You can superglue glass, but it’s not always the best solution. Super glue might lose some of its adhesiveness over time and isn’t as strong as other solutions, like epoxy. Epoxy is stronger and thicker, so it’s especially useful if there are gaps in the glass. You can also consider glass glue.
For most projects, glass glue like this type found on Amazon is the best solution.
It’s good to know more about using super glue (and other adhesives) on glass, and this article will discuss the topic in more detail. Keep reading to learn more!
Does Super Glue Bond With Glass?
Superglue can bond with glass but not as much as epoxy. If you have super glue lying around at home, check the packaging to see if it’s compatible with glass. Many types of superglue are only compatible with porous materials, like wood, and therefore won’t be very effective.
It’s best to rely on super glue as a temporary quick fix for glass rather than a permanent and long-lasting solution.
Super glue is unlikely to last as long as epoxy and special glass glue, and the glass may fall apart after some time has passed. Since glass is non-porous, liquids and air can’t penetrate the surface, so super glue might have a hard time sticking to it, especially over a long period.
Epoxy can stick to non-porous materials more efficiently. In fact, epoxy is supposed to be used with non-porous materials!
Can You Glue Glass Together?
You can glue glass together if there aren’t too many missing pieces and gaps. However, most glass that’s been glued together will have an obvious line or crack once the glue has dried, so it’s not always worth it.
If you have super glue lying around and need a quick fix for broken glass, it’s OK to use it. If you apply it carefully, it can last a decent amount of time. But if it’s something you touch or clean often (like a drinking glass), expect the glue to wear away quicker.
How To Glue Glass Together
Gluing glass together is relatively simple, but you must be careful because it’s easy to cut yourself if you’re dealing with broken glass. If you are dealing with two separate pieces of glass that aren’t broken, the process will be easier and safer.
Here is a guide on how to glue glass together using superglue or other types of glue:
- Prepare all pieces of glass. Do this by cleaning them, ensuring no dust or debris remain on the surface. Make sure the glass is fully dry before continuing.
- Apply your glue of choice to one of the glass pieces.
- Stick it to the other glass piece. Repeat this step if you need to glue multiple pieces of glass together.
- Wait for the glue to dry. The drying time depends on the glue you’re using. Read the instructions to learn more about drying and curing times.
What Is the Best Glue to Repair Broken Glass?
The best glue to repair broken glass is epoxy because it’s stronger than many other types of glue and is better at filling in gaps. Plus, it bonds well with non-porous materials. Other good choices include super glue and gorilla glue, but super glue is better as a temporary quick fix.
Glass glue is also good because it’s made specifically for glass materials, meaning it sticks well and is long-lasting.
Below are three of the best glues to use for broken glass, all of which are available on Amazon.
1. Loctite Epoxy Five-Minute Mix
This epoxy is strong and long-lasting, making it a perfect permanent solution for gluing broken glass back together. It comes with everything you need, including a syringe to help dispense the material onto the glass. While it is fully compatible with glass, it also works well on other materials like metal and wood.
Loctite epoxy is waterproof, so the glass won’t become water damaged if you need to clean it often. Due to its thick nature, it’s also excellent for filling in gaps. So even if you’re missing a few small pieces of glass, this epoxy will do the trick by filling everything in.
2. Loctite Glass Glue
This glue is a good choice because it’s made explicitly for glass, so it will stick well to all glass materials. One excellent aspect of this glass glue is that it dries clear, so you don’t have to worry about any odd colors. If you apply it carefully enough, the glue might not be noticeable!
The glue is waterproof, so you can use it on glass items that will be in frequent contact with water. But it’s also suitable for other things, like mirrors and shelves.
3. Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
Gorilla glue is another popular choice that you may already have in your home. This one is excellent for glass because it’s solid and waterproof. Although it works well at gluing glass together, it doesn’t dry clear. Instead, it dries to a brown color, so it isn’t ideal if you want something transparent.
Is Glue Safe for Drinking Glasses?
Glue is not entirely safe for drinking glasses. First, a drinking glass that’s been glued together can break again, which is dangerous if it occurs while drinking because you may swallow a piece of glass. Also, some glue can be toxic and unsafe to consume.
If you put hot drinks in your glass, the glue might wear away quicker, leading the glass to break eventually.
You must also consider the toxicity of certain glues. Let’s take epoxy as an example. According to the California Department of Public Health, overexposure to the chemicals in epoxy can lead to eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation. Although it is generally non-toxic once cured, you might accidentally drink from the glass before it’s had time to cure.
In most cases, it’s best to dispose of a broken drinking glass rather than repair it with glue.
Conclusion
Although you can super glue glass, it’s not the best choice because glass is non-porous and generally doesn’t bond well with super glue. However, it can work as a temporary solution. It may also be sufficient if you don’t plan to subject the glass to harsh elements (like heat or lots of water).
The best glue for glass is epoxy because it’s made specifically for non-porous materials like glass. Another glue that works well with glass is glass glue. Before gluing glass together, ensure everything is clean and dry–this ensures the glue can bond as best as possible.
For more, check out 11 Handy Substitutes for Glue (With 4 DIY Options).
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.