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The Right Glue for Every Repair Job

With these 7 great glues, you can take almost anything that's broken and make it whole again

The Right Glue for Every Repair Job
Gemma Comas
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How to Glue Small Breaks in Ceramic, Glass, or Plastic
The Problem
A quick repair is needed. For example, a brooch loses a stone.

The Glue to Use
A cyanoacrylate-based glue, like Scotch Super Glue Liquid Plus ($3 for .07 ounces), creates an inflexible bond that resists moderate heat and moisture. (This type of glue is not recommended for frequently washed items.)

How to Use It
  • Coat one side of the break with a thin layer of glue.
  • Fit the pieces together and hold firmly for 30 seconds. The adhesive will set fully in a minute or so.


  • Sticking Points
  • The glue deteriorates if the item is regularly in water or the oven, or used over direct heat.
  • The joints can yellow and degrade over time with exposure to UV light.


  • Cleanup
  • Soak hands in warm, soapy water or nail-polish remover, then knead the glue until it pulls off.
  • Remove excess glue from an object with a clean cloth and nail-polish remover before it dries, or with fine-grit sandpaper afterward.


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