How to Repair Broken Porcelain

Repair a broken porcelain basin with epoxy adhesive.

You can repair broken porcelain items all around the house using a strong epoxy adhesive. Even a durable material like porcelain is subject to chips, cracks and breaks under extreme conditions. Replacing broken porcelain items for a small amount of damage can be an expensive endeavor. Fix broken porcelain to save an item that would otherwise be headed for the trash and make it nearly as strong as it was before it was damaged.

Things You'll Need

• Paper cup
• Nail polish remover
• Tack cloth
• Hair dryer (optional)
• Protective gloves and goggles
• Porcelain repair epoxy
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Tear the rim off a paper cup until it is about 1 inch deep all the way around. Foam cups may react with the epoxy and change its chemical makeup. Wax-lined paper cups like those used at most fast-food restaurants work perfectly.

2. Clean the break point on both pieces of the porcelain item with a strong solvent like nail polish remover to remove all grime and debris from where the pieces will reattach. Apply a tack cloth to pull away the tiny particles and allow the adhesive to reach both surfaces. Dry the porcelain completely with a hair dryer that is set to high heat if it is damp.

3. Squeeze the syringe or tube of epoxy until it releases about 1 tsp. into the shallow cup. Stir the two components of the epoxy together with a toothpick. Wear protective goggles and gloves.

4. Spread a thin layer of the porcelain repair epoxy on the broken edge of the larger porcelain piece and carefully press the smaller piece into position. Hold the piece in place for 60 seconds before releasing it slowly to make sure it holds. Pour a few drops of nail polish remover on a paper towel and wipe away any excess epoxy that has been squeezed out of the joint. Allow the epoxy to set for 10 hours and achieve optimum strength before using the porcelain item again.

Tips & Warnings

• Dried porcelain repair epoxy can be painted or glazed to match the surrounding area for a nearly invisible seam.

• Do not heat repaired porcelain items in the oven or microwave.

References

• Selleys: Porcelain Repair