Adhesives for Stone Repairs: Which is the Best for Each Situation?

When it comes to repairing stone surfaces, choosing the right adhesive can be the difference between a perfect finish and a poorly done job. But how do you choose the best adhesive for each type of stone repair? In this guide, we’ll explain the characteristics of the main types of adhesives and how they can be used efficiently.

Most Common Types of Adhesives

There are various adhesive options on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s explore the main ones: Polyester, Acrylic, Epoxy, Poly-Epoxy, Acrylic-Epoxy, Urethane (MPPH), and Cyanoacrylate.

1. Polyester

• Common use: Frequently used in quick repairs.
• Adhesion strength: Strong, but not the most durable option.
• Cure time: Fast and adjustable.
• Clarity: Low transparency, which can affect aesthetic repairs.
• Cost: The cheapest of all options.
• Applications: Suitable for indoor use, but not recommended for humid or outdoor environments.
• Other points: High shrinkage potential after curing and high flammability.

2. Acrylic

• Common use: Widely used for a variety of repairs.
• Adhesion strength: Stronger than polyester, highly reliable.
• Cure time: Fast and adjustable, like polyester.
• Clarity: Excellent transparency, ideal for aesthetic repairs.
• Cost: One of the most expensive, but highly efficient.
• Applications: Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
• Other points: Moderate UV resistance, can be used for countertop laminations.

3. Epoxy

• Common use: Ideal for repairs that require extremely strong adhesion.
• Adhesion strength: The strongest of all options, perfect for surfaces needing maximum durability.
• Cure time: Slower, allowing more time for adjustments during application.
• Clarity: Good, but not as clear as acrylic.
• Cost: Moderate, balancing cost and efficiency.
• Applications: Recommended for both indoor and outdoor use, especially in areas exposed to moisture.

4. Poly-Epoxy

• Common use: A mix of polyester and epoxy characteristics.
• Adhesion strength: Strong, but not as durable as pure epoxy.
• Cure time: Fast and adjustable.
• Clarity: Low transparency, limiting its aesthetic use.
• Cost: Medium, more affordable than pure epoxy.
• Applications: Recommended for indoor use, with limited outdoor durability.

5. Acrylic-Epoxy

• Common use: Combines the benefits of acrylic and epoxy adhesives.
• Adhesion strength: Strong and reliable.
• Cure time: Fast.
• Clarity: Excellent, providing a refined aesthetic finish.
• Cost: More expensive, ideal for demanding repairs.
• Applications: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with UV and moisture resistance.

6. Urethane (MPPH)

• Adhesion strength: Very strong, with high flexibility, making it ideal for surfaces that expand or contract.
• Cure time: Fast.
• Clarity: Excellent.
• Cost: Among the most expensive on the market.
• Applications: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with high resistance to sun and moisture exposure.

7. Cyanoacrylate

• Adhesion strength: Very strong, but with less flexibility.
• Cure time: Very fast.
• Clarity: Excellent, making it a choice for small aesthetic repairs.
• Cost: Quite expensive but offers instant curing.
• Applications: Suitable for small repairs and quick fixes.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Adhesive?

The choice of adhesive depends on the type of repair you need to make and the environmental conditions where the repair will take place. For indoor surfaces and aesthetic repairs, acrylic adhesives are ideal. If the repair requires maximum strength, epoxy is the best option. For quick and temporary fixes, polyester may be the most suitable due to its low cost.

Always consider the characteristics of the environment — such as humidity, sun exposure, and surface flexibility — before making your choice.