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How To Fix Chipped Crystal or China

Posted on 08. Feb, 2010 by Kate in Home

After Christmas dinner has been eaten and the glow of the holidays passes, often we’re left with a few memories, like broken plates or glasses, that we’d just as soon not remember. Time to figure out how to salvage what can be salvaged.

Now, for crystal glasses, there are not that many creative ways to repair chips and broken stems. But, don’t lose all hope as there are a few things to be done. If you can find a good glassware artist in your area, he or she can either sand down and re-bevel chips in crystal or even repair a stem.

Beware of trying to glue crystal pieces back together yourself – often you can do more damage than good and a professional will no longer be able to help you. This, unfortunately, goes against my inner “MacGyver” yet I think it’s good advice: leave some things to professionals. Try Googling glassware repair or china repair in your area and start there.

For nicks and cracks on fine China you can often find someone to make a custom fill. A professional (again, go with someone who knows what they are doing and DON’T try this at home) will be able to match your china color and often can sand then re-paint (within reason) your pattern.

It won’t be good as new as you’ll still have a broken foundation, but it could just pass muster. Of course, there are always the big breaks that can’t be repaired and you’ll have to relegate those pieces of china or crystal to the display case, to be kept around for sentimental purposes. But hey, what’s a family heirloom without a crack or two to show character?

photo credit: Bitterjug

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