Asked on Apr 13, 2016

What is the the best outdoor glue for ceramics/glass/metal?

Kelley MacKay
by Kelley MacKay
I made a birdbath using a large bowl and table light brass base. It got full of water and when my mom went to empty, it popped off! I used E6000 which is supposed to be fabulous??
I heard about Marine glue...but wasn't sure what type.
  62 answers
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Apr 13, 2016
    First of Very nice bird bath. I am also surprised the E6000 didn't work so many people swear by it. I have used Welbond many times. It is more of a liquid glue so you need to give it a longer drying time but works very well. Good luck
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 13, 2016
    you need to use an epoxy glue for outside. Try loctite that state for outdoor use and dries clear,or a marine epoxy glue.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Apr 13, 2016
    Marine epoxy glue is available at most hardware stores
  • William William on Apr 13, 2016
    E6000 is a flexible multipurpose adhesive. The flexibility makes it shock resistant, but is not good for your application, because it stays flexible when cured. Liquid nails is a construction adhesive used in the construction trade for wood, drywall, and stone. Not a good choice. Gorilla glue is a polyurethane glue that expands as it dries, similar to spray foam insulation. The holding power relies on it expanding into cracks, seams, and pores. Not a good choice. You want a glue that cures solid and solid. The flexiblilty of glues could cause separation under stress. Marine epoxy would be one choice as it creates a solid waterproof bond. Weldbond is truly a universal adhesive. Bonds to almost anything. As Jean says, longer drying time. ONE YOU SHOULD TRY!
    • Cp C Cp C on Feb 28, 2019

      I've had the E 6000 last for years in weather extremes, actually!!

      The only problem I had was discoloring on a clear art piece after a freeze!!

      Perhaps I should keep the art from freezing and It will be OKAY!!

  • Barbara Barbara on Apr 14, 2016
    Use a hard dry epoxy Marine grade
  • Rochelle Hughes Rochelle Hughes on Apr 14, 2016
    The problem with any glue not sticking happens due to not getting all the oils out of the material to be glued. Make sure you use alcohol to clean the piece before glueing.
  • Teresa Mugrage Teresa Mugrage on Apr 14, 2016
    White gorilla glue.. Indoor/out door..I use it for everything.. All u do is lightly wet surface then apply,it expands so be careful & follow the instructions, it's the WHITE GORILLA GLUE
  • Marlene Murray Marlene Murray on Apr 14, 2016
    I heard (and about to try) Liquid nails. I was told it works great on glass outside.
    • Gret Borg Gret Borg on Nov 03, 2017

      I used it to glue glass for a mosaic to a wood structure outside my house. Pieces of glass started falling off after about 8 months and continued to fall. Used another adhesive, can't remember but likely E 6000, and those few pieces are still holding on 5 years on

  • Coyle Coyle on Apr 14, 2016
    Door and window clear silicone.
  • Vha2884104 Vha2884104 on Apr 14, 2016
    Go to lows liquid nail works the best
  • Bar822173 Bar822173 on Apr 14, 2016
    Here is a handy chart that explains the best adhesive to use to on same as well as different materials. http://pin.it/d2PocnA
  • Dawn Dawn on Apr 14, 2016
    I make garden art from old dishes and have found that Marine Goop is the best.
  • Kathy Meador Wells Kathy Meador Wells on Apr 14, 2016
    WeldBond! I have used this for walking stones. I use glass on the cinder blocks and placed outside under the gutters for a fun look. I also made a mosaic with our address numbers. It is by our mailbox. They have been outside for at least 8 years. I swear by this glue. You can get it at home depot.
  • Pam McDaniel Pam McDaniel on Apr 14, 2016
    I have tried many . I have found that for extreme outdoor heat or coldthe GE premium silicone II works best . It is also waterproof in 3 hours & doesn't crack or shrinkin exposure. We all have our favorites to work with so I would try several for your needs & decide what works best for you.
    • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on Apr 14, 2016
      @Pam McDaniel I have never used silicone....so do i put my two pieces together and put a ring of the silicone around the edge of the 2 pieces?
  • Marilee H Marilee H on Apr 14, 2016
    I agree with Pam about the silicone. I use it for everything outdoors now.
  • Sue Kiene Sue Kiene on Apr 14, 2016
    I used Gorilla Glue on my birdbath which had broken into 3 pieces, 2 of which on the pedestal were very odd shaped and a concern if they broke apart again. I put a light coat of it on each side where they would be against each other and let it cure for a few minutes and then placed them together. And put a temporary band on it. Let it sit in the sun for a couple of days to make sure had plenty of drying time. 10 years it has lasted out in the weather.
    • Jennie Lee Jennie Lee on Apr 15, 2016
      @Sue Kiene Gorilla Glue IS good, if the sun won't shine on it. But if it does, it falls apart!
  • Debra Keating Debra Keating on Apr 14, 2016
    E 6000 glue works really well.
  • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on Apr 14, 2016
    wow thanks everyone!!! lots of choices-ill check them out
  • Judy Ann Judy Ann on Apr 14, 2016
    I have found (by experience) it helps to lift the whole piece, instead of picking it by the top, then you have all the weight supported by one hand under it
  • Wilma June Miracle Wilma June Miracle on Apr 14, 2016
    E 6000 glue is great,but since there was water in the bowl it probably froze and broke.Could that have happened? Silicon is also good.
    • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on Apr 14, 2016
      @Wilma June Miracle no its not cold enough in Arkansas where they are to freeze....the thankfully it did not break the bowl!
  • Ann Ann on Apr 14, 2016
    The absolute best glue I have used for garden art is Silicone II by GE. The marble and pebble balls in my garden are still looking good after a decade. I have also used E6000 in the last 3 years and it seems to be doing great.
  • Kari Roberts Kari Roberts on Apr 14, 2016
    Iv'e used shoogoo.
  • Sandra Lueker Sandra Lueker on Apr 14, 2016
    I make these for craft shows and I have used Marine Goop for years...never had a problem with any coming off...E6000 is good if you are only going to use it indoors...
    • Joni A Solis Joni A Solis on Apr 14, 2016
      @Sandra Lueker Were do you get Marine Goop and is it in a tube? Will it go bad before using up the tube -- meaning do you need to use it up fast? Thanks!
  • Paige Brooks Paige Brooks on Apr 14, 2016
    Make sure that were the e6000 gluebonds each piece that the surface of each piece is sanded so that the glaze is ruffed up. I have glued dishes together with E 6000 and it been outside for 4 years even the winter in Illinois and it has never come apart.
    • See 1 previous
    • Julie Deane Julie Deane on Dec 14, 2020

      I do garden creations for my business. If it has a glaze I use a more course sandpaper and just rough it up by hand. If it’s the type that has a ring around it, and the rings not glazed you can use a less course sand paper and just rough it up by hand.

  • Colleen Colleen on Apr 14, 2016
    I use Shoe Goo. It's usually under 4 dollars for a tube and it's amazing stuff. I've used it on everything from glass to re-attaching a sofa leg. It takes awhile to set up too, so there's plenty of work time to get it just right before it sets... I just glue it at night and tape it into place. It's ready by morning to remove the tape and enjoy :)
  • Pam McDaniel Pam McDaniel on Apr 14, 2016
    Where the two pieces will meet ruff the spot a little with sanpaper or steel wool, then clean the dishes or whatever you are using with alcohol. after it dries do like you said put a ring on both pieces and applysome pressure for a minute. Then let it set for at least 3 hours.
  • Susi Susi on Apr 14, 2016
    Hi there---Use clear Flexseal, you can get it at almost any DIY home supply store. I've used it to repair ceramic vases and even an outdoor fountain, as well as a lovely oversized chess piece garden decor. Works great, holds up to any weather. I think you're wasting your time trying to use glue ...as an expert repair maven :) , I can tell you glue ALWAYS deteriorates in weather over time. Flexseal holds like crazy; pieces I repaired with it over two years ago are still going strong. Hoping that helps you.~ :)
  • Sandra Lueker Sandra Lueker on Apr 14, 2016
    You can get it at Mennards but I get mine on ebay because I found a seller that sells it cheaper...it will not go bad once opened if you clean it off good before putting the cap back on...I've never had any trouble with it...I use little sticks to apply it because it doesn't have the nozzle like e6000 has..it works better for me that way because I can spread it out better where I want it...I learned by trial and error but be sure you dry your things on a level surface..I've had pieces slide and had to redo them by breaking the glass and replacing it...If you need anymore info, feel free to ask me..I've been doing this for a few years now...
    • See 2 previous
    • Sandra Lueker Sandra Lueker on Apr 14, 2016
      I'm sure that would work but its not to practical when you're trying to glue glass pieces together and keep them level...I can't do what I do with a caulking gun....
  • G G on Apr 14, 2016
    Read that there is a powdered glue made specifically for outside. Very strong. That's all the article said, sorry
  • G G on Apr 14, 2016
    PS. Write back if you get a name
  • Judy Judy on Apr 14, 2016
    I have always used E6000 with great results. Just make sure the pieces you are bonding are clean.
  • 9530106 9530106 on Apr 15, 2016
    Liquid Nails construction adhesive will work, as long as what you are using doesn't need a clear adhesive. Loctite brand is also good.
  • E Tessmer E Tessmer on Apr 15, 2016
    I've found that polyurethane glue is unbeatable for exterior waterproof joints, using it on a number of different materials. Make sure the surfaces are clean and for better adhesion roughen the areas to be glued with sandpaper. One last point, polyurethane expands on drying and curing and is considered a gap-filling adhesive. BTW it's inexpensive if purchased in the caulking gun size tube.
  • Linda kelley Linda kelley on Apr 15, 2016
    Have you tried 'Goop' adhesive. They come in different formulas. I used it on projects I have outside, It's clear and strong!
  • Mandy Smith Mandy Smith on Apr 18, 2016
    Just wanted to say what a beautiful piece!
  • Gail Steltenpohl Gail Steltenpohl on Apr 18, 2016
    I use goop on projects
  • Hank Hank on Apr 18, 2016
    E6000. This is amazing stuff. I work in an Arts & Craft store and we use/I use this for everything.
    • See 1 previous
    • LuAnn LuAnn on Mar 31, 2020

      I totally agree I'm looking too for a clear type to use on my glass garden art I sell .E6000 was a big disappointment.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Apr 20, 2016
    Go to a boat store for a Marine product.
  • Dianne Hosford Dianne Hosford on Apr 20, 2016
    I also have mainly used E6000 with varied tested results. What I would say is that I have been blown away by the strength the E6000 has given for my glass/ceramic/porcelain garden art pieces most times. A suggestion I have is to put something heavy in your bowl for at least 24 hours while the E6000 dries. I used a stack of heavy books...depending on the size of your bowl. I do believe that there is a humidity issue with E6000 during the drying time...I try to do my projects on a dry, warm sunny day and hope for a bit of a breeze so the circulation and heat of the sun will help set the glue. Also, I wonder if the heat of the sun has an affect on softening the glue after the adhesion has dried it together, therefore, when picked up after the hot sun exposure, the pieces lose their grip.
  • Bug Man Inc. Bug Man Inc. on Apr 20, 2016
    We have used Gorilla Glue on our bird bath. A little goes a long way though.
  • Maryjane keefe Maryjane keefe on Apr 21, 2016
    What about some kind of silicone glue ?
  • Linda kelley Linda kelley on Apr 21, 2016
    I use Goop all purpose adhesive. It also comes in marine...so you can glue things that come in contact with water
  • Joan Russell Joan Russell on Apr 23, 2016
    goop marine glue
  • Jean Luby Jean Luby on Apr 23, 2016
    I've tried a few but Gorilla Glue so far scored best. To test it. I tried to pull off the glued item off. I pulled with all my strength and what came off was piece of the glued item. Glue never budged. They were wood pulls (knobs). Never had a problem with the Gorilla Glue. Make sure any shiny part is sanded off that's the secret if not, nothing adheres. Worked good on glass too.
  • Leslie Long Leslie Long on Apr 23, 2016
    E6000 is silicone so is also waterproof. It takes overnight to dry but I believe it's the best choice for most craft projects, especially for those outside. I have never used marine glue but I'm sure it's more expensive. E6000 is great.
    • See 1 previous
    • Leslie Long Leslie Long on Sep 05, 2018

      I have had good luck with E6000 outside. It does have a longer curing time and I like to leave it inside for a few days (because it is humid here in Florida) but have never had any slipping issues. Works well for me.

  • Dlwells918 Dlwells918 on Apr 25, 2016
    I used Liquid Nail on bowling balls covered with class "stones", for my fountain, after E6000 and Gorilla Glue failed. The E6000, let the stones slide and the first winter the majority of the stones fell off. I made the repair with Gorilla glue, tedious because the stones continued to slide around and once again, the winter caused the majority to fall off. Then I tried Liquid Nails, it comes in different colors and after 3 winters all the stones are still in place. It is now my go to adhesive for anything out doors or near water.
  • Bobby jo Bobby jo on Apr 26, 2016
    I have used lawn&garden amazing goop ,on some of my planters outside and thats been about 5 years now and its still holding
  • Sherry Sherry on Apr 28, 2016
    I use UV 6800 , weather and sun doesn't break it down. No stores carry it I have to order it off Internet
  • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on May 02, 2016
    After getting to my moms and looking at it...it came apart metal from metal, so I think I may have not gotten enough E6000 glue on it originally. I did however buy J-B Weld from Amazon and used it. It seems to adhere good so far.
    • 9530106 9530106 on May 03, 2016
      @Kelley MacKay They also sell JB- Weld at WM and most hardware stores, too. (Just for future reference!) Glad you fixed it-mom will be happy!
  • Kristle Womack Wheeler Kristle Womack Wheeler on Aug 03, 2016
    I have had this exact same problem, this week actually. I made two bird baths the same way except my base was a ceramic lamp. On the first I used Loctite Stik 'N Seal Outdoor Adhesive, which seemed to have worked for a little while. Then after about a week in the sun, it came apart. So on my second one, I used Gorilla Glue Epoxy. It fell off the next day :( Which brings me here.... I am going to the store, will keep you posted on my results.
  • Sherry Sherry on Aug 15, 2016
    I order it from Aftosa.com
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jul 27, 2017

    Linda did you use a outdoor epoxy?

  • Therese odette davis Therese odette davis on Sep 07, 2017

    Has anyone tried bonding pieces with cement?

  • Cindy Holden-Amor Cindy Holden-Amor on Aug 10, 2018

    I also make birdbaths, from various materials-vases, ceramic, dishes, glass, etc. Some have up to 4 pieces adhered to each other. I have tried gorilla clear glue & clear gel, GE Silicone ll, and various others. I then settled on an epoxy-JB Weld. Some of the pieces stay together, and some come apart. I started sanding each piece before putting the epoxy, and some still fall apart. I then used the JB weld to adhere the pieces and then put the GE silicone around it after it cured, but still having issues. What the heck am I doing wrong? I have sold about 25 of them, but at least 4 have come apart. It's very embarrassing. Can anyone help? Thanks

    • Donna Smith Hale Donna Smith Hale on Sep 04, 2018

      I am struggling with this too. 2 part epoxy has now failed me. I’ve also tried GE Silicone, and gorilla glue.

  • Leslie Long Leslie Long on Sep 05, 2018

    After reading all the comments, I dont believe there is one glue for all projects. I think freezing temperatures allow for expansion and shrinking, which detaches the items and too much heat (like we have here in South FL) can soften the glue and cause slippage. Read labels regarding temperature ranges for a product and then share what works for you in your zone.

  • Flo33439067 Flo33439067 on Sep 05, 2018

    Check out E-6000 glue or Gorilla glue at Wal-Mart.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Dec 05, 2020

    Hi Kelley, I realize this is quite an old question, but I thought I'd share this brilliant site that let's you enter what you want to glue to what and it will tell you the best glue to use - https://www.thistothat.com/ I always use it to check first.

  • Julie Deane Julie Deane on Dec 14, 2020

    I use E6000, or E6800. However I’m searching for a quicker drying adhesive, for those I need it now orders.

  • Dee Dee on Apr 14, 2021

    Go to a craft store and purchase CA glue the kind they use for model boats.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Jul 20, 2021

    Gorilla Super Glue works great

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 31, 2023

    Yep Gorilla Glue Clear!