Children, dogs and cleaners are definitely out if you want to preserve your fragile collectables! The passing of time is nothing compared to these, the three biggest culprits for damaging china, porcelain and glass!
Apart from avoiding these factors, what else can you do to safeguard your beloved ceramics?
Firstly, keep it clean. Handle items carefully and don't be afraid to give them a good wash in warm, soapy water. (Don't put them into very hot or boiling water.) When washing, it's a good idea to put rubber covers over taps to prevent accidental knocking. Polishing is fine too, but only on items which are already shiny.
If the worst happens and something valuable is broken, don't try and repair it yourself! Modern super glues are very difficult to remove and if you make a mess of it, it will ultimately cost much more to repair. It's also important not to put the two broken pieces together - Further damage could well be caused as they scrape together. Finally, keep all the pieces, even the tiny splinters.
It really is best to then contact a professional to restore your precious ornament. Professional restorers can do incredible things with smashed vases! The most shattered porcelain can be rebuilt with epoxy resins. If necessary, they can even be re-enameled and glazed. Delicate patterns too can be re-created. Full restoration can cost anything from £30 upwards. The price is dependant on the amount of damage and the difficulty of the repair, as well as the standard of repair the owner needs. Good restoration can be expensive, but bad restoration is always expensive! At GB Antiques we have our own expert on site. "Domino Repairs" have their own room in the centre, where Roy and June Hargreaves will be happy to give you a no obligation quote for repairing your special item. They are a well established business offering an expert restoration and repair service to china, glass and porcelain of all types, ranging from antiques to modern collectables. They also carry out professional cleaning, especially to difficult items such as Parianware, Bisque and other unglazed ware as well as delicate and highly modelled pieces. Just bring your damaged piece to the centre and leave it safe in Domino's hands!
Restoration is not reserved for porcelain and pottery though, (even if they are particularly fragile) - old furniture, clocks and even teddy bears could all benefit from professional repairs. GB Antiques can help point you in the right direction of other experts in these fields too!
It's no wonder that restoration and repair is a full time job for the professionals! So, if you have a vase which Great Auntie Beryl left you, but can't put it on display because it's badly chipped, take heart - virtually any damage can be repaired
