Quck answer
Stoneware is a popular type of ceramic that can crack over time due to various reasons. To repair cracked stoneware, follow these steps:
1. Clean the cracked area with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
2. Apply a strong adhesive designed for ceramics to the cracked edges.
3. Press the cracked edges together firmly and hold for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to bond.
4. Wipe off any excess adhesive and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Once dry, sand down any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper.
6. Finally, apply a food-safe sealant to the repaired area for added durability.
By following these steps, you can effectively repair cracked stoneware and extend its lifespan.
Stoneware can develop cracks or break over time due to various reasons, but there are ways to repair it instead of throwing it away. Here are some methods you can try to repair cracked stoneware.
Follow the Philosophy of Kintsugi
The philosophy of Kintsugi, a Japanese art form, suggests repairing broken pottery with an adhesive gilded lacquer. This lacquer is available in different metallic colors like gold, silver, or platinum. The term “Kintsugi” means “golden repair” or “golden joinery,” which involves embracing the cracks and enhancing them with gold or color instead of hiding them. According to Southern Living, this philosophy originated in 1400s Japan as a way to mend broken china. By accepting the cracks and chips, the pottery becomes even more beautiful, and what was once broken can become whole again.
Reassemble the Broken Pieces
Lakeside Pottery suggests using cold materials and processes to fix broken pottery and repair hairline cracks. You can reassemble the pieces using a two-part epoxy adhesive. Before starting the repair, clean the pieces with alcohol. To hold the pieces in place, fill a small container with sand, rice, or plastic pebbles. Place the largest broken piece in the container to secure it. Take a small amount of 5-minute clear epoxy and put it on a piece of cardboard or paper for better control. Thoroughly mix the epoxy using a wooden stick, paper clip, or pin tool.
Next, apply the epoxy mix to the edge of the pottery using the tool. Carefully place the broken piece on the epoxy. The epoxy sets quickly, within 60 to 90 seconds, so you need to work fast. Apply slight pressure to seal it and remove any excess epoxy. Avoid wiping off any overflow epoxy as it may smear on the pottery.
Allow the epoxy to dry for 20 minutes. If you plan to add another broken piece on top of the epoxy, wait for 20 minutes to ensure it can handle the additional weight. The epoxy should cure at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If the pieces don’t hold together well due to gravity, you can temporarily seal them with a small amount of clay.
If there is any excess epoxy on the pottery, gently scrape it off using a razor blade. Always wear protective eyewear and consider bending the razor blade for easier removal. Clean the pottery surface with alcohol to promote bonding with the filler.
Apply Filler
In the next step of Lakeside Pottery’s repair process, ceramic filler is applied. Before starting, ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned with 91 percent alcohol. This will remove any oil from your hands and dust that may have settled on the pottery during the reassembly process. Mix equal parts of PC-11 epoxy filler and apply a thin layer, making sure to push it into any cracks. Allow the epoxy filler to set for at least 12 hours to dry. It is best to let it dry at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Refinish by Sanding and Repainting
Once the epoxy filler has hardened for at least 12 hours, it is time to sand it down. It is important to wear protective eyewear during this process. Lakeside Pottery suggests using a Dremel EZ lock sanding disc with a grit of 120. It is best to use a low speed setting and apply gentle pressure to avoid leaving burn marks. Alternatively, you can also opt to sand by hand using sandpaper. Begin with a 220-grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer 400-grit sandpaper. Afterwards, clean the stoneware with alcohol to eliminate any dust, sand, or oils. Finally, if necessary, repaint the pottery to seamlessly blend in the cracks and filler. It is advisable to choose a paint that closely matches the original color.
