Waterproof Glue Recipe

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.

Paintbrush spreading glue onto orange paperPin

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.

Paintbrush spreading glue onto orange paper

Waterproof Glue Recipe

Yield: 1 batch
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Active Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: Under $10

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

  1. Boil 6 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.
  2. Take the saucepan off heat.
  3. 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.)
  4. Once the gelatin has dissolved, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and a teaspoon of glycerine.
  5. Stir well.
  6. Use it while warm.
  7. Let it cool a little before pouring it into your airtight container for future use.

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Last Updated:

February 12, 2026

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