How to Mend Broken China

Written By: Mikkeline Thomsen
  • Comments: 2
How to Mend Broken China

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

12

Time Required

2 - 5 hours

Introduction

China is delicate and will often break due to daily use and careless handling. This guide will show you how to effectively mend plain, slightly broken china using a clear epoxy filler.

Tip: You can add any pigment to the epoxy, making the cracks less visible and the repair more subtle.

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    • Wipe all broken edges with rubbing alcohol using a paper towel.

    • Do this to eliminate any grease and dirt.

    • Be aware that rubbing alcohol is highly flammable.

    • Be aware of sharp edges throughout this repair.

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    • Pour epoxy into a smooth-surfaced container.

    • We used the plastic wrapping of the razor, but any container works.

    • Don't use epoxy in a small, confined space.

    • Do not get epoxy near eyes or on skin. Consider using polyethylene or polypropylene gloves.

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    • Mix epoxy fluids with a toothpick.

    • The fluid sets in 5 minutes, so you must quickly apply it to the china. You can mix more if the first pour hardens.

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    • Apply the epoxy along the edges of the base piece of china and first chipped piece of china using the toothpick.

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    • Attach the first detached piece to the base carefully by hand.

    • Adjust as needed.

    • Don't worry about excess epoxy at this point. It will be removed after setting.

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    • Apply epoxy on the next detached piece and the already mended piece

    • Use a tweezer to attach smaller fragments.

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    • Attach the piece to the china.

    • Adjust as needed

    • Repeat the process of applying epoxy and attaching the chips until all broken pieces are successfully in place.

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    • Place mended china in a container of stabilizing sand or gravel.

    • This step is performed to put the right gravitational weight on the attachments so the pieces don't become unaligned during the setting of the epoxy.

    • Leave to set for at least 1 hour.

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    • Shave off as much excess epoxy as possible using the razor.

    • Exhibit caution when using the razors; they are very sharp!

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    • Use coarse sandpaper to further reduce the excess epoxy.

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    • Use fine sandpaper to smooth out remaining inconsistencies.

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    • Darker cracks form where the clear epoxy functions as filler, but the cup will work perfectly fine! Add colored pigment to the epoxy for a more subtle repair.

    Will I be able to drink/eat from chino repaired with epoxy? Is it washable? Paintable? Microwaveable?

    Cressy Cook -

Author

Mikkeline Thomsen

Member since: 28/04/17

141 Reputation

One comment

Will this method work on ceramic?

Terry -