Different adhesives work best for ceramic repair depending on the type of ceramic and the repair needed. We generally recommend a clear, two-part epoxy with a 5-minute setting time for most repairs. However, if you need more time to align pieces precisely, a slower-setting epoxy may be a better choice.
Because a perfect fit is essential, avoid fast-curing adhesives like instant glues or quick-setting epoxies if you require extra working time.
We use various adhesives for different applications, but for this tutorial, we suggest widely available commercial brands. You can find our recommended options in the Where to Purchase Ceramic Repair Materials section.
Preparing the Surface
The most important step in ceramic repair is ensuring all pieces are clean. If the item has been repaired before, remove any old adhesive completely, see our How to Remove Old Adhesive lesson for guidance, to ensure proper bonding with the new glue.Before handling, consider wearing clean gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Then, thoroughly clean the pieces with alcohol to remove dirt and oils.
Applying the adhesive
Using a wooden stick, paper clip, or pin tool, apply glue to only one of the broken edges. Use just enough adhesive to cover the edge, too little can leave gaps, weakening the repair, while too much makes it harder to get a tight joint.Warming the ceramic pieces to 110–140°F thins the epoxy for a better fit but speeds up the curing time, so work quickly.
Carefully join the pieces, applying light pressure to squeeze out any excess glue.To keep the piece stable during curing, fill a container with plastic pebbles, rice, or sand to cradle it securely. If gravity alone won’t hold the alignment, use clay (as shown above) to support the pieces.Avoid shifting the pieces once joined, loose particles can ruin the repair. Any glue that seeps out can be removed later with a razor blade. Tweezers are helpful for positioning small fragments precisely.
Fixing an item with multiple breaks
If your pottery, ceramic, or porcelain is broken into several pieces, plan the order in which you’ll reattach them carefully. This helps avoid ending up with a final piece that’s difficult or impossible to fit. Do a dry run first, then number each piece to guide you during the repair.Make sure to let each joint fully cure before moving on to attach the next piece.
Filling in for missing pieces
There are many filler products available, but one reliable and widely accessible option is PC-11 filler. When choosing a filler, look for these key qualities:
- Exceptional adhesion to ceramic surfaces
- No shrinkage during curing
- Workability -can be drilled, sanded, and shaped
- Paintability for seamless finishing
- Water and oil resistance
- Stability across a wide temperature range without shrinking or expanding
We cure the filler epoxy at 140°F, which produces a very hard finish ideal for sanding and shaping.
Painting & Glazing Repaired Ceramic
If visible repair lines aren’t acceptable and you want a seamless finish, this step requires advanced skill. Matching colors and replicating the original artist’s style takes time and precision.We use high-quality acrylic paints, pigment powders, and colored hardeners mixed with special additives to ensure durability and strength. Finally, matching the glaze’s sheen and light reflection is crucial to closely mimic the original piece’s finish. For more details, see our Painting Theory Tutorial.
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