Sugru is a moldable glue that looks like modeling clay but cures into a slightly pliable material that sticks to almost anything. However, it’s not ideal for every type of project. So, before you buy it to fix that broken coffee mug, you’ll probably want to know if it is heat resistant.
Sugru is heat resistant to temperatures up to 350˚F (177˚C) degrees, and can easily be used to fix items that will go in a microwave or dishwasher, such as pot handles and cooking utensils. It’s critical to ensure Sugru cures thoroughly after application so that it can offer maximum heat resistance.
For more information on Sugru’s heat resistance and how it can be used for your repairs, read on.
Sugru Can Withstand Temperatures Up to 350˚F
Sugru can handle a temperature range from subzero to 350˚F (177˚C). While you would not use it to fix something that will go in your oven, it can create an excellent grip for pots and pans. If your favorite coffee mug’s handle is broken, you can use Sugru to fix the handle, and you can still put the mug in the microwave or dishwasher.
It cures at room temperature so you won’t need a kiln or oven to complete the drying process. Curing time for anything up to ¼ in (0.64 cm) thick is approximately 24 hours. Once cured, Sugru is slightly elastic, so you can also fix items that require flexibility. In addition, it is waterproof, and it will stick to tile in a shower and will not rot if used outside.
Direct sunlight and heat won’t cause Sugru to deteriorate, so it’ll provide you with long-term support for your outdoor repair projects.
What Heat-Related Projects Can You Use Sugru For?
Sugru was originally created to fix things that might otherwise be thrown away. The product is incredibly versatile and can be used on a range of household projects as either a strengthening and reinforcing tool, or as a repair solution. Since it’s heat resistant, it can provide support to broken appliances, kitchenware, and much more.
Use Sugru for Cracks, Broken Appliances, and Wires
Here’s a list of how you can use Sugru for repairs:
- Use it to restore the outside of cups, plates, vases, and similar items. Sugru is dishwasher safe and can handle dishwasher heat, but it is not a food-grade material.
- Use it to fix minor repairs on components in a dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer. For example, you can apply Sugru to repair a crack in a washing machine’s gasket.
- Use it to repair wires for low-volt items, such as Christmas trees or outdoor lights.
Use Sugru to Improve Cookware and Protect Cables
Here are ways to use Sugru to improve and protect household items:
- Mold handles for pots and pans, outside spigots, and other handheld items, such as phones and cameras.
- Create fashion hooks to hold up pots and pans, phones, and lids. Sugru can also be used in the shower to hold up soap and shampoo, and won’t slip or slide when exposed to hot water or steam.
- Organize and protect power cords and cables from fraying, exposure, and coming loose. You can also use Sugru to fashion hooks that will hold them in place where you want them if you need to mount a device or hide the wires.
What Shouldn’t You Use Sugru For?
Sugru is a highly durable product, but it’s not the best choice for every project. There are some things you shouldn’t do to Sugru and should avoid using it for:
- Paint it. Sugru remains flexible when it hardens so applying any paint to its surface will inevitably cause the paint to chip. You can solve this problem by buying colored Sugru and mixing the colors instead. Remember, Sugru begins to set in thirty minutes, so you will need to mix and shape it in half an hour.
- Reuse it. Once cured, Sugru cannot be softened. Therefore, open only what you need, reseal the rest, and place it in a refrigerator or freezer.
- Create a hard surface. Sugru never fully hardens but feels like silicone rubber when cured. Keep this in mind when touching Sugru that comes in contact with heat, as it might feel slightly sticky but will still provide sufficient grip.
- Stick to any surface. Although you can attach it to just about anything, it does not hold well on brass, polycarbonate and polypropylene plastics, and nylons.
You can use Sugru when a traditional glue won’t work or to fix smaller items, but avoid it in critical repair situations where failure to hold could be unsafe. It is also not food-safe, so it’s best to keep it away from young children and pets.
Bottom Line
Sugru will help you fill a gap, fix something that needs a little reinforcement, or add some comfort and safety. It tolerates heat well, sticks to most surfaces, and has lots of fun uses. It’s ideal for repairing items that need to go in the dishwasher or microwave because it can withstand temperatures up to 350˚F (177˚C).