fine cracks and broken edges. It dries transparent, resists impact, and stays flexible. The squeeze-bottle applicator makes precise application easy, even for smaller, delicate figurines.
Best Glue for Broken Ceramic Figurines
Ceramic figurines can be especially challenging because they often have thin or intricate parts. The best glue for these is one that offers control and precision, like Loctite Ultra Gel or Gorilla Super Glue Gel. You need a product that will bond fast and not drip, which helps when you’re dealing with tiny arms, tails, or hats.
For sentimental or antique figurines, we recommend clear-drying epoxies like J-B Weld ClearWeld, especially if you plan to display them somewhere visible. These glues allow more working time so you can carefully align each piece without rushing.
How to Glue Pottery Back Together (Step-by-Step)
You don’t have to be an expert to repair pottery. With the right tools and steps, even a beginner can do it! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Clean and Line Up the Pieces
Lay out all the broken pieces and see how they fit together. Wash each one with mild soap and warm water, then let them dry. Dry surfaces are key to a strong bond.
Add a Thin Layer of Glue
Apply a thin layer of glue to one of the broken edges only. Make sure you don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way. Use a toothpick or fine applicator for small parts.
Press and Hold Together
Firmly press the pieces together and hold for at least 30 seconds. If you’re using epoxy, you might need to clamp the piece or tape it until it sets. Follow the glue’s instructions carefully for best results.
Let the pottery sit for at least 24 hours before using or displaying it. Some glues recommend 72 hours for full curing, especially for heavier items.
Epoxy vs Super Glue – Which One Is Better for Pottery?
Both epoxy and super glue (cyanoacrylate) are popular, but which one is better depends on your project:
- Epoxy is better for larger, heavier pottery or pieces that will be used often. It’s waterproof, heat-resistant, and extremely strong. It also gives you more time to align parts.
- Super Glue is better for quick fixes and small, delicate pieces. It dries fast, is easy to use, and often comes with precision tips.
So if you’re repairing a decorative figurine, super glue might be all you need. But for a mug or flower pot, epoxy will give a more durable and lasting bond.
The Bottom Line
Fixing broken pottery doesn’t have to be hard. The key is using the best glue for pottery, cleaning the surfaces, and giving the repair time to cure properly. Whether you’re working on a mug, plate, or delicate ceramic animal, using the right product and technique makes all the difference.
If you want a simple, strong, and invisible repair, go for one of the top-rated adhesives like J-B Weld ClearWeld, Gorilla Super Glue Gel, or Loctite Ultra Gel. These glues are easy to find, affordable, and designed specifically for the kinds of materials pottery is made from.