How Do You Glue Terracotta Pots Together?

Gluing terracotta pots together is a great way to create unique planters, decorative objects, and sculptures. Terracotta is an easy material to bond using the right adhesive and preparation. With some simple steps, a bit of patience, and creative inspiration, you can make beautiful works of art from humble clay pots.

There are several reasons you may want to glue terracotta pots together. Combining pots is an inexpensive way to make a large planter or a one-of-a-kind décor piece. Stacked pots create fun geometric shapes and textures. You can also glue broken terracotta pots back together.

Gluing terracotta requires an adhesive that can bond porous clay material. Cyanoacrylate “super” glue and epoxy are top choices. You’ll also need some water, rags, gloves, and pots or pot shards to glue. Make sure all materials are clean and dry before beginning the project. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when using adhesives.

Choosing Adhesive

When gluing terracotta pots together, you’ll need to select an appropriate adhesive. The main options are epoxy, silicone sealant, and super glue. Consider the following when deciding on which adhesive to use:

Epoxy – Epoxy forms an incredibly strong, rigid bond that can withstand weather and water. It requires thorough surface preparation and has a longer cure time. Epoxy adhesives are best for load-bearing joints.

Silicone Sealant – 100% silicone sealant remains flexible when cured and adheres well to non-porous materials like glazed ceramics. It has good gap-filling properties. Silicone is waterproof and suitable for outdoor use. It cures faster than epoxy.

Super Glue – Super glues provide fast-setting bonds for non-porous materials. They allow repositioning during assembly. Super glues lack gap-filling ability and are not waterproof. The joints formed are more brittle than epoxy or silicone.

Consider whether you need a waterproof adhesive and how quickly you need the bond to form. Epoxy provides the strongest bond but needs extended cure time. Silicone seals well against water and cures reasonably fast. Super glue enables fast assembly but won’t withstand water over time.

Prepping the Pots

Properly preparing your terracotta pots is an important first step before gluing them together. Here are some tips for getting your pots ready:

First, thoroughly clean the surfaces that will be glued. Use warm soapy water and a stiff brush to remove any dirt, dust or debris. This allows the adhesive to adhere directly to the terracotta material.

Next, sand any rough areas on the pots where they will be joined. Use medium grit sandpaper and sand in a circular motion. This smoothing of the surfaces will result in a tighter bond with the adhesive.

Check for any cracks, chips or gaps in the terra cotta, and fill these using a sealing agent like super glue or epoxy before gluing. Filling these spots will provide more surface area for the adhesive and prevent weak points in the joint.

Once cleaned, sanded and sealed, your pots are prepped and ready for applying the adhesive you’ve chosen. Taking the time to properly prepare your pots will lead to a long-lasting bond between them.

Applying the Adhesive

When applying the adhesive, it’s important to spread a thin, even layer over the surface of both pots you are joining. You don’t need a thick layer of glue, just enough to create a good bond between the two surfaces. Avoid applying too much adhesive or you may end up with drips or globs that can be seen between the pots.

Use a foam brush, putty knife, or spreader to evenly cover the surface you are gluing. Make sure to get into any crevices or textures in the terracotta. If the pots have a curved surface, applying the adhesive in a circular motion rather than back and forth can help achieve an even coat.

Only apply adhesive to one pot at a time. If you apply it to both and then try to join them, the glue can start to dry before you properly align and connect the pots. Work quickly but carefully to ensure the adhesive is still wet when you press the pots together.

Joining the Pots

Once you’ve applied the adhesive to both surfaces, it’s time to join the terracotta pots together. This step requires care and patience to ensure proper alignment and a strong bond.

Start by bringing the two pot surfaces together, matching up the edges as closely as possible. Gently press the pieces together, being careful not to slide them around too much once contact is made—this can smear the adhesive before it sets.

To hold the pots in place while the adhesive cures, use clamps, tape, or rubber bands. Small binder clips or spring clamps work very well for securing oddly shaped pots. Masking or painter’s tape is also an easy option. Place tape strips along the outside of the joint, pressing firmly to act as temporary braces. Rubber bands stretched around the pots can help apply steady inward pressure as the glue sets.

Check the alignment from all angles to ensure the pots will sit flush when joined. Adjust as needed, but work quickly before the adhesive dries. Once properly aligned, allow the pieces to set undisturbed until the adhesive has fully cured.

Curing Time

After joining the terracotta pots together, it is crucial to allow adequate curing time for the adhesive. Do not disturb or handle the pots during this period, as the bond will be fragile while curing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cure times, as this can vary widely depending on the type of adhesive used.

Most adhesives will take at least 24 hours to fully cure. Epoxy adhesives often require a full 72 hours for the best bond. Curatives in clay can inhibit curing, so a longer cure time is better. Avoid moving or stressing the joint until fully cured.

Be patient and allow the adhesive to fully set before exposing the pots to any force or relocating them. Rushing the curing process risks compromising the strength of the bond.

Sealing the Joint

After the adhesive has fully cured, you’ll want to seal the joint between the two pots. This helps improve waterproofing and provides an extra layer of protection.

You can seal the joint by painting over it with a waterproof sealant like an acrylic paint or outdoor varnish. Make sure to choose a sealant meant for outdoor use that can stand up to sun, rain, and changing temperatures.

Apply 2-3 thin coats of the sealant, allowing it to fully dry between coats. Paint over the joint itself and extend a half inch or so on either side of the joint onto the pot surfaces. This ensures the entire joint and surrounding area is sealed.

Sealing the joint helps prevent moisture from getting in between the pots. This protects the adhesive and reduces the chance of leaks or damage over time as water freezes and thaws. It provides an extra decorative touch as well, hiding the joint for a seamless look.

Tips and Tricks

When gluing terracotta pots together, keep these tips in mind:

Work in a ventilated area – Most adhesives give off fumes as they cure, so make sure you work in an area with good airflow. Open windows and doors or use fans to prevent buildup of fumes.

Start with a small test glue area – Before committing to gluing the entire pot, do a test patch first. This allows you to ensure the adhesive you’ve chosen will bond well and that you’ve prepped the surfaces properly. Let the test area cure completely before moving ahead with the full project.

Maintenance

Glued terracotta pots, especially those used outdoors, will require some maintenance to ensure they last. It’s important to periodically check the joint where the pots are glued together for any cracks or leaks that may have developed.

If you notice a crack or leak in the joint, you may need to reapply sealant to the area. Remove any old, cracked sealant, clean the area thoroughly, and apply a fresh layer of sealant. Allow it to cure completely. This will help reseal the joint and prevent leaks.

Also check the rest of the pots for any new cracks or damage. Terracotta can become more brittle over time. Use sealant to fill any small cracks and prevent them from spreading. For larger cracks or damage, you may need to reglue parts of the pots.

With proper maintenance and care, your glued terracotta pots can last for many years.

Conclusion

Gluing terracotta pots together can allow you to create unique planters and decorative pieces for your home or garden. With the right adhesive and technique, you can securely join multiple pots in whatever shape or design you’d like. Some key benefits of gluing terracotta pots together include:

• Customization – Gluing pots gives you total creative freedom to make planters just the way you envision them.
• Sturdiness – Properly joined pots will be strong and stable for holding plants long-term.
• Affordability – Gluing your own pots is a budget-friendly DIY project using inexpensive materials.
• Versatility – Multi-pot designs work wonderfully for succulents, herbs, flowers and more.
• Durability – Terracotta and ceramic adhesives form lasting bonds that withstand weather and plant growth.

With a little creativity and effort, you can use affordable terracotta pots to make custom planters that bring charm and personality to your indoor or outdoor space.