Bisqueware
Once a pot has been bisque-fired, it is still vulnerable to damage. But, many bisque pots can be repaired successfully.
Sharp/rough spots (check where you have signed the pot, this is often sharp)
- Gently sand or dremmel the area
- Wipe with a damp sponge and allow to dry before glazing
Wax mishaps
- Use the heat gun to burn off the wax
- Scrap or sand the area then wipe with a dry-damp sponge
- Re-fire the pot
Cracks around attachments
- Fill with APT puddy if necessary and wipe excess off
- Re-fire the pot
Glazeware
Repairing glazed pots can be done successfully especially in an electric kiln. Some glazes don’t object to being re-fired; however, however, some are more sensitive and will pit or bubble when re-fired. Here are some repair tips:
Glaze issues
- Mix a little APT into a small amount of glaze or use glaze
- Heat the entire pot using the heat gun – it should be too hot to touch
- Paint the glaze onto the pot – it is usually best to cover the entire pot
- Dry the glaze with the heat gun
- Add extra glaze to the damaged areas and dry with the heat gun
- Re-fire the pot
Re- attachments – on horizontal surfaces (feet or knobs) can often be re-attached; re-attachments on vertical surfaces are rarely successful.
- Make a puddy of glaze and APT
- Add glaze to the broken attachment and its connection point
- Add the attachment and connect to the pot
- Re-fire the pot
This is the final installment of first aid for pots. As a bonus, I have compiled all of the tips in a flyer (click here) for your convenience.