Water glass or sodium silicate is the only inorganic adhesive in general use and is the only one capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of about 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a tendency to deteriorate and crumble on aging especially on nonporous materials.

It is low in cost and used widely in the manufacture of corrugated boxes and for attaching labels to glass containers. Mixed with inorganic fillers it forms high temperature cements used for lamp bases and heating elements.