When you’re gluing something together that’s going to go under water, you need a glue that doesn’t melt. This waterproof glue recipe is the one you need.
This homemade glue needs to be applied warm so it will form a bond. Even then, it’s not the strongest glue in the world and the bond may not last forever. But it does stand up to being in water.
It’s a good idea to make small batches of it so you can use it all up in one go, while it’s warm. For future applications, put the glue container in a bowl of hot water to warm it up again.
Apply it with a brush. It can take a few days to gel, but it’s good for lots of crafts.
A lot of waterproof homemade glues include milk, which of course spoils quickly. This one will actually keep for a while, but isn’t quite strong enough to hold together something like a broken china plate.

When you're gluing something together that's going to go under water, you need a glue that doesn't melt. This waterproof glue recipe is the one you need.
Materials
- Unflavored Gelatin
- Glycerine
- White Vinegar
- Water
Tools
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Boil 6 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.
- Take the saucepan off heat.
- Stir in 1/2 ounce (14 grams) of unflavored gelatin - that's 2 packets in most brands I know of in the US. (Unless you want your glue to smell like a gelatin flavor, which is an interesting thought.)
- Once the gelatin has dissolved, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and a teaspoon of glycerine.
- Stir well.
- Use it while warm.
- Let it cool a little before pouring it into your airtight container for future use.