Glue for Ornament Repair

[nicki]

jazzman said:

Hello Everybody

I don't have any suggestions about ornament yellowing, however I do have a question about how to repair ornaments that have broken. Because of the different type of materials used, I have found it difficult to know which type of adhesives to use. Any suggestions?

jazzman

Hi Jazzman, we are often asked about ornament repair.

If a part of the ornament has simply come unglued, it is important to first clean off the old glue. I use a thin bladed knife to scrape off any residue. This also "roughs-up" the surface a little which will help the glue hold. The just a tiny dot of super glue should make it as good as new.

The key to using super glue is... LESS IS MORE. If you use too much not only will the glue not hold, it will probably drip on something else creating damage. JUST THE TINIEST SPOT of Super Glue will hold with amazing strength.

Super Glue or any other type of adhesive doesn't work as well if its a clean break. The break will probably show and will not have it's original strength, so may break again along the way.

Porcelain ornaments are the hardest to repair. The break will always show, and often the glue will not hold it.

There are many adhesives out there, but we have found super glue to have the best hold. If you've found something that works better for you, post your tip here! Happy Collecting, Nicki

[jazzman]

Nicki, thanks for the tip. I have used super glue on a few with success. On the porcelain ones, I used a little airplane glue (older type) and had a little better repair job. I was just wondering if there was something that was recommended for some of the other resin type onraments, haven't had much luck.
Thanks
Jazzman

[nicki]

Jazzman,
Resin is the hardest to repair....many of us affectionately call it

"DISASTER PLASTER" as it has earned the name.

It tends to chip and shatter. No good way to repair, unless you don't mind the repair REALLY SHOWING!

Personally, I wish Hallmark would stop using it, our little pieces of art aka ornaments deserve better!

[jazzman]

nicki, I agree. thanks
jazzman

[diana]

I've used "Lock-Tite" brand before. One reason I like it is because the bottle has a special opening/closing "lock" so that you can reuse the glue. With the Super Glue brand, once a tube or bottle is opened, it's use and throw as they never work a second time for me.
I put just a touch on one of the pieces, then a touch on the side and have them overlap just a little. Seems to work ok that way.

I fully agree on wishing Hallmark would stop using disaster plaster. It's pretty frustrating how many of those ornaments break each year, plus they are so heavy they are not easy to decorate with.

[jazzman]

diana,

thanks I will give that a try.

Jazzman

[Ginny]

Jazzman, a type of glue that I have heard the Hallmark Keepsake artists themselves recommend is something called E6000 (or is it E5000 - can't remember); it's found in craft and hobby shops.

[claudia]

Jazzman and Ginny, it's E6000.

E6000 hardens by solvent evaporation. The material will provide significant "grab" in 5 to 10 minutes; however, complete cure for maximun strength requires 24 hours.

I would highly recommend E6000.

[laura]

A suggestion when using stupid glue (anyone who has glued their lips together has the right!!! ) to the end of the tube, store it tip side up and gently squeeze the sides to bring the clue back down into the tube before capping it. I used to use it at work all the time so I had to get really good at making a tube last for a long time.

Another suggesting for any kind of glue you may use, squirt some onto a piece of aluminum foil and then dip a toothpick into it. Gives you super precision for placement of the glue and you don't have to worry about whether you are squeezing the tube too hard causing a big glob to get all over your ornament.

[kccpursuit]

How to make a tube of super glue last forever.

1) Leave th plastic tip intact (DO NOT CUT THE TIP OFF)
2) Remove the plastic twist cap
3) Puncture the tube with a tooth pick (making the hole as small as possible)
4) Squeeze a droplet out of the hole you just made
5) Use a tooth pick to apply the glue to your surface
6) When finished screw the plastic cap back on the tube

If you repeat this process every time you use the glue, it will stay fresh and never harden in the tube.

[nicki]

WOW...what great useful ideas.

Love the "put a drop on tin foil and use toothpick to apply" idea, and kccpursuits idea for making the super glue last "until the very last drop" is great.

and, I'll have to pick up some E6000 adhesive to try too, althought I love the "quick fix" that Super Glue provides!

You all are a wealth of information! We'll all be prepared when the next ornament casualty occurs!

[nicki]

I picked up a tube of the E6000 glue at Hobby Lobby, and we used it to glue back in place the clapper for a porcelain bell.

It was a bit stringy and not nearly as "instant" as super glue, but worked well!

[msu79gt82]

I have used Liquid Nails successfully.

[Mary Walzer]

I love the Super Glue Tips but haven't had much luck using it on my Hallmark Ornaments.
Every year I find I am re-doing the same ornaments.
I ran across an article that suggested 2 part epoxy. I picked up a fast setting clear one & boy did it work! It even held onto a tiny broken antler from one of my reindeer. And they didn't stick to any part of my body during the process which is always a plus.
The test will be if they are still in one piece when I take them out next year. No matter how carefully I pack them I still have one or two that have separated where they were original molds connect.

[nelsonronald]

Thanks for E6000 glue, I have repaired my old necklace with it, it is good. Now I have purchased the scripture jewelry from an online store, which is made up of good quality material and seems strong. So I think, there is no need of E6000 glue for the scripture jewelry.