The Downsides of Reversible Materials for Collectors
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Non-reversible repairs use advanced, permanent materials like industrial-strength epoxies and UV-resistant cold glazes that cure hard and durable. These materials form a strong bond that holds up well over time, resisting damage from handling and environmental factors. The key to seamless, visually stunning repairs is concealing the break lines completely and blending colors and texture using airbrushing techniques that feather the repair over a larger area of the original surface. This creates smooth transitions, consistent color, and matching sheen, giving the piece a unified and flawless appearance. While this approach violates museum standards on minimal intervention and reversibility, as it modifies and covers some original untouched surfaces, it meets the aesthetic and practical expectations of many collectors. Collectors generally prefer these methods because their art is meant to be lived with and appreciated daily - not stored in climate-controlled archives where minimal handling is possible. |
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At Lakeside Pottery Restoration Studio, over 90% of the restorations we do use this seamless, non-reversible method, usually by client request. Most of our customers want their broken heirlooms, collectibles, or sculptures restored to their original beauty and tactile wholeness, ready to display or handle with confidence.
While some traditional conservators criticize our approach for not following strict museum ethics, our reputation and client satisfaction tell a different story. We believe restoration should be transparent and honest. It’s not about hiding history or deceiving - it’s about revitalizing your piece so it can continue to tell its story in your home.
We respect the principles behind reversible conservation, but we also recognize that collectors have different priorities. For many, the best repair is the one that brings back joy and beauty without constant worry.
** See dramatic transformations in our Before & After Gallery
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Choosing between reversible and non-reversible restoration depends on your priorities. Museums prioritize historical integrity and future possibilities, so they accept visible repairs and limitations on aesthetics. But if you’re a collector, your focus is often on enjoying the art’s beauty, durability, and emotional connection right now. You want repairs that are strong, look great up close and in various lighting, and can handle the realities of display and occasional handling. Some restorers are developing hybrid methods that combine seamless repairs with thorough documentation and imaging (like x-rays or augmented reality), preserving both visual beauty and historical record. But these approaches are still emerging and not widely accessible. |
Now that we’ve discussed the core concepts, let’s explore the materials behind each approach.When restoring ceramics and sculptures, professionals carefully select adhesives based on the object’s needs, desired durability, and whether future reversibility is important.
For more restoration lessons, visit Lakeside Pottery Studio Lessons.
Reversible Adhesives
Reversible adhesives are preferred when restorability is essential, such as for museum-quality pieces or items requiring ethical conservation. The most commonly used reversible adhesives include:
Paraloid B-72
Pros: Excellent long-term stability, fully reversible with solvents, clear finish, widely accepted in conservation.
Cons: Requires solvent handling, slower curing time, not as strong for heavy structural repairs.
Jade 403 PVA
Pros: Water-based and easier to clean, partially reversible, good for light bonding and porous ceramics.
Cons: Less durable than acrylics, limited structural strength, may yellow over time.
Aquazol
Pros: Water-soluble and reversible, good for detailed applications, non-yellowing.
Cons: More expensive, less common, moderate strength.
Non-Reversible Adhesives
When permanent strength, gap-filling, or seamless finishes are required, non-reversible adhesives are chosen. These are typically used for decorative or heavily damaged objects where longevity and aesthetics take priority.
PC-Clear Epoxy
Pros: Fast setting, crystal clear, strong and durable bond, easy to work with for clean joins. Although it yellows with time, it yellows among the least compared to other mending epoxies.
Cons: Permanent and not reversible, limited working time (~5 minutes).
At Lakeside Pottery Studio, we primarily use PC-Clear Epoxy for mending.
HXTAL NYL-1
Pros: Very clear with a long working time, ideal for delicate or transparent joins.
Cons: Expensive, longer curing time, requires careful mixing.
Epotek 301
Pros: High strength and clarity, excellent for fine restorations.
Cons: Costly, requires precise mixing, longer curing.
Araldite 2020 and Devcon 2-Ton Clear
Pros: Reliable, good adhesion, moderate cost.
Cons: Slightly amber tint, shorter working time.
Loctite EA 9460
Pros: Strong adhesion for heavy-duty or mixed media repairs.
Cons: Opaque finish, not suitable where transparency is needed.
Filler Epoxies (Loss Compensation and Reconstruction)
For filling losses and reconstructing missing areas, we use only two professional-grade epoxy fillers:
PC-11 Epoxy Paste
Pros: Strong adhesion, excellent sandability, compatible with paints and pigments, durable. Sculptable if worked during partial curing phase, allowing shaping before fully hardening.
Cons: Less easy to sculpt when freshly mixed, permanent repair.
At Lakeside Pottery Studio, we primarily use PC-11 Epoxy filler.
Milliput (Standard and Superfine grades)
Pros: Highly sculptable, water-smoothable before curing, excellent for detailed fills, durable.
Cons: Requires skill to sculpt well, permanent repair, longer curing time.
Other filler epoxies are used by professionals in certain contexts but are not part of our standard Lakeside Pottery toolkit.
Our Restoration Approach with Adhesives
At Lakeside Pottery, we emphasize choosing the right adhesive for each repair, balancing durability, aesthetics, and ethical conservation principles. We customize the adhesives to the correct situation but mostly use PC-Clear and PC-11 for non-reversible repairs, ensuring high-quality, long-lasting restorations. For reversible conservation work, we rely on time-tested acrylics and pastes that allow safe future retreatment.
We always discuss material choices openly with clients to align on expectations and provide documentation for every repair performed.
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Final Thoughts
Restoration isn’t about right or wrong - it’s about what matters most to you and your art. If you want to preserve history for future generations, reversible repairs are essential. But if you want your ceramics and sculptures to look and feel whole again, non-reversible repairs often deliver the best results.
At Lakeside Pottery, we honor restoration as both an art and a craft. When done carefully and transparently, permanent, seamless restoration can bring life back to broken art, so you can continue to enjoy it fully for years to come.
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