When it comes to repairing broken porcelain, many people turn to super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive) as a quick and easy solution. However, while super glue can form strong bonds with porcelain, there are several important factors to consider before using it for porcelain repair.
The Pros of Using Super Glue for Porcelain Repair
One of the main advantages of using super glue for porcelain repair is its speed and ease of use. Super glue forms a strong bond quickly, often in just a few seconds, and requires no mixing or clamping. Additionally, some super glues, like Loctite Super Glue Gel Control, are specifically formulated to work well on porous surfaces like porcelain.
The Cons of Using Super Glue for Porcelain Repair
Despite its advantages, there are several downsides to using super glue for porcelain repair:
Super glue changes color over time, making the repair obvious and unsightly.
It seals very quickly, making it difficult to properly align the pieces before the glue sets.
Super glue has low shear strength, meaning the pieces can come apart if pushed or twisted.
It does not fill in gaps or spaces, so if not applied perfectly, there may be gaps between the pieces.
Super glue is not food-safe, so it should not be used on porcelain items that will come into contact with food or drink.
Additionally, if you have previously repaired porcelain with super glue or any other glue, it may be necessary to remove the old glue before attempting a proper porcelain repair.