How to Choose the Right epoxy for Your Modern House Numbers: Video

With shelves full of glues, caulks, and epoxies at your local hardware store, it can feel overwhelming to know which product to grab. The good news? We can help narrow it down.

I’m Michelle from Modern House Numbers, and I’m here to help you conquer the adhesives aisle with confidence. Let’s take a quick tour together!

When installing your numbers or plaques, you’ll want an adhesive that creates a strong, lasting bond that can handle the elements. The wrong product can leave you frustrated or worse, with loose numbers. The right one will make installation smooth and stress-free.

Here are my Top Five Tips for Choosing Adhesive:

1. Choose Epoxy (Exterior Grade)

Epoxy is your best bet. Look for one labeled for exterior use so you’ll get a strong, durable bond that stands up to any climate or weather. Brand names will vary depending on where you shop, so don’t worry about finding an exact match—just make sure it’s an exterior-grade epoxy or even a construction adhesive.

2. Look for “Dries Clear”

Adhesive projects can get a little messy, and that’s okay! Choose an option that dries clear so if a little squeezes out, no one will ever notice.

3. Quick Drying is Best

Skip adhesives that require long, overnight curing times. A quick-drying epoxy is a better choice, giving you enough time to make small adjustments before it sets. This makes the process much smoother and is better than using super glue, which sets instantly and leaves little room for error.

4. Stick with Exterior Grade

We’ll say it again because it’s important: exterior grade matters! Interior-use products just aren’t designed to withstand rain, heat, cold, or sun exposure. Make sure the adhesive you buy clearly says it’s suitable for outdoor use.

5. Avoid Caulks and Glues

It may be tempting to grab super glue, caulk, or a multi-purpose glue, but trust us—these products either dry too slowly, don’t bond strongly enough, or just won’t last over time. Save yourself the headache and steer clear of them.

A Final Word

Remember, product labels and brands vary by store and location. Here are a few we've tested, but there are many others that work, so don’t worry if you can’t find the exact product.

Michelle’s Top 5 Adhesive Tips:

Choose Epoxy
Dries Clear
Quick Drying
Exterior Grade
Avoid Caulks or Glues

Just keep these five tips in mind and you’ll find the right adhesive for a smooth, long-lasting install. You’ve got this—happy installing!

rick mclain, author

Rick is a licensed architect at Repp McLain Design & Construction. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona and an MS from the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). When he’s not designing and fabricating he enjoys spending time with Brandy, Jack, Avery & Taylor and restoring his grandfather’s Ford pickup truck.

You can learn more about Rick on the Repp McLain Website, on LinkedIn, at the AIA Website, or on Facebook.

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