How to Fix a Nicked Dish

There are many reasons to repair dishes if they are nicked, instead of tossing them out. China can be expensive and collectors of fine china know that pieces in their collections may be irreplaceable. Also, some find sentimental value in their dishes, especially if they inherited them from a loved one and wish to preserve them for as long as possible. Repairing nicks and dings in dishes is often less expensive than buying entirely new dishes, though it may take time and effort.

Cotton ball or cotton swab
Rubbing alcohol
Toothpick
Clear-drying epoxy
Oil-based paint
Extra fine sandpaper
Glaze
Feathery paint brush

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the nicked area of your dish by soaking a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. If the nick is very small, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Dab the area carefully so you do not make the nick any worse.
- 2
  Mix a very small amount of oil-based paint and epoxy; do not add too much paint. The mixture should be creamy, not watery. The oil-based paint should match the color of the area you need to fill. Dip a toothpick into the mixture and apply it carefully to the nick in the dish. Let the paint and epoxy filling dry over night.
- 3
  Touch the filling to be sure it is dry. If it is still tacky, let it dry for another few hours. If it is dry, remove extra filler with fine sandpaper. Do not rub so hard that you scratch or remove all the filler. You can also use the sandpaper to form the filler into the shape you want.
- 4
  Add glaze with a feathery paint brush. The glaze should be applied thinly. Let it dry for a few more hours unless the glazing directions indicate otherwise.

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