Pottery has been around for thousands of years, and it is no surprise that accidents happen. When a piece of pottery breaks, it can be heartbreaking to lose a cherished piece. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, it's possible to glue clay pottery back together. In this article, we’ll go over the steps involved in repairing broken pottery.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before getting started, you'll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here's what you'll need:

– Pottery glue: There are many types of pottery glue available, but the most popular are epoxy and cyanoacrylate (also known as super glue).

– Sandpaper: You'll need sandpaper to smooth out rough edges and surfaces.

– Rubbing alcohol: This will be used to clean the surfaces that will be glued together.

– Paintbrush or toothpick: You'll need this to apply the glue.

– Clamps or tape: This will be used to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.

– A clean, flat surface to work on.

Step 1: Clean the Broken Pieces

The first step in repairing your pottery is to clean the broken pieces. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the surfaces that will be glued together. This will remove any dirt, oil, or residue that could prevent the glue from bonding properly.

Step 2: Apply the Glue

Next, apply the glue to one of the broken pieces. Use a paintbrush or toothpick to apply a thin layer of glue to the surface that will be joined to the other piece. Be sure to apply the glue evenly and cover the entire surface.

Step 3: Join the Broken Pieces

Once the glue has been applied, carefully join the broken pieces together. Make sure the pieces fit together perfectly and apply gentle pressure to ensure a good bond. If the pieces don't fit together perfectly, it may be necessary to sand down one of the broken edges.

Step 4: Hold the Broken Pieces Together

After the pieces are joined, hold them together tightly. Depending on the size and shape of the pottery, you may need to use clamps or tape to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause the pottery to crack further.

Step 5: Sand the Edges

Once the glue has dried, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. This will make the pottery look as good as new.

Tips for Gluing Pottery

– Be patient: Gluing pottery takes time and patience. Rushing the process could lead to a poor bond or further damage to the pottery.

– Choose the right glue: Epoxy and cyanoacrylate (super glue) are both good options for gluing pottery. However, epoxy is a stronger adhesive and is better suited for larger pieces of pottery.

– Use clamps or tape: Holding the pieces together while the glue dries is important for a good bond. Use clamps or tape to hold the pieces together, but be careful not to apply too much pressure.

– Sand the edges: Sanding the edges of the pottery after the glue has dried will give it a smooth finish and make it look as good as new.

In Conclusion

Breaking a piece of pottery can be a heartbreaking experience, but with the right tools and techniques, it's possible to glue it back together. Follow the steps outlined in this article to repair your broken pottery and give it a new lease on life. Remember to be patient and choose the right glue for the job. With a little care and attention, your pottery will look as good as new in no time.