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  • 1.  Ceramic repair

    Posted 06-01-2022 14:52
    Hi all, just a generic question... what is the best adhesive to use for ceramic repair? This is just for my own personal use, random broken bowls and lamps, etc. I absolutely hate gluing things back together, but sometines it needs to be done.

    Thanks!

    Jennifer Sterne
    Painting Conservation

    462 Highway 70
    Pegram, TN 37143
    267-424-9925
    http://artnurse.net


  • 2.  RE: Ceramic repair

    Posted 06-01-2022 17:31
    Hi Jennifer, 

    A frequent adhesive used in conservation is HMG adhesive - it's a cellulose nitrate adhesive that can be cleaned up with acetone/nail polish remover and comes in a squeezable metal tube similar to superglue which makes it pretty easy to apply. A tube runs at about $20. However, I'd advise against using it on ceramics that you'd want to serve food on, and I wouldn't soak the object in hot water, put it in an oven, or run it through a dishwasher - the adhesive starts to soften at about 130F. I hope that helps!

    All the best,
    Liz

    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor

    ------------------------------
    Elizabeth Peirce
    Conservator (Objects)
    Library of Congress
    Arlington VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Ceramic repair

    Posted 06-02-2022 13:30
    Jennifer, 

    My go-to adhesive is B-72 which can be purchased pre-made or make your own (as I do). 

    The link to an explanatory article: Preparing and Using Paraloid B-72 Adhesive Mixtures 

    Craig

    ------------------------------
    Craig Deller
    Fellow
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Ceramic repair

    Posted 06-03-2022 07:11
    I agree with Craig Deller that Paraloid B72 is exceptionally stable and is suitable for most ceramic repair. 
    Two provisos: please do not use repaired ceramics for holding food (may retain bacteria in minute cracks and there is a risk of the join failing at critical moments) and if you live in an area that has high summer temperatures you may prefer an adhesive with a higher glass transition temperature such as Paraloid B48. 
    If the join has to bear heavy weight or is at a steep angle you may need a more rigid adhesive such as polyester or epoxy. Coating the join surfaces first with a thin layer of Paraloid B72 adhesive will enable you to take the join down in future if needed. 
    Please remember HMG's tubes of ready-mixed Paraloid B72 contain some cellulose nitrate as well and shouldn't be used. Please don't ever use cellulose nitrate to repair anything. It is inherently unstable, discolors to a dark brown and cross links, becoming insoluble. Nasty stuff. 
    Hope this helps
    All the best
    Helena

    Conservation Development Officer
    South West Museum Development 
    Www.southwestmuseums.org.uk



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Ceramic repair

    Posted 06-03-2022 18:24
    Yes, B-72 is the conservation standard and the best material to use should you be able to mix it yourself and have access to the solvents needed to get it into solution. Thank you Helena and Craig for your input!

    Best,
    Liz

    C2C Care Monitor

    ------------------------------
    Elizabeth Peirce
    Conservator (Objects)
    Library of Congress
    Arlington VA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Ceramic repair

    Posted 06-03-2022 18:24
    Thanks everyone, again this is just for silly things around my house. I have a plant pot and a plant dish and some general household things that occasionally get broken by my crazy cats. I think I will probably use to B72 so I can flow it into a crack.

    Happy weekend!



    Jennifer Sterne
    Painting Conservation

    462 Highway 70
    Pegram, TN 37143
    267-424-9925
    http://artnurse.net



    Original Message


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