How to Restore Old Crocks

Vintage crockery has many uses. It can be put to work as food storage containers for dry goods or used in canning to cure pickles. You can keep magazines and books in large crocks and fill smaller ones with flowers to use as centerpieces or room accents. Crocks vary in price, from twenty dollars for crocks that are new, damaged or common, to thousands of dollars for rare ones in mint condition.

Things You'll Need

• Glue
• Non-bleach detergent
• Cleaning solution
• Masking tape
• Razor blade
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water

Instructions

1. Assess the damage. Examine your crock. Look at the piece from all angles, including the inside. Is it cracked, discolored, chipped or broken into pieces? Or is it grimy, sticky or dusty and simply in need of some tender loving care?

2. Wash the crock. Soak it in two parts cleaning solution, such as Biz Stain Fighter or any non-bleach detergent, and one part water for two days. Rinse the crock with clean water and let it dry in a warm room for at least 24 hours. You may also soak the crock in a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water for at least a day. Rinse with clean water. If the crock is still dirty, scrub it with a solution of two parts baking soda to one part water. Rinse thoroughly.

3. Repair the crock. If the crock is cracked, apply liquid Super Glue to the crack. If the crock is cracked all the way through, apply glue to the broken piece and fit it back into the space on the crock where it fits. Tie or tape the crock together for a day or two to stabilize it. Remove the twine or tape and use a razor blade to remove any visible glue.

4. Hire a professional restoration expert. If your crock is valuable and you would like it to retain its worth, consult an authority on old crocks. Restorers, such as Boyd’s Restoration, can be found online. You can also locate one by talking to other folks who have an interest in crocks and by visiting antique stores and shows.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute Elmer’s Glue for Super Glue when repairing a crock.

• Once you have repaired a crock it is best not to use it for food or liquids due to possible toxicity from the cleaning solutions and/or any glue that was used.

• If a repair or restoration job is poorly done, the crock will decrease in value.

References

• Redwingcollectors; Crock Repair
• Boyds Restoration; Boyd's Country Woods