How to repair broken china
Many people get china for weddings, and other special occasions, and it is something that gets passed down in families. It is usually very important to the owner, and something you would not want to have break. However, life happens! China gets broken, either by accident, nature, or wonderful little hands. So, the following are some steps and tips for how to repair broken china:
The first thing you want to do is make sure the china is clean. Most people do not use their china very often, and it often gathers dust. (Let's face it we are not all great dusters and even out prized possessions like our china can get overlooked when other things need doing). So, you will want to use warm, soapy water, and wash all of the pieces of the broken china, then rinse it off really well. Be careful while doing this so you do not cut yourself, or break off any of the pieces.
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After you wash the china, you want to let it dry. It will need to dry naturally, and it will need to dry completely, so let air dry for several hours. You can of course wipe the water droplets off by hand using a soft cloth or micro-fiber cloth.
After the china pieces are dry, arrange them for putting back together, and decide how you are going to go about putting the piece of china back together (in to out, out to in, etc.). Try to choose a logical progression, and one that will be easy to follow.
You are going to put the piece back together using a fast drying, water resistant, epoxy. You will want to get some acetone, a good brand and swab the edges of the china to make sure they are dirt and oil free. Then you will use a thin even bead of epoxy along one edge. Then join the two pieces together. Do not put epoxy on both pieces of broken china.
Adjust pieces as necessary to try and get as close a fit as possible. If pieces are missing, you will want to avoid getting cut and fit pieces as closely as possible.
You will now use another acetone soaked cotton swab to wipe away any excess epoxy that seeped out of the seam.
You will then want to take some tape and put it across the joint to hold the pieces in place. It takes some time to get the glue to cure, and you do not want there to be any stress on the joint as it is curing as it can break the adhesion. If the piece is really fragile, or the joint is awkward, use tape on both sides.
Once the joint is cured, you will want to remove the tape and ensure that the adhesive on the tape is not stuck on the china.
Your china will not be exactly the same, and it would be wise to be careful with any repaired pieces, wash them by hand, etc. However, china you get for your wedding, etc. is irreplaceable, and something that you value, so do not throw out a piece just because it is broken. Repair it!
There are different kinds of china, there is earthernware, stoneware, porcelain, and bone china, and you want to make sure that you follow the maintenance and care instructions for each different type of china. Some china can be dishwasher safe, however, if it is hand painted, metal trimmed, vintage, antique, or a family heirloom, you would be wise to wash by hand.
