Pottery is a subset of ceramics and is often used for everyday life, like eating and drinking.The same methods can be used to repair pottery and ceramics.Don't throw out your favorite piece of pottery if it gets cracked or chipped.Fix it first.If you want to repair broken pieces of pottery, a 2-part epoxy glue can be used, and you can fill the chips with the glue.
Step 1: To use as a holder, fill a 1 gallon bucket with sand.
It won't be necessary for all repairs, but it can be helpful for items that need to be fixed while held at an angle.The cracked section should be facing up if the broken pottery piece is placed into the sand.You can use both hands to make repairs.Rice can be used to the same effect if you don't have sand.You could use a large pot, a shallow serving dish, or something similar to hold the sand as long as it's deep enough to fully support the pottery.
Step 2: There is sand.
The edges of the broken-off piece and the main piece of pottery can be sanded.The edges should be smooth with a back and forth motion.You don't need to worry about sanding the piece if you're fixing a crack rather than a full break.
Step 3: Denatured alcohol and cotton balls can be used to clean broken pieces.
The main piece of pottery and the broken-off piece should be wiped down.After they air dry, move on to the next step.There won't be dirt in the way as this will help the glue do its job better.
Step 4: If you want to fix cracks and break pieces, mix a 2-part epoxy glue.
Use a wooden or plastic stick to mix the 2 components together after squeezing the epoxy onto a non-porous disposable surface.You need to work fast because it will start to solidify after 3 to 4 minutes.You can get both parts of the epoxies in a container with a needle.If yours doesn't come with that, you should distribute each part of the epoxy in lines to see if the 2 components are the same.Do not use superglue for repairs.While superglue is strong, it won't protect your pottery from future breakages because it's thin.
Step 5: The edges of the broken sections should be applied with the epoxy.
The wooden or plastic stick can be used to line the edges of the piece of pottery.Don't worry if it's going over the edges, you'll be able to remove it later on.If you're working with a crack instead of a break, use a toothpick to apply the epoxy.Push the piece together so the crack sticks back together.
Step 6: Press the broken section back into place.
If it squeezes out around the edges, it's fine.If you follow the directions, you can hold it in place for about 30 seconds.If you're worried about getting the glue onto your hands, wear a pair of rubber gloves.If there is more than one piece, do one at a time and not try to do them all at once.If the pieces aren't staying together well, use a small piece of modeling clay to pinch the edges together.Once the piece has dried, it will come off.
Step 7: After 20 minutes, remove the excess epoxy with a razor.
A razor blade or a sharp knife can be used.Simply run the blade along the surface of the piece of pottery and slice it open.The majority of fast-acting epoxies take about 20 minutes to fully set, but always follow the instructions for the brand you're using.
Step 8: Sand over the cracks to make the surface smooth.
Rub 220-grit sandpaper over the sealed cracks on your piece of pottery.This will finish the process so that you don't have any issues with your piece.Run your thumb over the sealed cracks to double-check the surface.If there are more sections that need to be sanded, you should feel the sensitivity in your finger.
Step 9: If you want, you can paint over the repaired lines.
If you think the cracks are too visible, you can use paint to cover them.To get as close to the original color as possible, mix your colors carefully.If the rest of the piece is shiny and you want the crack lines to be less noticeable, you can spray an acrylic gloss over the repaired area.
Step 10: The pottery needs to be wiped off with a piece of alcohol.
Use a cotton ball with denatured alcohol.Before moving on to the next step, let the item air dry.If you can't see any dirt in the chip, skip this part.There could be built up oils that you can't see and that could make it difficult for the epoxy to adhere to the pottery.
Step 11: If you want to fill in chips in your pottery, use 2-part epoxy filler.
You can buy it online or in a store.The hardener and the filler have to be mixed with each other once the product is ready to use.The same effect could be achieved with the use of aPolyester filler.It takes less time to dry with the epoxy filler, and it is a little easier to handle.
Step 12: Follow the instructions to mix the two ingredients.
To fill the chip you're repairing, squeeze out enough filler.Determine how much hardener you need to mix in with the filler by reading the directions.The hardener will only allow you to work with the filler for 4 to 5 minutes before it gets too stiff.If you want the best results, work in a room that is warm.
Step 13: The prepared filler should be filled completely with the chipping section.
Use a wooden or plastic stick to fill the area.To poke it into hard to reach areas, use a toothpick.You'll deal with that part later if the filler isn't even with the rest of the pottery.Don't use your hands to put it in place.Continue using your stick.
Step 14: Once it has hardened, shave off the excess filler with a razor.
Make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for information on how long it will take for the product to harden.If you want to remove larger chunks of filler that are raised up over the surface of the piece of pottery, use a razor or straight-edged knife.Don't worry about how the edges look with the razor.Later on, you'll use sandpaper to smooth things out.
Step 15: Sandpaper the area to make it smooth.
Take a piece of 220-grit sandpaper and rub it over the repaired area.Don't stop working until the surface is completely smooth.Once you're done sanding, give the piece another wipe down with alcohol to get rid of any leftover material.
Step 16: If you want to match the original color, paint the repaired area with acrylic paint.
You'll want to paint it so that it doesn't stick out from the rest of the piece.Take some time to match the colors of the paint and pottery.If you want the paint to be applied evenly over the surface, thin it with a little water.
Step 17: To give it a shine, finish the piece with a coat of clear spray.
This spray will make the repaired area stand out from the rest of the piece.If you can, use the spray outside or in aventilated area so that you don't get bothered by the fumes.Before you use or display the pottery piece, let it dry completely.It takes about 12 to 24 hours for the spray to dry.If it still feels tacky, pat it with your thumb.