How to Make Waterproof Glass Glue like Superglue

Here’s another homemade glue recipe that works a lot like superglue, just like our gum Arabic glue recipe. This waterproof glass glue is strong and can also stand up to water.

This glue recipe can be used to mend broken china, just like super glue. It also works well to glue labels on cans and jars, or to glue glass to other surfaces. All in all, it’s pretty strong.

For gluing glass to other surfaces, use it while it’s liquid (warm it by putting the container in a pan of hot water). To glue pieces of glass together, use it in its gelled (room temperature) state.

Best uses and realistic expectations

This glue is best for light-duty repairs, craft projects, temporary fixes and instances where non-toxicity is important. Such as projects handled by children or that pets might get hold of.

It works well for things like reattaching lightweight labels to jars, securing small glass ornaments, or mending fine china with small chips. It can be used to glue glass to wood, paper or fabric for decorative purposes.

And it’s waterproof, so it stands up well to being in the humidity of a bathroom or kitchen, for example. Just don’t expect to be able to make a long-term structural repairs like gluing a heavy object back together.

Is it Really Waterproof?

Yes, up to a point. The bond can break down with enough exposure to humidity or wet cleaning supplies. For a heavy glass object that has to bear weight, you’d be better off with a commercial adhesive formulated for glass.

That said, for many everyday needs this glue is impressively strong, especially once you’ve given it overnight to fully cooled and set.

How to prepare the glass surface for best adhesion

For the strongest bond, clean both of the surfaces you’re gluing together thoroughly to remove oils, fingerprints, dust or residues. Wash them with warm soapy water, rinse well and then dry with a lint-free cloth.

To remove stubborn residues like grease or sticker adhesive, clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol or a small amount of acetone, then let them air dry. Don’t touch the cleaned areas with your fingers afterward – natural skin oils or hand moisturizer could reduce the glue’s ability to stick.

If the glass edges are uneven, try to smooth sharp shards carefully (while wearing protective gloves) or arrange the pieces so the maximum area contacts evenly. For small chips where you can’t match the pieces up perfectly, a thin layer of warm glue that fills the gap works better than trying to press pieces together with a thick gel.

Safety and food-surface considerations

As for how long it keeps: this recipe contains milk and gelatin, so treat it like a perishable food item. It should keep a few days, but milk is going to go off in time.

Don’t use this glue on anything that will contact food, like mugs, plates or jars that will hold food. It probably won’t stand up to being heated, microwaved or washed regularly. And again, the milk can spoil over time, even with mint extract or clove oil added as a preservative.

For storage: store leftover glue in a small, airtight container in the refrigerator. The mint extract extends its shelf life by a few days to a week. If it gets a sour or rancid smell, visible mold or a slimy film, it’s time to throw it away.

For longer-term projects, make it in batches you can use up within 24-48 hours.

How this gelatin-based glass glue works

This homemade glass glue works because the gelatin gives it a sticky, protein-based network that clings to smooth surfaces, and the small amount of milk adds casein proteins that help it bond more strongly once it cools.