How to Repair Broken Resin Statues
Resins are popular, sturdy casting materials for a variety of figures, including mass-produced statues, gift-store figurines and privately produced models known as "garage kits." These figures can last a long time with care, but cracks and breaks may occur. Small repairs can be made with a simple smear of super glue; larger problems require extra work and craftsmanship, but they can usually be accomplished by amateurs with steady hands and patience.
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Things You'll Need
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Cyanoacrylate-based glue or five-minute epoxy
- Two-part epoxy putty or plumber's putty
- Hobbyist's seam-filling tube putty
- Fingernail polish remover
- Cotton swabs
- Acrylic paint
Instructions
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Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the area of the damage to remove loose fragments, including cracked paint. Gently separate parts that are breaking off and sand those as well. Wipe off dust after sanding.
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If parts are broken off, apply a thin coat of cyanoacrylate-based glue or five-minute epoxy to the break area on one piece, reconnect the parts and maintain pressure until they bond. Allow the glue to dry. Consult glue packaging for suggested drying time
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Fill larger cracks with two-part epoxy putty or plumber's putty. Wet your fingertips with water before sculpting the putty to match the shape of the sculpture. Allow the putty to dry. Consult packaging for suggested drying time.
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If necessary, sand the area where the putty was applied. Wipe off dust after sanding.
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If small flaws remain, apply a thin coat of tube putty. Wet a cotton swab with fingernail polish remover and rub on the putty to smooth it. Allow to dry, then lightly sand to further smooth.
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6
Mix acrylic paint to match and then apply to affected area in thin coats until satisfied.
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Tips & Warnings
Two-part epoxy putties will generally be available through local hobby shops or online vendors. Plumber's putty can be found at well-stocked hardware stores.
Hobbyist's seam-filling putty can be found at most hobby shops or through online vendors.
Note that putties will often dry a different color than an unpainted statue. Putties are sometimes available in more than one color, so purchasing one close to the color of the statue can minimize the visibility of a repair area. Repaired statues can also be painted, in whole or in part, to disguise repairs. Make sure to wash the area to be repaired, then apply paints by hand brush, airbrush or spray can.
Children should be supervised by an adult when working on resin statues.
Resin dust will be released in the air while sanding and can be hazardous. Consider wearing protection such as a surgical mask and rubber gloves when working on resin statues.
