Asked on Mar 11, 2020
How can I repair and refinish a Mexican clay pot?
by Jane Doe
+14
I have 3 large "clay" pots from Mexico, purchased locally probably at a local market a long time ago. One broke. Looks like they were made of some sort of concrete/clay blend. Is anyone familiar with this material? The pots are very heavy. Does anyone know how to repair the broken pot? The repair can probably be done with construction adhesive. MOST IMPORTANTLY, and this is where the real EXPERT ADVICE is needed, how does one go about refinishing these things? What products are used? Thank you!
Hello-I have repaired many pots with epoxy putty.
Both cracks, breaks, missing lip and even purposefully plugged bottom drainage holes.
—I have to share this favorite tip with you. Its for repair- rehab both in general crafting and home improvement
—my go to miracle repair tip is the Oatey epoxy putty stick. I find it easier to work with than bondo and this clay like putty can be sculpted and fill defects. It does harden in a few minutes and will dry a gray color can be sanded or drilled and will needing painting unless its final gray color works for your repair.
It's a two-part epoxy sticky-found at big box hardware stores in the plumbing department near the pvc purple glue. In a clear plastic red capped tube. I get mine at Lowes $6.
Home Depots its version and JB Weld is another but more $ and smaller.
Other smaller 2 part epoxy sticks options can also be found in the boat marine and wood repair shopping sections.
You mix -press -then you can use scrape off excess (I use depleted gift card) and/or sand and paint.
Cured putty is strong enough to drill through.
Putty safely seals/waterproofs for plumbing boat repairs.... Ive used it for exterior entry door frame wood rot repair, elliptical pedal repair, multiple arts and crafts repair of damaged pottery- wood -ceramics, plug up holes in planters, repair cracks in planters or make a new lip on the pottery planter. Ive repaired holes in a utility garage sink ( thanks previous HO) repaired a break in the top rim border of an elliptical peddle, repaired damages in a concrete statue, fixed a split wood disk on a wind chime, its a great defect filler.
Its a product I might suggest you try followed by the painted restoration needed. Hope this helps! Best wishes!
https://www.oatey.com/2373255/Product/Oatey-Fix-It-Stick-Epoxy-Putty
Looks like ironstone to me. A two part clear epoxy for the repair. Any brand will work. Apply to the break and tape parts together with painter tape. Remove any squeeze out with nail polish remover.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/J-B-WELD-Clearweld-Clear-Epoxy-Adhesive/50149636?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-pnt-_-google-_-lia-_--_-glue-_-50149636-_-0&store_code=2304&placeholder=null&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInMyKromU6AIVA4bICh0lpgUMEAQYASABEgInAfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
You can use Rustoluem 2X spray paint to refinish. Rustoleum also make spray paint that looks like stone with texture
Hi there Jane,
You can buy Paint/Stain for Concrete at your DIY store . You should also be able to pick up a Terracotta Paint/Spray too. Best wishes. - Sticking Pot together use an adhesive for concrete and clay. Best wishes.....
Hi Jane, here's a video tutorial that will help you fix your clay pot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv1PZsHpQzI If it doesn't work you can consider repurposing the pot and turning it into a one of these fairy gardens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUrc7t9IoV8
I might use an epoxy for some character
Once fixed, I would recommend emptying them over the winter. Temperature changes of freezing soil can damage them again. Probably best to store in garage or shed during winter.
Here is info on fixing your pottery. Good luck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqBI7RcsKAc
here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kneRDtIU5e8
Liquid Fushion I think could hold it together! https://amzn.to/3aWV0oU I love this stuff!
I love J-B Weld products for repairs like this.
You think it will need to be refinished because the broken areas have chips in addition to the cracks or the composite material has disintegrated?
There was a similar problem when my family and I were going to move to a new place of residence and freed our garage from things. It was a solid garbage dump and so dirty things. We had an excellent offer from https://www.emop.co.uk/earlsfield-cleaner, which easily clean everything. So in this case everything is possible when you know how to do it.
You need to get a waterproof spray or paint to waterproof the pot so water doesn't seep in to the clay spray inside and out try scotch gard or a waterproof paint for clay or brick try homedepot.
Maybe I'm just not seeing things clearly, but what IS this top photo?
I would love to learn that too