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.