Ceramic | Porcelain and Glass Repairs – London

Here is a draft article outlining the pros and cons of different ceramic repair methods:

Ceramic Repair Options: The Pros and Cons

Repairing valued ceramic items that have cracked or broken can often seem daunting. But modern adhesives and clever techniques make it very possible to salvage pottery, figurines, tiles, and other ceramics. Here is an overview of common ceramic repair methods and their relative advantages and disadvantages.

Adhesives like superglue or specialty ceramic glues are great for minor cracks and breaks. They cure quickly, are inexpensive, and can form strong bonds when the breaks are clean and pieces fit snugly. However, adhesives lack filling abilities for gaps and are not the most durable long-term solution.

Two-part epoxy putties are excellent fillers that can rebuild damaged areas stronger than original material. They stick well and are waterproof when cured. But epoxies may not match original color and require some skill to employ neatly.

Liquid lacquers and resins provide minor surface reinforcement and can be tinted to match surrounding areas. Easy to apply, but lacquers don’t restore structural integrity on their own.

Kintsugi utilizes lacquer infused with metals like gold to highlight cracks and damage as part of an object’s unique history, rather than disguising it. Results are beautiful but expensive and repairs remain fragile.

Staples, rivets, and clamps physically bring pieces together quickly before applying fillers. Useful when normal gluing is difficult but introduces permanent metal pieces. Fillers still required for reinforcing and finishing.

Porcelain fillers and auto body putty fill in gaps well but require painting skills to blend color and texture. A good choice for smoothing chips and holes but can appear obviously patched.

Replacement parts from the original or custom-made can replace missing sections for the most seamless appearance. However, finding suitable parts to bond requires luck and skill.

With knowledge and experimentation, most ceramics can be given new life through clever repairs. Consider each method’s advantages and downsides for your specific piece and damage type. Proper adhesion preparation and curing times are also essential for durable repairs. Though imperfect, repaired ceramics often tell a unique story.

When you are ready to have your ceramics repaired please get in touch.