Andrew McCaul
Ceramic or Glass
What broke: Glass or ceramic (porcelain, earthenware, etc.) used with food, such as a plate or a coffee mug.
The fix: Elmer's Craft Bond Ceramic & Glass Cement is dishwasher-safe and solvent-free.
How to use it: Lightly sand both edges. Wipe with a clean cloth, then coat one edge with glue. Press the pieces together. Apply masking tape across the glued joint as a clamp. Let set for at least three hours.
Sticking points: While Craft Bond gives as good a repair as you'll get on broken glass, you'll always see what will look like a hairline fracture.
Cleanup: Use a dry cloth to clean surfaces and hands before the glue dries. Any overflow on an object can be cleaned with a paper towel or a cotton swab dipped in nail-polish remover.
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What broke: A ceramic, glass, or hard-plastic item not used with food and not requiring a flexible bond―such as a loafer heel, a porcelain figurine, or the chipped battery cover on the remote.
The fix: Instant Krazy Glue creates an inflexible bond that resists moderate heat and moisture (not recommended for frequently washed items).
How to use it: Coat one side of a break with a thin layer of glue. Fit the pieces together and hold firmly for 30 seconds. The glue will set fully in a minute or so.
Sticking points:
- The glue quickly deteriorates if the item is regularly in water or the oven or is used over direct heat.
- The joints can yellow and degrade over time with exposure to UV light.
Cleanup: Don't pry apart stuck-together fingers. Soak them in warm, soapy water or nail-polish remover, knead them, and roll the glue layer off. Remove excess glue from an object with a cloth before it dries, or with fine-grit sandpaper afterward.
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What broke: Wooden items that don't come into contact with food, especially ones that need to withstand a large amount of stress, such as a loose chair leg or a tabletop that's become separated from its base.
The fix: Gorilla Glue is ideal for woodworking (It's also good for ceramic, plastic, laminate, and stone). It withstands shock, heat, and moisture and can be sanded, painted, or stained.
How to use it: Wipe one edge with a damp cloth before applying a thin layer of glue. Clamp the glued sections for one to four hours, depending on the size and weight of the piece.
Sticking points:
- This glue triples in volume as it dries, so wipe edges clean every 10 to 15 minutes in the first hour.
- It will not bond properly below 40 degrees F.
- Highly toxic, it can be fatal if ingested. Keep it far out of the reach of children.
Cleanup: Wash hands with soapy water if the glue is still damp. For surfaces, use denatured alcohol on wet glue (which stays malleable for up to four hours after application) or a putty knife or sandpaper when the glue is dry.
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