How to Mend Broken China

Introduction

China is delicate and will often break due to daily use and careless handling. This guide will show you how to effectively mend plain, slightly broken china using a clear epoxy filler.

Tip: You can add any pigment to the epoxy, making the cracks less visible and the repair more subtle.

What you need

Step 1 How to Mend Broken China

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Wipe all broken edges with rubbing alcohol using a paper towel.
Do this to eliminate any grease and dirt.
Be aware that rubbing alcohol is highly flammable.
Be aware of sharp edges throughout this repair.

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Step 2

Pour epoxy into a smooth-surfaced container.
We used the plastic wrapping of the razor, but any container works.
Don't use epoxy in a small, confined space.
Do not get epoxy near eyes or on skin. Consider using polyethylene or polypropylene gloves.

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Step 3

Mix epoxy fluids with a toothpick.
The fluid sets in 5 minutes, so you must quickly apply it to the china. You can mix more if the first pour hardens.

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Step 4

Apply the epoxy along the edges of the base piece of china and first chipped piece of china using the toothpick.

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Step 5

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Attach the first detached piece to the base carefully by hand.
Adjust as needed.
Don't worry about excess epoxy at this point. It will be removed after setting.

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Step 6

Apply epoxy on the next detached piece and the already mended piece
Use a tweezer to attach smaller fragments.

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Step 7

Attach the piece to the china.
Adjust as needed
Repeat the process of applying epoxy and attaching the chips until all broken pieces are successfully in place.

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Step 8

Place mended china in a container of stabilizing sand or gravel.
This step is performed to put the right gravitational weight on the attachments so the pieces don't become unaligned during the setting of the epoxy.
Leave to set for at least 1 hour.

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Step 9

Shave off as much excess epoxy as possible using the razor.
Exhibit caution when using the razors; they are very sharp!

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Step 10

Use coarse sandpaper to further reduce the excess epoxy.

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Step 11

Use fine sandpaper to smooth out remaining inconsistencies.

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Step 12

Darker cracks form where the clear epoxy functions as filler, but the cup will work perfectly fine! Add colored pigment to the epoxy for a more subtle repair.

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