Understanding the Damage
Before attempting to repair a broken ceramic plate, it is essential to understand the type of damage it has sustained. Assess the number and size of the cracks, chips, or breaks in the plate. If the fracture has caused the plate to split into many pieces or has severely smashed it, it may be beyond repair. In such cases, it’s best to restore the plate by using the larger shards as vase tiles or fillers for mosaic projects.
Choosing the Right Adhesive
Once you’ve determined the damage, it’s time to choose an appropriate adhesive. The market offers a range of adhesive options for ceramic repairs like cyanoacrylate or superglue, two-part epoxy, and silicone adhesive. Avoid using regular glue or contact adhesive as it won’t provide a lasting hold. While buying, ensure that your adhesive is waterproof and heat-resistant and dries in a clear color.
Preparation and Application of Adhesive
Clean the surface of the broken ceramic plate with warm soapy water and pat it dry with a towel. If required, sand the broken ends to roughen the surface for a stronger bond. Once you’re sure the surface is dry and clean, apply the adhesive to one piece at first, using a toothpick or a similar object. After distributing the glue thoroughly, adhere the other piece and hold them together firmly for a few minutes. To allow the adhesive to cure, let the plate sit overnight.
Final Touches and Curing
After drying overnight, the plate should be checked for weak points or residual stickiness or roughness. Sand any protruding adhesive residue, or rough edges or, in case of excess glue, scrape them off carefully with a blade or craft knife. Once you have the right shape, avoid using the plate for at least 7 to 10 days. This is to ensure that the adhesive has time to bond entirely and isn’t weakened by regular use further.
Alternative Methods
If you’re not certain of the adhesive technique or find it too complicated, try using baking soda and superglue instead. Apply the glue to one of the broken sections and sprinkle some baking soda on top of it. Then adhere the other piece and hold it for a few minutes. Let it dry overnight and sand it down later. Similarly, some people also use milk since it is non-toxic and dries in ceramic color.
