Whether you work on or with concrete surfaces, it’s a good idea to know some tricks for removing glue from concrete. This guide will tell you how to get glue off concrete surfaces before and after it cures.
The size of the rocks and their surrounding conditions are key factors you need to consider when choosing the right adhesive for gluing rocks together.
Your adhesive must be suitable both for large rocks and the environmental conditions they will be subjected to. Construction adhesives like Loctite PL 500 Landscape Block Adhesive are good choices. This product is formulated specifically for outdoor landscaping projects and is particularly adept at bonding irregular surfaces and filling gaps between them.
You can also use epoxy resin to bond large rocks, especially if they don’t fit snugly. Epoxy putties let you (re)position your stones for a while after application; however, unlike epoxy resins, they remain visible after curing.
If you are gluing small rocks together for plant arrangements, super glue and jewelry adhesive are good options. Epoxy resins and construction adhesives are appropriate for gluing larger rocks (see above).
Since your plants will be outside and/or get watered, you must ensure your glue is waterproof, like Loctite Super Glue Ultra Liquid Control. It is resistant to moisture and suitable for outdoor craft projects. However, superglue is not suitable for permanent contact with water. Occasional contact in a sheltered outdoor area is fine.
Your best choice for gluing aquarium rocks together is an aquascaping glue. These adhesives are specially formulated for marine conditions, and many of them are cyanoacrylates, or super glues.
The process of gluing rocks together is essentially the same for all three projects. Work in a well-ventilated area when following the steps below.
- Gather your materials. You need a plastic tablecloth/cover for the work surface, water and cloths, a pencil, fine-grit sandpaper, and adhesive. Also, wear any protective equipment mentioned in your product’s instructions. Be sure to get any tools required to hold your rocks in place while they dry.
- Prepare your work area. Cover your work surface with a plastic tablecloth or similar material.
- Clean the rocks. Wash away any dirt to make sure the glue bonds properly and let the rocks dry.
- Do a dry run. Assemble the rocks so they look the way you want and identify the areas of the stones that you want to glue. You can mark the spots on the rocks with a pencil to help you keep track of the surfaces that will meet.
- Sand the stones. Sand the surfaces using fine-grit sandpaper to improve adhesion, and then wipe the sanded surfaces clean.
- Apply the adhesive. Apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions and clean up any excess adhesive using the solvent and tools recommended.
- Let it cure. Let the adhesive cure as stated in the product’s instructions and brace your rocks in place, if necessary.