Birdbath bowl adhesive

15 years ago

Hello--I've found a ceramic birdbath I really want but I'm concerned about the top getting knocked off and breaking. I have a cat and he never catches birds, but I can see him potentially jumping up there to drink from it. (Although the way the bowl is shaped, I don't think he will because he would probably slide into the water.) I also have dogs that could possibly run into it.

The maker of the birdbath makes a birdbath adhesive that is like a removeable plumber's putty that stays soft. It's expensive though, and I'd have to buy it separately from the bath and pay extra shipping. I'm wondering if the putty adhesive for posters, etc would work. The Loctite brand says it's waterproof and freezeproof, but it's not recommended for outdoor use for some reason. I wouldn't leave it out in freezing weather anyway. Then there is something called Quake Putty for sticking stuff down in earthquakes, RVs, boats, but I'd probably have to order that, too.

Have any of you had this problem, if so, what did you use?

Featured Answer

lascatx

15 years ago

Around here, hot glue would easily get too hot and/or to brittle. I was thinking either some plumber's putty or a bead of silicone caulk.

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Comments (8)

paulsiu
15 years ago
Question, why a flexible putty, so you can remove it later? You want something that will stick to the birdbath but allow you to take it apart later?
Julie717
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, but I'm not totally opposed to the idea of just gluing it on permanently. If I could take it apart it would make it a lot easier to store in the winter and pack when I move.
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paulsiu
15 years ago
How heavy is the bowl? I am skeptical that a putty product will be able to withstand being hit by a dog or something.

If the surface is not porous, how about trying hot glue. You'll need to buy a heat gun, but if you have one already, you can run it out to the yard. The heat glue can be removed with some rubbing alcohol, assuming the finish on the bird bath isn't affected by alcohol (see video).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNNqSXgj6DE

Paul
Julie717
Original Author
15 years ago
That's a good idea, I didn't even think of using the glue gun.
terrene
15 years ago
I agree with lascatx, just buy some silicone or acrylic latex caulk at the hardware store and apply in a bead around the bottom of the bird bath top. I would keep the bead close to the edge, so that if/when you want to remove the top, you can insert a blade and slice away the caulking.

I wonder about the ceramic - is it smooth and slippery? If so, it could be difficult for the birds to use the bird bath, because they can't get a grip on a surface that is smooth and slick.
rex hamann
5 years ago
We did the caulk thing. Came apart. Set everthing up in the garage, basin face down on the floor, leveled it to be level with the floor. Set pedestal on basin, leveled it and marked it. Applied caulk to basin, set pedestal down. Applied bead of caulk around the outside edge of pedestal. Allowed to cure 36 hours. Came apart during install in the yard. Now must clean off caulk, allow two days to dry, then glue with something, not sure what yet, that's why I'm here. May try rope caulk.
Old Forester ( Zones 8a-6a ) Ga/NC
5 years ago
If you want it permanently attached, put a dollop of liquid nails on and let it thoroughly dry - 24 hrs. Put it on top of the stem and make sure there is enough to come in contact with the bottom of the bowl.