If your eight-year old knocks over your favorite antique porcelain vase, or your china set is showing signs of cracking, do not pick up the super glue! Many people will use online sources to try to repair the damages to their prized china, porcelain, and ceramic valuables on their own. Although these methods may keep a few pieces together, some of the glues suggested are almost impossible to remove and makes re-repair hopeless. Also, shoddy patch-up jobs will actually significantly decrease the monetary value of item. If the broken item truly is valuable and precious, you ought to call a respectable porcelain, china, and ceramic repair shop to professionally and correctly mend your piece.
If you have a precious family heirloom or a valuable antique piece of china, porcelain, or ceramic that needs repair, follow these simple steps:
1. Collect all the pieces! It is important to bring every piece possible to the shop because it is more difficult and expensive to create a new piece than it is to just reassemble the original pieces.
2. Consult with a professional repair shop about the restoration of your item. Most shops offer free estimates. They will help you decide if your item is worth restoring or if the job is even possible. If your ceramic vase shatters into too many tiny pieces, proper repair may be impossible. But if the break is simple and if the broken item is rare and expensive, professional repair may reclaim much of its value. However, if its monetary value is low, it may not be worth the cost of repairing it professionally. In this case, super glue may be your best option. Whatever the situation, a professional can guide you to make the best decision.
3. Package your item properly. It is better to personally deliver your china, porcelain, or ceramic item to the repair shop, but whether you are hand delivering it or mailing it, it is important to package your item properly. It is best to wrap every broken piece individually so that the sharp edges of one fragment do not scratch and further damage other pieces. It is best to double box items with at least two inches of packing around the item and in between boxes. Extra fragile pieces require specially designed packages and special shipping. Fortunately, most porcelain pieces like cups, dishes, and most figurines do not need special packaging. If you have questions about packaging and shipping your item, call the repair shop for answers.
The repair shop will then go through a special ceramic repair process.
* First, they clean the item of dirt, glue and old repairs. Then they assemble and glue the broken pieces together. They also seal progressing cracks.
* Where porcelain is cracked or chipped it will appear white. Professionals will carefully touch up the colors by carefully matching the original surface color.
* Next, repair professionals will remake lost fragments of the valuable item if needed.
* They will then conceal all hairline fractures giving the item an unbroken appearance.
* Finally, the repaired section of a ceramic item will be resurfaced to match the original finish.
If you take the proper steps to collect all the pieces and safely deliver all the pieces, professionals can do miracles for your precious family heirlooms and antique ceramics.
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