In the current market there are many different types of glue for ceramic. However, not all of them are really effective & good on ceramics. Some glues don’t provide a strong bond between surfaces. This causes the piece to break again in the same place after applying high pressure.
Depending on their active component, glues can be more effective on certain materials. So, knowing the best active ingredient for ceramics will help you find the type of glue you need.
In this article you’ll know all the types of glue for ceramic. In addition, you’ll find interesting information about their origins and composition.
What is Glue for Ceramic?
Glue is a substance that serves to stick different materials together. Glue can be natural or synthetic. It’s also one of the oldest substances known to man. Thousands of years ago, early humans used tar to make tools and waterproof ships.
In ancient Egypt, carpenters used animal protein-based glues to stick wood pieces. In the 17th and 18th centuries, glue was obtained from horse marrow. However, over time, this practice stopped to protect horses and other animals.
Today, glues are made from plant extracts and artificial compounds. Some glue formulas still use substances of animal origin. However, the animals aren’t injured during their removal. Such is the case of milk protein, commonly used on white glue.
Different Types of Glue for Ceramic
As said before, there are many different types of glue on the market. However, only a small group of glues is really effective on ceramics. Below, you’ll find a list of all of them.
- Epoxy glue
- Cyanoacrylate glue
- Silicone glue
- PVA glue
Epoxy glue
Epoxy glue is the combination of two active components: resin and hardener. Together, the resin and hardener form a polymer. Epoxy glue dries by the action of heat. Therefore, it’s very resistant to high temperatures.
Epoxy glue is also resistant to UV rays, high impacts and extreme weather conditions. It’s the best glue for ceramics, due to the highly resistant bond it forms. When epoxy glue fully hardens, it’s much stronger than ceramic.
Cyanoacrylate Glue
It’s also known as super glue. Cyanoacrylate is non-toxic and dries quickly in contact with water. The natural humidity of the air has a similar but slower effect. Super glue dries almost instantly on contact with the skin. Therefore, it serves to close wounds.
Super glue adheres best to irregular and porous surfaces. This is why it’s so effective on ceramics.
Silicone Glue
Silicone glue is waterproof and resistant to UV rays and high temperatures. It’s a compound based on oxygen and silicon atoms. It’s useful to bond glass; however it’s also effective on ceramics. In contrast to other types of glue, you need to add a large amount of silicone glue to obtain a strong bond.
So, it isn’t the most suitable glue for small breaks. It’s also not the most discreet of all, because the large amount of glue makes the bond visible.
PVA
PVA or Polyvinyl acetate is the main active ingredient in white glue. German scientist Fritz Klatte discovered this substance in 1912.
PVA comes from natural extracts and breaks down easily in contact with water. It’s especially effective on porous materials. However, it isn’t the strongest glue of all. The white variety of PVA glue is useful for gluing paper. On the other hand, the yellow variety is useful for gluing wood.
PVA has many different uses in the industry. For example, cheese makers apply PVA to their products to protect them from mold and moisture. It’s also a cheap substitute for chewing gum manufacturing.
Step by Step Guide to Apply Glue for Ceramic
Applying glue to stick two ceramic pieces together is the easiest thing to do. However, you must follow certain steps to get the best results. This is what you need to do:
- First of all, read the user manual behind the glue packaging. All different types of glue have different dosages and drying times.
- After that, clean the surfaces you need to glue. Dust on the surface weakens the bond of the glue.
- Then, apply the glue in the recommended dose.
- Apply pressure to both pieces to form a strong bond.
- Finally, wait the recommended time to dry. Usually, you need to wait at least 24 hours.
Conclusion
As you can see, only a small group of glues offer good results on ceramic. Ceramic is a porous material, so the glue must penetrate well through the pores to provide a stable bond. If the glue is too thick or dries too quickly, it won’t penetrate well.
So, make sure to choose the perfect consistency. Also, locate the ceramic piece in a fresh and dry place, where the glue can dry properly.
Before applying any glue, read first the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you carefully follow each of the tips in this guide, there will be no ceramic object that you can’t repair.