See information below about antique vase and bowl repairs . . .

ANTIQUE VASE REPAIR

This vase was completely restored using Apoxie Sculpt.

The vase is of unknown origin, perhaps French or Dutch and possibly made either in the late 1700's or early 1800's. It seems to have been made from a soft paste prior to firing because it had a tendency to crumble easily.

After gluing each piece very carefully, the vase was missing most of the front flower on the lip, most of the top of the vase, the handles on each side were missing lots of pieces, and there were chips missing from much of the rest of it. Using Apoxie Sculpt I rebuilt the handles, the middle of the base, and the flower on the lip. First I filled in all of the holes and let the Apoxie harden, and then I went back over it all and sanded it smooth. I rebuilt all of the design on top of that repair. I also used Apoxie Safety Solvent to make the Apoxie Sculpt moister to work the design, and as it all set I refined all of the lines and curves with various tools. When it had all cured, I sanded and refined the design some more with tools. Apoxie Sculpt hardens perfectly, yet can be sculpted very easily.

I proceeded to paint the vase by sealing and glossing it all with a cold resin procedure.

My client was very surprised and extremely pleased that the restoration was so invisible and completely recreated.

Thanks to Aves products, the vase looked perfect.

Article and Restoration by:

Sharon Kirsch-Schlesinger

SHARLAN RESTORATIONS
"For your collectible's sake, give me the break"

ANTIQUE BOWL REPAIR

This bowl was discovered on an American Indian mound about 80 years ago and the pieces were sent to me to restore.

I recreated most of the bowl by gluing the pieces together. There were two large chips missing along with many small chips that were visible after the setting process.

I mixed the 2-part Apoxie Sculpt with oil paints to create a dark tint and filled in the chips and recreated the missing larger gaps. After it hardened I sanded the repairs and used a knife to create the missing design. However, I needed a softer, stickier substance to fill in the lines from the glue repair and to recreate a "lumpy" texture over the repaired chips, so I used Aves 2-part FIXIT Paste. I mixed the paste and micro waved it for 10 seconds to make it soft and "gooey." I then tinted the paste and worked it into the crevices of the repair. I dampened my fingers with Apoxie Safety Solvent so that the paste would stick to the repair and mold easier. I then used various tools to recreate the pits and rough surface of the bowl. Once the FIXIT Paste had all hardened I was able to use a small, sharp tip in the paste to pit it more, and bring the crudeness of the design and the "age spots" back to much of its original integrity. I then touched up the colors and used my special ceramic glazes to match the original finish.

My client was absolutely thrilled with the finished bowl. She said that I had kept the integrity so intact with the "pitting" process, and could not find any hint of a repair in the bowl anywhere!

Thanks to Aves products, another piece of "Americana" was restored.

Article and Restoration by:

Sharon Kirsch-Schlesinger

SHARLAN RESTORATIONS
"For your collectible's sake, give me the break"