You’ll be surprised at the many, many creative options when you know how to glue rocks together. Beautiful aquariums and gardens await!
If you love designing landscape or aquarium arrangements, you need to know how to glue rocks together. You’ll be amazed what you can create if you use the right adhesive.
Choosing the right adhesive for gluing rocks together depends on several factors, such as:
the size of the rocks
how tightly they fit together
if they will be used indoors or subjected to the outdoor elements
Let’s look at some specific applications, and we’ll make some suggestions for adhesives.
How to bridge large gaps between rocks with glue. There are several ways to handle this task.
Mix in some large-grain sand with the adhesive as an aggregate. This will increase the ability of the glue to span the gap.
Place a few small stones in the gap to help fill it in.
For the strongest hold, use an epoxy that has gap-filling properties, such as LePage Gel Epoxy.
First, let’s look at outdoor applications, such as landscaping.
For these purposes, you will likely use larger rocks and the adhesive will, of course, need to be exterior grade so it will hold up to moisture, UV exposure, and temperature changes. Also, in some cases, the rocks you use may not fit together precisely, so you want to use an adhesive that can span gaps.
LePage has an excellent adhesive for these applications! It’s called LePage PL 600 Landscape Block Adhesive, and is available in two cartridge sizes for large and small caulking guns. This is a heavy-duty exterior-grade landscape block adhesive, which also works on stones and decorative rocks.
PL 600 is particularly effective at bonding irregular surfaces and bridging gaps, making it perfect for the irregular shape of many rocks. Another great feature is that PL 600 can be applied in cold and damp weather, yet it still yields a durable and flexible bond. It works on concrete and wood as well as metal.
In most cases, small rocks and stones are used for indoor planters, floral arrangements, and crafting. For these types of jobs, a high-quality super glue will be easier to use. For one, it dries clear, making the bond practically invisible.
For these types of application, opt for LePage Super Glue Ultra Gel Control. This formula is rubber infused to remain flexible and resist shocks, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. The thick gel consistency makes it easy to control since it will not drip or run. An easy-to-use dispenser allows for accurate application, and this powerful glue dries crystal clear. It is also outdoor safe and can be used for patio planters and yard displays.
Aquascaping requires a special type of adhesive that can withstand continuous exposure to water. If you want to glue rocks together in an aquarium, make sure to use a glue specially designed for this purpose.
For purely decorative fountains or aquascapes, give LePage Marine Epoxy a try. This two-part adhesive will hold up to constant water exposure and can even be applied and cured under water. The premium epoxy has a two-hour set time and will bond to most materials.
Whatever DIY rock project you are undertaking, the basics of gluing rocks together stay the same. Here are some guidelines to set you up for success:
