Ceramic Repair
Most of the time, when ceramics break, they go into the trash. There are occasions when a precious heirloom breaks and it feels heartbreaking. For those disasters, repair is possible. Understanding that after a breakage, it will not look the same is the first thing to consider whether or not it is worth repairing. If it has sentimental value, functional value or may get you into deep trouble, then read on.
Save as many pieces from the breakage as you can and wrap them into a towel or bag. Avoid crushing the pieces further, as it makes the repair more costly. The difference between you fixing it at home and letting a pro do it is the resulting crack widths. The more pieces there are, the wider the cracks will get (this is called creep). As the first joint is slightly off, the rest will only creep further from original dimensions.
This garden sculpture broke in a storm. An heirloom made by the client’s deceased relative.
Once re-assembled, the beauty is evident.
Special attention was given to the facial features.
Pieces were missing.
Repaired 18th century Japanese porcelain plate.
Porcelain requires special attention to join the broken pieces back together without leaving unsightly gaps. Once broken, it will never be the same, but this restorative process allows you to display the pieces once instead of trashing them. Functional dinnerware will be non-toxic, but not suitable for oven/microwaves, dishwashers and acidic foods.
Adhesives are used for repair and carefully restored to original color and surface texture/gloss. The methods used to prepare the surfaces require precision power tools and clamping mechanisms for the drying process.
A broken 18th century Japanese cobalt painted porcelain plate.
The cleanest repair possible on white glazed porcelain.
A cleanly broken ceramic pottery is $30 per joint. If the piece was previously repaired and you want me to re-do it, it is twice the work to remove the glue. Sculptures are harder to gauge and I will have to give you an estimate.
If you don’t live in the Bay Area (California), I will show you how to package the pieces for shipping. If you want to get an estimate from me on a repair, please send me a picture of the breakage to neighborplease@gmail.com. Include “repair” in the subject and I will get back to you as quickly as my schedule allows.