How to Glue Broken Ceramic
China and ceramic bowls, cups and plates can become precious--especially if they once belonged to relatives you loved. If one of these items breaks, it may not be necessary to throw it away. With a little time and some glue it can be made whole again. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Water
- Cloth
- Brush
- Solvent-free ceramic glue or cement
- Masking tape
- Nail polish remover (optional)
- Soap
Instructions
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1
Wash the item that has broken as well as the piece or pieces you wish to glue together. You want to get rid of any food particles or impurities that could lessen the effectiveness of the adhesive. Dry the ceramic pieces thoroughly.
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2
Use a piece of sandpaper to sand the exposed surfaces of the break. Do this lightly so you don't remove too much of the ceramic. The grain of the sandpaper does not need to be too rough--just rough enough to smooth the surface of the ceramic.
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3
Clean the area again thoroughly with water and dry it with a soft cloth. Make sure the ceramic is dry before continuing.
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4
Use a small brush to apply the glue to one edge of the broken area. Try to apply the glue or cement as evenly and as thoroughly as you can.
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5
Press the other part that has broken firmly against the glue. Wipe away any excess with a damp cloth. Tape the two pieces together with masking tape. The tape will hold the pieces securely together until the ceramic cement or glue has completely set.
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6
Allow the ceramic item to dry overnight before removing the masking tape. If any excess glue or cement still remains, remove it with nail polish remover or soap and water.
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Tips & Warnings
When buying the adhesive for this project, check the label to make sure it is solvent-free. This is important, especially if you are gluing together something that is used for food. You don't want to risk poisoning yourself by choosing the wrong glue or cement to repair your broken ceramic.
