Fix Broken Pottery
A potter simply cannot refire a pot and make it whole again. The only thing that will fix pottery is epoxy glue. With modern adhesives, it's possible to make nearly invisible repairs to damaged ceramic and glass items. However, if the damaged piece is of monetary or sentimental value, have the repair done by a professional restorer to ensure the best possible job.
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What will you need:
1. adhesive (white glue or epoxy)
2. razor blade
3. paint brush for applying adhesive
4. shallow container
5. uncooked rice or beans
6. sturdy gloves
Choose
your adhesive. Two kinds of adhesives are generally used to mend ceramics and
glass: polyvinyl acetate (PVA), also known as white glue, and clear, slow-
setting two-part epoxy. In order to choose the correct adhesive for a ceramic
repair, you must first identify the type of ceramic involved. Use PVA for
repairing pottery; use epoxy for ironstone, porcelain, and glass. Because an
exact fit is essential in repairing ceramics and glass, you must adjust the
pieces precisely before the glue sets. Five-minute epoxies and instant glues
dry too fast and are not recommended for this type of repair.
Prepare
the surface. The most important step in repairing a broken glass or ceramic
item is to make sure the pieces are clean. If the item has been fixed before, undo
the old repair, or the new adhesive may not bond. Before handling the
pieces, put on clean gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Clean the
pieces with a mixture of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water; gently loosen
dirt with a plastic scrubbing pad. Rinse the pieces and let them dry
completely. If stains persist, fill a plastic basin with warm water and add 1
cup of liquid chlorine bleach. Carefully submerge the pieces in the liquid.
Cover the basin with plastic wrap to contain the fumes and let it sit
undisturbed for 2 to 3 days. Remove the pieces, rinse them under running water,
and let them dry overnight.
Applying the adhesive. Use a disposable
brush to apply PVA )white) glue to only one of the broken edges. Use only
enough adhesive to cover the edge. Too little will leave gaps, resulting in a
weak repair; too much will make it difficult to achieve a tight joint. Quickly
join the pieces together while applying light pressure. Avoid shifting the
pieces; small particles may come loose, ruining the repair. Any glue that oozes
from the joint can be removed later.