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Is Gorilla Glue Good for Ceramics?

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Written by: Jeremy Sanchez

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Is Gorilla Glue Good for Ceramics?

White Gorilla Glue easily bonds ceramic, foam, stone, wood, and many other materials. 

White Gorilla Glue is 100% waterproof. It is strong enough to effectively and permanently bond both indoors and outdoors. 

This means that after the glue dries, the bond it formed won’t break down when exposed even to various outdoor elements. 

White Gorilla Glue is 2 times faster than Original Gorilla Glue and expands three times deeper into the ceramic (or other materials). This allows it to form a strong, resilient, and lasting bond. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla Glue for ceramics, how to use it, and the answers to the most frequently asked questions around this topic, keep reading. 

How To Use Gorilla Glue For Ceramics

To glue two ceramic surfaces using Gorilla Glue, you must start with the preparation stage. 

We will guide you on how to use Gorilla Glue to glue ceramics, so let’s dive in. 

First, you need to prepare and dampen the surfaces

If this is the first time you will be using White Gorilla Glue on ceramics, test it on a small area first to ensure it will do the job the way you want it to. 

Now follow these steps. 

Prepare your surfaces. 

The surfaces need to be clean for White Gorilla Glue to expand deeper into the material to create a strong and lasting bond. This means that you need to remove any dust or stains. 

If the surface of your ceramics is very smooth, roughen them up with sandpaper. This will help the glue create better adhesion resulting in a stronger bond.

Once you are done roughing up the surface of the ceramics, use a clean cloth to wipe down any dust that may be there.

Now dampen the surfaces. 

Grab a clean cloth, dab in clean water, and squeeze out excess water until you are left with a damp cloth. 

Gently and lightly dampen one surface with water. Don’t saturate it with water; just dampen it. 

The next step is to apply White Gorilla Glue. 

Now we are ready to apply the glue to the ceramics to glue them together. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Apply a thin layer of White Gorilla Glue onto the dry surface (the one you didn’t dampen with water) – do not use too much glue, a paper-thin layer is enough 
  2. Use a clean brush or applicator sponge to spread the glue evenly – consider wearing a pair of protective gloves 
  3. Clamp the two surfaces together – makes sure this distributes the pressure evenly across the surface 
  4. Clamp for a minimum of 60 hours
  5. Allow the glue to fully cure for 24 hours 

If you are gluing light and small objects, use rubber bands instead of clamps to secure them. 

If you don’t have clamps for heavier objects, use other items. 

White Gorilla Glue: Technical specifications

The application temperature is best at room temperature, above 40 Degrees Fahrenheit. 

The service temperature starts from -40 Degrees Fahrenheit and goes until 200 Degrees Fahrenheit.

It cures white, and it does expand when it is cured. 

White Gorilla Glue is:

  • Waterproof 
  • Paintable
    • Can be painted with oil-based paint and spray 
    • Stains, acrylic, or latex paint requires sanding 
  • Sandable 
  • Stainable (requires sanding)

The one thing this glue isn’t suitable for is filling gaps. 

How To Clean Up Uncured Gorilla Glue

If White Gorilla Glue accidentally gets on your skin, follow these steps to gently and carefully remove it:

  1. If the glue is still tacky, use a clean cloth to gently wipe it off your skin 
  2. If this won’t do it, add warm soapy water in a bowl and place your hand in it
  3. Allow the glue to soak for a few minutes
  4. Use a clean cloth to gently rub it off your skin
  5. Dry your skin
  6. Moisturize your skin with a hydrating skin lotion 

If it takes longer, be patient. Gently wash the glue off as long as you need to. Don’t use rubbing alcohol or acetone, as these can strip your skin from its natural oil. 

Gorilla Glue can cause several skin reactions, especially if you are prone to these. Wearing protective gloves while working with glue is a mindful and cautionary thing to do. 

But if you don’t have gloves or forgot to wear them, it is important to remove the glue as soon as possible and not let it sit on your skin for long. 

Your hands and skin isn’t the only place the glue can spill on. 

If the glue has accidentally spilled on your working area, remove it with a dry cloth if it’s still wet and uncured. 

You can also try sanding, chiseling, or scraping it off. 

If neither of these options work, apply acetone or acetone-based nail polish to the glue, allow it to soak through, then use a brush or cloth to rub it off. Wipe down the surface with a cloth and clean water. 

How To Store Gorilla Glue To Protect And Even Prolong Its Shelf Life

Besides knowing how to prepare your surfaces and apply White Gorilla Glue to them for lasting results, it is also important to know how to store the glue appropriately. 

Why does this matter?

This matters because if the glue isn’t stored the way it should, the adhesive’s shelf life will shorten. 

But this isn’t the only reason. The glue may also lose its adhesive properties, making it less sticky. Or, if moisture gets inside the tube, this can cause the glue to dry up inside its tube. 

Here is how to properly store White Gorilla Glue:

  • Use a clean cloth to wipe down the lid and the nozzle of the tube after each use 
  • Make sure the lid is sealed tightly 
  • Store in a place that is cool and dry 
  • Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to dampen the surface before I apply Gorilla Glue?

Gorilla Glue is a moisture-activated polyurethane adhesive. Dampening the surface will activate the curing process of the glue. 

How much Gorilla Glue should I use?

You only need about ½ ounce of Gorilla Glue per square foot. Remember, this glue is very strong. White Gorilla Glue expands up to 3 times as it cures. 

Conclusion

The brand has a specific glue that works great for ceramics (and other surfaces) known as the White Gorilla Glue. 

It is easy to apply, and you only need a paper-thin amount to glue ceramics together. 

But before you do, clean the surfaces, roughen them up, and dampen one surface to help activate the adhesive’s curing process.

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