Whether it’s a cracked mug, a broken figurine, or a chipped tile, finding the best glue for ceramic can save more than just the object – it can save the memory behind it. But not all glues are strong enough or designed for this kind of repair.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the types of ceramic fixes that actually hold up, which adhesives are worth your money, and how to choose the right product depending on what you’re trying to repair.
Best Glue for Ceramic in 2025
1. E6000 Adhesive with Precision Tips – Best for strong, flexible ceramic repairs
This is the kind of glue I reach for when a ceramic fix needs to last — whether it’s a chipped tile, a broken planter, or something decorative. The bond it creates isn’t just strong, it’s got a bit of give to it, which makes a huge difference when you’re dealing with pieces that might flex slightly or take light impacts.
It grabs onto glossy ceramic surprisingly well, especially if the surface is clean and dry. It doesn’t run, so you can apply it right where it needs to go — the included precision tips make that even easier. That’s a big help with tight cracks, detailed areas, or curved pieces.
It doesn’t set instantly, but that’s a good thing when you’re trying to align parts correctly. Once cured, it dries clear and holds through vibration, temperature changes, and even light washing. Just keep in mind it’s not food-safe, so I wouldn’t use it on anything that touches your coffee or dinner.
One more thing — the smell is pretty strong, so use it with good ventilation. And clean the tip after each use, or you’ll be wrestling with dried-up glue next time.
Pros:
- Excellent hold on glossy or smooth ceramic
- Flexible bond that resists cracking
- Dries clear and stays put
- Precision tips make detailed work easier
Cons:
- Not food-safe — for decorative or non-edible items only
- Nozzle can clog if not cleaned after use
2. Loctite Super Glue Gel Control – Best for quick ceramic touch-ups
This Loctite gel isn’t just your average super glue — it’s what I reach for when I need a quick, clean ceramic fix without the mess. The gel formula doesn’t drip or run, which makes it ideal for vertical cracks or small pieces that need to be held in place. It sets in under a minute and bonds well to non-porous surfaces like glazed ceramic, making it a solid choice for quick repairs on mugs, tiles, or decorations that won’t see heat or heavy stress.
What really works is the precision bottle – the side-squeeze design gives you full control, so you don’t waste glue or make a mess. Once cured, the joint stays tight and clean. Just don’t expect it to work on everything – it’s not food-safe, and while it resists moisture, I wouldn’t trust it in the dishwasher. Still, for quick fixes and detail jobs, it’s one of the most reliable gels I’ve used.
Pros:
- Precise, mess-free application
- Strong bond on ceramic and hard surfaces
- Fast setting without clamping
- Compact and long-lasting
Cons:
- Tube gets hard to squeeze over time
- Not suitable for food-contact surfaces
3. PC-11 White Epoxy Paste – Best for heavy-duty ceramic patching
If I need to fill, rebuild, or seal something ceramic that’s seen better days, this is the stuff I use. PC-11 isn’t just a glue — it’s a full-blown structural repair material. It works even when the surface is damp or fully wet, and that’s rare for an epoxy. The paste is thick, doesn’t run, and bonds to things like tile, porcelain, or even brick like it was made for it.
It cures slowly, which gives you plenty of time to shape or smooth it, and once hardened, it’s rock solid. I’ve used it to patch chipped ceramic sinks, seal cracked tiles, and even rebuild a broken corner on a garden statue. It’s not pure white, more like off-white, but for hidden or paintable fixes it doesn’t matter. It’s not for delicate repairs — but for permanent, waterproof fixes where strength matters, this stuff wins.
Pros:
- Incredibly strong once cured — handles stress and weight
- Works on wet, dry, and even submerged ceramic
- Excellent for filling gaps or rebuilding damaged areas
- Extended work time for precise shaping
Cons:
- Slow curing — needs patience
- Color isn’t a perfect white
4. Starbond Medium CA Glue – Best for precise ceramic detail work
This isn’t your average super glue – Starbond’s medium CA adhesive is something I keep in the shop for anything that requires control, clarity, and clean bonding. When it comes to ceramic repairs, it’s a great fit for fine work: hairline cracks, reattaching small pieces, or even invisible repairs where aesthetics matter. The glue sets in about 10 to 15 seconds, giving you just enough time to adjust, and once it cures, it holds surprisingly well for something this thin.
The real bonus here is the included kit. You get microtips, extra nozzles, and a pin-cap that keeps things from clogging — no more digging into hardened glue with a screwdriver. I’ve used it on porcelain figures, ceramic mug handles, and decorative tiles, and the control you get is excellent. It doesn’t foam or run, and it flows just enough to wick into tight joints. It’s also great for gap-filling when paired with a fine activator spray.
One thing to keep in mind — this is a thin, clear cyanoacrylate, not a flexible epoxy. It won’t hold up to repeated flex or torsion, and it’s not meant for high-stress joints. But if your project is mostly cosmetic or light-duty, and you need it to look clean and bond fast, this one’s hard to beat.
Pros:
- Excellent for fine ceramic repairs and small cracks
- Fast setting time with good repositioning window
- Microtips and anti-clog system make it easy to use
- Dries clear and doesn’t run or foam
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-flex or load-bearing repairs
- Strong odor — use in a ventilated area
5. Bob Smith Industries BSI-135H – Best long shelf life glue
This fantastic, extra-thick glue from Bob Smith Industries can bond not only your ceramics but also wood, plastics, glass, leather, and rubber. Because it is a cyano-acrylic (CA) based glue, it can hold up well to the high temperatures and moisture that ceramics are exposed to. What’s more? It will not dry up on you as frequently occurs with many other brands of glue. Refrigerate after use, and you will be using this baby several months down the line, and it’s Oh-So-Friendly to your pocket, too!
Pros
- Perfect for almost any type of surface in your house
- Easy-to-clean nozzle and doesn’t dry out
Cons
- Its vapors can irritate, so the glue needs a well-ventilated location when you use it.
6. J-B Weld ClearWeld Epoxy – Best clear epoxy for fast ceramic bonding
For those repairs where you need both strength and invisibility, ClearWeld delivers. I’ve used this epoxy on ceramic figurines, chipped tiles, and even cracked glass — and the bond is about as close to seamless as you’ll get without professional gear. It mixes easily thanks to the syringe design, sets in five minutes, and cures in about an hour. That means you can move on with your day instead of clamping pieces overnight.
The clarity is what makes it stand out. Applied thin, it dries nearly invisible, which is perfect for any repair that’s out in the open. It also holds strong — we’re talking up to 4400 PSI when fully cured. Just be careful with the applicator. The built-in plunger isn’t perfect, and if you’re not gentle, one side might leak slightly. But with a little care and a steady hand, this stuff works wonders.
Pros:
- Dries clear and blends well with ceramic surfaces
- Fast set and cure time — ready in about an hour
- Strong bond for most rigid materials
- Great value for small and medium repairs
Cons:
- Applicator syringe can leak if handled roughly
- Not suitable for high-flex or heat-prone areas
7. Krazy Glue Precision Pen – Best for fast, pinpoint ceramic fixes
This little glue pen is built for quick ceramic touch-ups where precision matters. I’ve used it to fix clean cracks in glazed tiles and repair chipped ceramic handles — and the accuracy is impressive. The pen-style applicator delivers one drop at a time, letting you get into tight spots without overdoing it. The bond forms fast, so you’ll want to be ready before you press pieces together.
What I like most is the control. The squeeze grips make it easy to apply just the right amount, and the cap design actually works to keep the tip clean between uses. The glue itself dries clear and holds strong enough for most small indoor fixes. For anything decorative or low-stress, it’s a go-to solution that gets the job done without making a mess.
It’s not without downsides. The pen can be a bit stiff to squeeze, especially after a few uses, and it’s not the best choice for larger surfaces or repairs that require flexibility. But if you need something quick, clean, and targeted — this Krazy Glue is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Precise one-drop applicator is great for fine ceramic work
- Strong, fast-setting bond on non-porous surfaces
- Compact design with anti-dry cap
- Dries clear and clean
Cons:
- Harder to squeeze after multiple uses
- Not ideal for larger or load-bearing repairs
8. Gorilla Clear Glue – Best clear glue for everyday ceramic repairs
If I’m fixing something ceramic that needs to look good as new — and stay that way – this clear Gorilla glue is what I grab. It goes on smooth, dries without foaming, and doesn’t leave behind a cloudy mess. I’ve used it to seal cracks in decorative tiles and patch chips in household ceramic items. It’s water resistant, tough once cured, and holds up indoors or out. You just need to lightly dampen one of the surfaces if you’re working with non-porous materials like ceramic or glass — a small but important step.
The squeeze bottle gives decent control, though you’ll want to wipe the nozzle clean or risk gluing the cap shut. Clamp time is about two hours, but it fully cures in a day. Once it sets, it stays put – strong enough to handle regular use but still easy to apply. Just be sure to follow the directions, and you’ll get a tight, almost invisible bond on most ceramic repairs.
Pros:
- Dries clear and doesn’t foam during curing
- Works on ceramic, glass, metal, and more
- Strong water-resistant bond for indoor/outdoor use
- Good shelf life in small bottle size
Cons:
- Cap may glue shut if not cleaned
- Requires light moisture on non-porous surfaces
9. Super Glue 15187 – Best value pack product
For starters, songs have been sung about this super glue’s handy 12 2 gram tubes that allow you to dispense the adhesive you need without exposing what you do not need to the air. Once larger tubes of glue are opened, what’s unused tends to dry up fast. The reusable clamshell storage case is a novel product design plus. It makes it easy for you to store the tubes of glue in your refrigerator without worry that another item will crush them and create a mess. It works on ceramics flawlessly and sets in seconds.
Pros
- Useful reusable storage case for glue tubes
- Sold in 12 2 gram tubes for extended shelf life
Cons
- The storage case can be a bit tricky to open.
10. GLUE MASTERS Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate – Best value size product
This cyanoacrylate adhesive glue from Glue Masters will be as old as the hills in glue years before you use it up, so long as you keep it refrigerated. Its large value size is perfect for crafty people who need substantial amounts of glue daily. It’s ideal for ceramics, but can also be used for general repairs around the house, including in carpentry. You may love it even more due to its ability to dry clear without leaving frosty gummy residues on your ceramics.
Pros
- Large value size
- Extended product shelf life
- Fast-cure super strong glue
Cons
- It can be difficult to take the cap off to use or reuse
11. Pratley Clear Epoxy Glue – Best for invisible ceramic repairs
This Pratley epoxy is my go-to when a ceramic repair needs to be strong but not seen. It sets clear, flows into tight joints easily, and forms a solid hold on rigid materials like porcelain, stone, or glass. I’ve used it for fixing clean cracks in mugs, chipped vases, and even decorative plates — all without leaving obvious seams. The consistency is thin enough to get into hairline splits but not so runny that it makes a mess.
It comes in two separate tubes, which I prefer over dual-syringe setups — easier to store and less prone to clogging. You do need to mix carefully to get the ratio right, but the payoff is worth it: a neat, lasting bond that doesn’t yellow too quickly. Just be aware it’s not for flexible parts or anything going into the microwave. For low-profile, durable repairs, it’s one of the cleanest options I’ve used.
Pros:
- Clear-drying and great for discreet ceramic fixes
- Flows well into tight cracks without foaming
- Strong hold on porcelain, glass, and stone
- Separate tubes reduce waste and clogging
Cons:
- Requires careful mixing for full strength
- Not suitable for heat or food-contact surfaces
How to Choose the Right Glue for Ceramic Repairs
Not all ceramic repairs are the same. I’ve fixed chipped tiles, cracked mugs, outdoor pots, even a ceramic lamp base that fell during a storm. What works for a clean break on a shelf figurine won’t work on a teapot that sees daily use. So the first thing I always ask is simple — is this decorative, functional, or both?
Glue Types That Actually Work
There are three adhesives that I trust in my own workshop. Two-part epoxy is what I use when something needs to stay fixed, period. It bonds like concrete, fills small gaps, and handles heavy loads. Great for larger items, but keep in mind that most epoxies dry cloudy and aren’t food-safe. Then you’ve got cyanoacrylate, better known as super glue. It’s fast, clear, and ideal for smaller pieces — just don’t expect it to survive heat or water. And finally, E6000 and similar industrial types are good for mixed materials and items that see the outdoors. Strong hold, flexible when cured, but takes time to dry and has a smell you won’t forget.
What Really Matters in Practice
If the ceramic item is going near water or used outdoors, look for glues with high moisture resistance. Epoxy and industrial adhesives typically handle this well. If it’s something visible, clarity matters — some epoxies can be tinted, but super glue wins for clean seams. As for safety, nearly none of the common adhesives are rated food-safe, so repairs to dishes should be considered decorative only.
There are also environmental and regulatory standards to keep in mind. Most adhesives sold in the U.S. are subject to EPA VOC regulations, which limit harmful emissions from glues and sealants. If you’re after something more eco-conscious, products certified under the Green Seal GS-36 standard are formulated with low VOCs and reduced toxicity — a good option for indoor repairs, especially in tight spaces.
Quick Reference from Experience
- Epoxy: best for structural repairs and outdoor use. Give it time to cure properly.
- Super Glue: perfect for clean, small breaks where looks matter more than strength.
- Industrial Adhesives (like E6000): good for mixed materials and flexible hold, especially outside.
Last Word of Advice
Whatever glue you use, prep the surface. Clean it. Dry it. Lightly sand if needed. And follow the cure times — no shortcuts. Most complaints I hear aren’t about the glue, they’re about rushing the job. Take your time, and even cheap glue can give you a long-lasting fix. But expect miracles from a five-minute job? That’s not how repairs work — trust me.
How to Glue Broken Ceramics
Video-guide: