How to Glue Terra Cotta or Fine China

A broken terra cotta or china dish may seem unfixable, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can achieve a nearly invisible repair. To fix a broken ceramic item properly, it is essential to start with clean pieces, to use an adhesive appropriate for porous ceramic materials, and to take the time to fit the pieces together properly and let them dry completely. You can even use acrylic paint to touch up your repaired item. Take the time to do the job right, and you may achieve a better result than you imagined.

Fine sand paper
Dishwashing detergent
Adhesive
Toothpick
Epoxy
Clay or a container filled with rice or beans
Razor blade

Instructions

- 1
  Lightly sand the edges of the broken pieces and clean them with hot water and dishwashing detergent. Let them dry completely.
- 2
  Apply a thin coat of adhesive to only one of the broken edges with a toothpick. Use quick-drying epoxy, such as a dishwasher-safe craft bond, for simple breaks, or a slow-drying two-part epoxy for pieces that will take longer to match. Press pieces together and squeeze out any excess adhesive.
- 3
  Press clay onto the seam to hold it together or submerge the item into a container of beans or rice to hold the pieces in place while the adhesive dries.
- 4
  When the adhesive is completely dry, carefully scrape away any excess with a razor blade.

How to Carpet a Tube

How to Get a Matte Finish With Lacquer Paint

Interior Home Repair