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Pottery is a subset under the broader category of ceramics, and it'south commonly used for everyday life, like eating and drinking. Pottery and ceramics in full general can oftentimes be repaired using the same methods. And so, the adjacent time your favorite piece of pottery gets cracked or chipped, don't even consider throwing it out! Instead, try fixing it first. A 2-function epoxy adhesive can work wonders and repair broken pieces of pottery and so that they look near-new once again, and you can make full chips with an epoxy filler.[i]

  1. one

    Fill a 1 gallon (3.8 50) bucket with sand to use every bit a holder. This won't be necessary for all repairs, but it can exist really helpful for items that need to be fixed while held at an bending. Nestle the cleaved pottery piece into the sand and so that the cracked section is facing up. This enables you to utilize both easily to make the repairs.[two]

    • If you don't have sand, you can also use rice to the same effect.
    • You could also use a large pot, a shallow serving dish, or something similar to hold the sand equally long equally it's deep plenty to fully support the pottery.

  2. 2

    Sand the edges of the chipped surface area to smoothen ragged edges. Use fine sandpaper on both the edges of the cleaved-off piece and the primary piece of pottery. Use a dorsum and forth movement with light force per unit area until the edges are smooth.[3]

    • If you're fixing a fissure rather than a full break, you don't need to worry near sanding the piece at this point.

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  3. 3

    Make clean the broken pieces with denatured or 91% alcohol and cotton wool balls. Wipe down the edges both from the main slice of pottery and from the cleaved-off piece. Permit them air dry completely afterwards before moving on to the next step.[iv]

    • This volition ultimately help the agglutinative do its job better as at that place won't exist any clay in the way.

  4. iv

    Mix a ii-part epoxy agglutinative to fill up cracks and reattach broken pieces. [five] Clasp the epoxy onto a non-porous disposable surface, like a thin sheet of plastic, and utilize a wooden or plastic stick to mix together the 2 components every bit speedily as possible. Information technology'll start to harden after 3 to 4 minutes, and so you need to work fast.

    • Some two-role epoxies come up in a container with a syringe that will distribute both parts as for y'all. If yours doesn't come up with that, disperse each office of the epoxy in lines so that y'all tin gauge past eye that the 2 components are equal.
    • Avoid using superglue for repairs. Superglue is very thin, and while it's strong, it won't protect your pottery from future breakages along the same cracks likewise equally epoxy will.

    Warning: If your piece of pottery is used with food, like a mug or a soup bowl, wait for a food-prophylactic adhesive or one that is silicone based.[vi] In that location are both epoxies and other types of adhesives that are FDA-canonical for nutrient safety.

  5. 5

    Apply the epoxy to each edge of the broken sections. Use the wooden or plastic stick to line the edges of the slice of pottery as well as the cracked piece with epoxy. Don't worry nigh using likewise much or if it is going over the edges—you'll be able to remove that excess epoxy after on.

    • If you're working with a fissure rather than a interruption, use a toothpick to apply the epoxy to the fissure. Push button the epoxy into the crack every bit far as you lot can, and so squeeze the piece together so the crevice adheres back together.

    Tip: Hold small-scale pieces of cleaved pottery with tweezers while y'all use the epoxy to keep your fingers make clean.

  6. 6

    Press the cleaved department back into place as firmly as you tin can. It'due south totally okay if epoxy squeezes out around the edges. Become it in line as perfectly as you can and hold it in place for nearly xxx seconds or as long equally the epoxy directions instruct.

    • If you lot're worried about getting the adhesive onto your easily, wear a pair of safety gloves while you work.
    • If in that location is more than one slice to reattach, do 1 at a time rather than trying to practice them all at one time.
    • If the pieces aren't staying together well because of the position of the pottery, use a small piece of modeling clay to pinch the edges together. It'll come up right off once the slice has fully dried.

  7. 7

    Scrape away the excess epoxy with a razor afterward 20 minutes. Yous can utilize a razor blade or a sharp, apartment-edged knife. But run the blade along the surface of the piece of pottery and slice off any sections of raised dried epoxy.

    • Most fast-acting epoxies take about 20 minutes to fully set, merely always follow the instructions for whatever brand you're using.

  8. eight

    Sand over the edges of the cracks to brand the surface perfectly smooth. Accept 220-grit sandpaper and rub information technology very lightly over the sealed cracks on your slice of pottery. This volition just cease the process then that in that location are absolutely no bumps or imperfections on your piece.[7]

    • To double-check the surface run your thumb over the sealed cracks. The sensitivity in your finger should allow you to easily feel if there are more than sections that demand to be sanded.

  9. 9

    Paint over the repaired croaky lines if desired. You may not want to or need to do this since the epoxy dries clear, but if you think the cracks are too visible, use acrylic paint to embrace those lines.[8] Mix your colors carefully to get every bit close a match to the original color as possible.[9]

    • You can also spray an acrylic gloss over the repaired area if the rest of the piece is shiny and yous want the crack lines to be less noticeable.

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  1. 1

    Wipe off grit and crud from the pottery with a swab of booze. Apply denatured alcohol or 91% booze and a cotton ball. Permit the item air dry completely before moving on to the next step.[10]

    • Don't skip this part even if you can't run across any visible grime in the fleck. There could be built up oils or residue that you can't run across simply that could go far the fashion of the epoxy adhering to the pottery.

  2. two

    Use 2-part epoxy filler to fill in fries in your pottery. [11] You can purchase epoxy filler online or at a dwelling improvement shop. Most brands come with ii components: the filler and a hardener that has to be mixed with the filler once information technology's fix to be used.[12]

    • You could too use a polyester filler to the aforementioned effect. Polyester filler tends to be a petty less expensive than epoxy filler, but the epoxy filler is usually a little easier to handle and takes less time to dry.

  3. 3

    Follow the instructions and mix the filler and the hardener. Squeeze out enough filler to completely fill the chip you're repairing. Read the directions to determine how much hardener you need to mix in with the filler so that it'll work properly.[13]

    • Work quickly—the hardener will only let you iv to 5 minutes to work with the filler before it gets too stiff to be pliable nevertheless.
    • For the best results, work in a room that is 75 °F (24 °C) or warmer.

  4. four

    Fill the chipped section completely with the prepared filler. Use a wooden or plastic stick to fill the entire chipped expanse with the filler. If needed, use a toothpick to poke it into pocket-sized, hard to reach areas. It's okay if the filler isn't fifty-fifty with the balance of the pottery—you'll deal with that part afterwards.

    • Even though the filler might resemble putty, don't use your hands to put it in place. Continue using your wooden or plastic stick.

  5. 5

    Shave off the backlog filler with a razor once it has hardened. Epoxy filler can take anywhere from two hours to two days to harden, so make sure to bank check the manufacturer's instructions for that information. Use a razor or a straight-edged knife to shave off larger chunks of filler that is raised up over the surface of the piece of pottery.

    • Don't worry about getting the edges to wait perfect with the razor. Yous'll employ sandpaper afterwards on to polish things out.

  6. half-dozen

    Sandpaper the filler-filled surface area to shine it down. Accept a piece of 220-dust sandpaper and gently rub it dorsum and forth over the repaired surface area. Continue working at it until the surface is in one case again completely smooth.

    • Once you're done sanding, give the piece some other wipe down with alcohol to get rid of any sandpaper and filler residue.

    Tip: For sections that take corners or edges, wrap sandpaper around a dowel to give yourself a fiddling more control over the sanding process.

  7. 7

    Pigment the repaired area with acrylic paint to match the original color. Considering the filler is nearly likely brown or white, you lot'll probably want to paint it so it doesn't stick out as much from the rest of the piece. Accept your time matching the colour of the paint to the color of the piece of pottery.[14]

    • Try thinning the acrylic paint with a niggling bit of water so that information technology can be applied more evenly over the surface.

  8. eight

    Finish the piece with a coat of articulate spray acrylic to give it a polish. This spray will add a layer of gloss to the repaired area, which will make it stand up out from the residue of the piece less. If possible, employ the spray exterior or in a well-ventilated area and so that you aren't bothered past the fumes. Permit the gloss completely dry before you use or display the pottery piece again.

    • It generally takes acrylic spray virtually 12 to 24 hours to completely dry out. Test it by patting it with your thumb—if it all the same feels tacky it needs more time.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    What is the best gum for pottery repair?

    Deanna Ranlett

    Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional person and the Possessor of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of feel in the ceramics manufacture and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen press for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia Country Academy.

    Deanna Ranlett

    Pottery & Ceramics Professional

    Practiced Answer

    Two-office epoxies are one of the best options out there! If the item is a decorative ceramic piece, you lot could likewise use a super glue to repair information technology.

  • Question

    How tin can I fix a scissure in pottery?

    Natasha Dikareva, MFA

    Natasha Dikareva is a San Francisco, California based sculptor, and installation artist. With over 25 years of ceramics, sculpting, and installation experience, Natasha also teaches a ceramic sculpture workshop titled "Adventures in Dirt" covering concept development, paw-building techniques, texture, and glazing techniques. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at the Beatrice Woods Center for the Arts, Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Maria Kravetz Gallery, and the American Museum of Ceramic Art. She has taught at the University of Minnesota and the American Indian OIC School. She has been awarded the Excellence Award at the 1st Earth Teapot Competition, Best in Testify at the 4th Clay & Glass Biennial Contest, and a Thousand Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Natasha holds an MFA from the Academy of Minnesota and a BFA from Kiev Fine Arts College.

    Natasha Dikareva, MFA

    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor

    Expert Answer

    There are different means to fix a crack in pottery. You can make the scissure bigger and so fill it with a mixture of the same dirt and some particles of burn clay. Buy magic water to gear up cracks in sculptures or apply vinegar to repair them.

  • Question

    What are the different types of clay?

    Natasha Dikareva, MFA

    Natasha Dikareva is a San Francisco, California based sculptor, and installation artist. With over 25 years of ceramics, sculpting, and installation experience, Natasha also teaches a ceramic sculpture workshop titled "Adventures in Clay" covering concept development, hand-building techniques, texture, and glazing techniques. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Maria Kravetz Gallery, and the American Museum of Ceramic Art. She has taught at the Academy of Minnesota and the American Indian OIC School. She has been awarded the Excellence Honor at the 1st World Teapot Competition, All-time in Show at the 4th Clay & Glass Biennial Contest, and a Yard Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Natasha holds an MFA from the Academy of Minnesota and a BFA from Kiev Fine Arts Higher.

    Natasha Dikareva, MFA

    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor

    Expert Answer

    There are different types of dirt depending on their firing temperature. Earthenware is a low-temperature clay, and mid-range clays are known as stoneware. Porcelain is a loftier burn down range dirt.

  • Question

    How can I cull dirt?

    Natasha Dikareva, MFA

    Natasha Dikareva is a San Francisco, California based sculptor, and installation artist. With over 25 years of ceramics, sculpting, and installation feel, Natasha likewise teaches a ceramic sculpture workshop titled "Adventures in Clay" roofing concept development, hand-building techniques, texture, and glazing techniques. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at the Beatrice Woods Center for the Arts, Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Bloomington Centre for the Arts, Maria Kravetz Gallery, and the American Museum of Ceramic Art. She has taught at the University of Minnesota and the American Indian OIC School. She has been awarded the Excellence Award at the 1st Globe Teapot Competition, Best in Show at the 4th Clay & Glass Biennial Contest, and a Grand Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Natasha holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota and a BFA from Kiev Fine Arts College.

    Natasha Dikareva, MFA

    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor

    Expert Respond

    Starting time, you should make up one's mind what you desire to brand with the clay. Think whether you lot are going to employ it for artwork like making sculptures or for making pots. The clay that is expert for throwing on the bicycle may not piece of work for making large outside sculptures. Later that, you lot tin choose the clay and clay formula. You lot tin observe the clay formulas in the ceramics monthly magazine. Y'all tin can even buy commercial dirt. They specify which clay is suitable for wheel throwing and which is adept for building a sculpture.

  • Question

    How can I fix a potted plant's cracks?

    Community Answer

    You could attempt and employ super mucilage. Leave it to dry out for a 24-hour interval and hopefully information technology volition non intermission if y'all are conscientious.

  • Question

    How can I mend tiny cracks at the tip of a ceramic cup?

    Community Answer

    You can employ super glue and a toothpick to seal it up.

  • Question

    How can I hide a crack in my pottery if I can't mend it?

    Community Answer

    You could paint over it or face information technology towards a wall and so that no ane could see it.

  • Question

    How can I seal the bottom of a coffee cup to stop it from leaking when there don't seem to be holes in it?

    Community Answer

    Get clay from any craft store, thin it out to a paste with water, and place it where the h2o is leaking!

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  • If your cleaved pottery is beyond repair, consider repurposing it into a piece of fine art. You could embed the pieces in moisture concrete to brand stepping stones for a garden, or you could even sand the pieces downwards and make jewelry out of them.

  • Many types of ceramics can be fixed using these same methods for pottery, simply items made of terra cotta, stone, or plaster will crave a dissimilar method altogether.

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Things You'll Need

  • Big bucket
  • Sand
  • 2-part epoxy adhesive
  • Plastic or wooden stirrer for epoxy
  • Non-porous surface to mix epoxy
  • Tweezers (optional)
  • Razor or flat-edged knife
  • Toothpick
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • Acrylic paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Denatured or 91% alcohol
  • Cotton balls
  • 2-part epoxy filler
  • Denatured or 91% alcohol
  • Cotton balls
  • Razor or flat-edged knife
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • Acrylic pigment
  • Paintbrushes
  • Clear spray acrylic

References

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