Skip to Content
5 min read
Fix stuff

Pottery glue: From despair to repair

Artificial Content Title -- to be hidden

Taken a sizeable chip out of a much-loved item of household pottery? Don’t despair – with right glue you can repair and restore your pottery piece in just a few simple steps.

What is pottery glue used for?

Pottery is versatile, and beautiful to admire. But this material comes with one major downside: it’s easily breakable. No matter how careful we are and how many precautions we may take, it only takes one small slip for your beloved vase or fruit bowl to end up sporting a chip.

Whether the item was an expensive purchase or something you picked up on vacation, replacing it can either be costly or impossible. This is where pottery glue comes to the rescue. Thanks to their state-of-the-art formulas and innovative applicators, the best glues for pottery are so good at repairs, that broken objects look virtually brand new.

A person applies Super Glue Ultragel Control on the fracture edge of a broken ceramic candleholder.
Apply a small amount of glue to the edge of the broken parts and your ceramic items will be repaired in just a few minutes

How to use glue to repair pottery

Accidents can – and will – happen. But it’s not the end of the world. With the best glue for pottery, it’s much easier to repair than replace. To revive any broken item, simply follow these steps:

  1. Clean. To achieve the strongest bond with the glue you are using on pottery, first clean any dust and debris off from the broken pieces. Dishwashing soap and hot water are fine, but be sure to rinse away any soapy residue and ensure all pieces are thoroughly dry before beginning.
  2. Plan. Lay out all the pieces on a clean surface and dry-fit them together in a trial run, so you know exactly where each piece goes when it comes to gluing them all together.
  3. Glue. Apply a small amount of glue to the edge of one of the pieces of pottery and, applying light pressure, join it to the edge of the other piece it fits to for a minute or two, while the bond forms. 
  4. Remove. If any excess glue residue has seeped from the joints once it is dry, gently scrape off with a sharp knife or razor blade. Alternatively, soak a cotton pad or ball in acetone or nail polish remover and press it against the glue for a few minutes. This will soften the bond and make it easier to scrape off.

Choose the best glue for broken pottery

You only want to use the best glue for pottery on items with sentimental value, and on pieces you see every day. Try using Loctite Super Glue Gel Control, the gel formula works on a variety of porous and non-porous surfaces, dries clear, and sets without clamping. Its patented side-squeeze design makes it ideal for vertical applications, giving you maximum control.

A person reassembles two parts of a broken ceramic candleholder.
Gently press the broken pieces together for a minute or two while the adhesive bond sets

For items of pottery that see tougher usage, like outdoor flowerpots, Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control is the go-to adhesive. This specially formulated glue resists impact shock, vibration and temperature extremes. It also allows for more time to align pieces before the glue takes hold.

Products used

  • loctite super glue gel control 4g tube
    Loctite Super Glue Gel Control

    Porous surfaces and vertical applications. No-drip Gel formula in pin-point Control™ applicator.

  • loctite super glue ultra gel control 4g tube
    Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control

    Super-tough, durable bonds that resist weather, impact, shock and vibration.

Expert Tip

Share your own projects

You might also be interested in

  • Ceramic glue: If it’s broke fix it!

    Guide to using ceramic glue and how to effectively fix any broken piece. 

  • 5 minute epoxy: Get it glued, fast
  • How to fix a leaky fish tank with aquarium silicone
  • Ceramic tile repair: Take care of chips and cracks yourself!
  • Super glue with a brush: The answer for detailed work
  • Easter basket crafts: Ideas and tips for egg-cellent results!
  • How to remove super glue

    Guide for removing super glue easily from skin and most surfaces. 

  • Repairing a shoe

    Repairs to your favorite pair of shoes are easy with the right Loctite® adhesive. 

  • Repairing a broken corner on concrete steps

    Holes, pop-outs and larger cracks, can be repaired using Loctite® Metal and Concrete Epoxy. 

  • Repairing a figurine

    For repairing cherished heirlooms, use Loctite® Ultra Gel™ Super Glue. 

  • Repairing a plastic toy

    Repair your child’s favorite plastic toy using Loctite® super glues or epoxies. 

  • Repairing a patio umbrella

    Replacing furniture and patio umbrellas can be expensive. Repair them, don’t replace them.