If you’re into rock crafts, then you know that a dependable adhesive is essential. There are so many types of glues on the market, designed for different materials, so it can be daunting to find the right choice for rocks.
What are the best glues for rocks? Both polyurethane glue and epoxy glue are dependable options for a strong, waterproof bond. If you need a quick fix, use super glue, which will set and dry instantly while still creating a dependable bond.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of glues suitable for rocks. We’ll also recommend the best glue for your project.
Buying Guide
When crafting with rocks, it’s important to choose an adhesive that is strong enough to hold the rocks together while also being able to withstand the elements, like heat and moisture.
There are a variety of adhesives on the market that are specifically designed for rock crafting, so it is important to research before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at some important considerations when buying glues for rocks.
Type Of Glue
Not every type of glue will work well with rocks, and not every type of glue recommended for rocks will work well with every type of rock craft. Let’s take a look at three types of glue that will work well for rocks and their pros and cons.
Epoxy Adhesive
Epoxy is an adhesive that is often used in rock crafts. It consists of a resin and a hardener, which are mixed together to form a strong bond. The epoxy will start to set the moment that two parts are mixed, so it’s important to work quickly before the adhesive sets.
Epoxy is waterproof, making it an ideal choice for outdoor projects and even gluing rocks for an aquarium. Epoxy is also relatively heat resistant and can withstand fluctuating outdoor temperatures without weakening the bond.
With its versatility and durability, epoxy is a popular choice for crafters who want to create long-lasting bonds. However, one disadvantage of epoxy is that although it sets quickly, it can take a long time to cure, with some epoxy taking up to 7 days to form a permanent bond.
If you are not discouraged by the waiting time, it’s still a highly useful adhesive that works very well for rocks in all kinds of crafts.
Super Glue
Super glue is a high-strength, instant adhesive that is very useful for rock crafts. It is made of cyanoacrylate, which is a synthetic polymer. It starts to set within a few seconds after leaving the bottle, and it works well for a variety of materials, including rocks.
Once dry, the glue can form a durable one that is resistant to vibration, heat, and moisture. However, not all kinds of superglue are waterproof, so if you are gluing rocks for an aquarium, you will need to get a waterproof adhesive.
When used properly, superglue can bond rocks together securely, allowing you to create interesting shapes and sculptures. Additionally, superglue can be used to fill cracks and crevices in rocks, giving them a polished appearance.
However, super glue bonds tend to be weaker than other types of rock craft adhesives, so the bond may need to be reinforced occasionally. However, super glue is still super useful when you need a quick fix.
Polyurethane Glue
Polyurethane is a versatile industrial adhesive that forms a strong, waterproof bond that is perfect for bonding rocks together. Since it is so durable, it can be used in a variety of different applications, including gluing rocks.
Polyurethane adhesives are available in a variety of formulas to suit your specific needs. One-part polyurethane adhesives are ready to use, while two-part adhesives require mixing before use.
Two-part adhesives are generally more durable and longer lasting than one-part adhesives. Regardless of the formula you use, the polyurethane will start to set within 15 minutes after applying, so you don’t have a lot of time to adjust the bond before it starts to harden.
Polyurethane is water-activated, which means that it’s best when applied on a damp surface. Similar to epoxy, polyurethane will take up to two days to cure completely. However, the resulting bond will be super durable and will last for years.
Ease Of Use
The ease of use is another important factor when it comes to craft adhesive.
Among the adhesives mentioned above, super glue and one-part polyurethane are the easiest to use. You can apply them to the bond straight out of the tube without having to mix the glue.
However, superglue tends to be very liquid, which can make the application messy. If you are buying superglue, make sure to buy an improved formula that makes the liquid thicker, which makes it easier to control.
On the other hand, both epoxy and two-part polyurethane require mixing the two parts together before the glue is ready to be used. This requires an additional step that may be troublesome if you need a quick fix.
Application
The bottle of glue should come with an applicator that makes it easy to apply the glue precisely. Additionally, it should also have a resealable cap that can prevent the glue from drying out.
For two-part formulas, you can find an adhesive that comes with a syringe applicator, which allows you to mix the two parts inside the applicator and use it straight away.
When using two-part epoxy and polyurethane, make sure to mix only the quantity that you need. Since the resin will harden right after mixing, you won’t be able to reuse the adhesive if you don’t use all of it up.
Drying & Curing Time
Super glue sets very quickly, so you don’t have a lot of time to adjust the bond. However, the glue will dry instantly, and the bond can be put to use in just an hour, which is a big plus if you want to finish a project quickly.
If you want more time to find the perfect place for the bond, you will need to use polyurethane or epoxy. Both of these adhesives need to be used within a few minutes after mixing, but you still have time to adjust the bond before the adhesives are set.
That said, both polyurethane and epoxy do take a few days to cure completely. Although this length of time can be discouraging, curing is when the bond becomes permanent, so it’s a hugely important process to ensure a strong bond.
There are special formulas of epoxy that have a shorter curing time. If you need to finish a project quickly, you can look for a fast-curing epoxy.
Waterproof Ability
Rock craft is often used in terrariums, aquariums, and outdoor sculptures, so the ability to withstand moisture and water is hugely important when choosing an adhesive.
Both epoxy and polyurethane will cure to become waterproof. However, if you are using superglue, make sure that you are using a waterproof formula if you want to use your rock craft for high-humidity areas.
Toxicity
All of these adhesives we mentioned above are toxic, and they release toxic fumes.
If you are working with these types of glue, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting them on your skin. Superglue can burn your skin, and polyurethane is notoriously difficult to remove, so it’s best to wear protective gloves when working with them.
Best Glues For Rocks
Having explored the features, you will need to look for when buying adhesives for rocks, let’s take a look at some highly dependable options that are often used for rock craft.
| Rank | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue | Polyurethane Glue |
| 2. | Franklin TITEBOND Polyurethane Glue | Polyurethane Glue |
| 3. | STARBOND Premium Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA) Super Glue | Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) |
| 4. | MITREAPEL Stonebond Super Instant Glue | Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) |
| 5. | Epoxy 330 Glue | Epoxy |
| 6. | Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix | Epoxy |
| 7. | J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Epoxy | Epoxy |
1. Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue has a water-activated polyurethane formula that can form an incredibly strong bond on a variety of surfaces, including rocks.
This is a one-part polyurethane formula that doesn’t require mixing before application. It dries in about 2 hours and will cure completely within 24 hours to form a long-lasting, durable bond.
Once the glue has dried, it is waterproof and heat-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. Gorilla glue is also sandable and paintable, so it can be easily customized to match your project.
Thanks to the dependable formula and ease of use, this is definitely a great choice for making rock sculptures for your garden or your aquarium.
2. Franklin TITEBOND Polyurethane Glue
Franklin TITEBOND Polyurethane Glue is a strong, one-part polyurethane adhesive that’s super easy to apply. This makes it ideal for rock craft, as it can withstand any kind of weather conditions.
This glue in particular has a long open time, and it will set within 3 minutes, so you have some time to adjust the bond before it hardens completely. The glue will cure within 24 hours to form a solid surface that can even be sanded.
After curing, the bond can resist moisture, and fluctuating temperatures, and withstand years of wear and tear. The one-part polyurethane formula and squeeze bottle with an applicator is also a huge plus to make this adhesive even easier to use.
3. STARBOND Premium Grade Cyanoacrylate Super Glue
If you’re looking for a high-quality glue that can create an instant bond, then the STARBOND Premium Grade Cyanoacrylate Super Glue is perfect for the job.
This glue is designed to bond quickly and securely to a wide variety of materials, including rocks. It sets in just a few seconds and will dry completely to form a strong bond in just an hour.
This glue formula has a thicker viscosity that’s similar to motor oil, which means you can easily control where to apply the adhesive.
The bottle also features a precision tip that allows for precise application and a nozzle stopper to prevent clogging at the tips, so you can get more than one use out of the bottle.
This bottle is super convenient, and the bond is dependable enough that you can use it for quick fixes as well as small projects. However, the bond is not waterproof, so you shouldn’t use it for super demanding applications.
4. MITREAPEL Stonebond Super Instant Glue
MITREAPEL Stonebond Super Instant Glue is a high-strength, instant-bonding adhesive that has been specifically formulated for use with rocks, making it perfect for rock craft.
This super glue features a precise nozzle tip that provides maximum control and accuracy, making it easy to apply the adhesive to small areas. The viscous formula is also easy to control and less messy, making it ideal for small projects.
The instant-bond formula sets in seconds and will dry within an hour, creating a strong bond that will hold up in highly demanding conditions. It dries clear so that it won’t mar the natural beauty of your rocks.
Best of all, it’s water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the bond failing if your project is exposed to the elements.
5. Epoxy 330 Glue
Epoxy 330 Glue is a strong, clear adhesive that is perfect for bonding rocks together permanently.
The product is a two-part formula that needs to be mixed together to activate the resin. Once mixed, you will have about 15 minutes to use the glue before it hardens completely, but that’s still plenty of time for you to adjust the bond.
The epoxy will harden within two hours and will cure completely within 24 hours to become waterproof. Once the glue has cured to form a hard surface, it can even be sanded or painted to achieve the desired finish.
6. Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix
Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix is a two-part epoxy that sets in five minutes and cures in one hour. It is ideal for bonding and filling in gaps in various materials, especially rocks.
Although this is a two-part formula that you need to mix, the epoxy comes in an easy-to-use self-mixing dispenser and precision applicator for precise mixing and applying. This makes the application much easier and less messy.
After curing, it can be sanded, drilled, or painted, which means it’s also useful for filling holes and cracks. The durable bond is also resistant to heat, water, and chemicals.
For rock sculptures and craft projects that need to withstand high stress or the elements, Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix is a strong, durable, and easy-to-use solution.
7. J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Epoxy
J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Epoxy is a fast-setting, two-part epoxy that provides strong, lasting bonds. Although this two-part adhesive requires mixing, the epoxy comes in a syringe which makes it easy to mix and apply.
The syringes also come with a cap, so you can save your epoxy if you don’t use all of it right away after mixing. Compared to other epoxies, this one has a super quick curing time. It sets after 5 minutes of mixing and will cure in just one hour.
However, that doesn’t mean the bond is less secure. ClearWeld has a tensile strength of 4500 PSI and can withstand fluctuating temperatures. It is also waterproof and chemical resistant.
If you are looking for a durable solution, J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Epoxy is an excellent choice.
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