Acrylic resin is a type of plastic that, when heated, becomes a liquid, allowing for pouring and moulding into figurines and statues. Acrylic resin is strong and durable enough for outdoor use along with indoor displays. When accidents occur, statues of this type can crack or chip, and parts can break off entirely. However, acrylic resin statues are easily repairable.
- Acrylic resin is a type of plastic that, when heated, becomes a liquid, allowing for pouring and moulding into figurines and statues.
Wipe the statue with a damp rag or wash with soapy water to remove dirt and dust from crack.
Use a flexible putty knife or corner of a credit card to remove dust and dirt from inside the crack.
Apply a small amount of water to the crack to dampen the inside of the crack and achieve a better glue bond.
Apply a line of cyanoacrylate glue to the crack; build the glue up until flush with the surface of the statue. Cyanoacrylate glue dries within seconds of application and will bond better when the crack is damp because of the chemical reaction between the glue and water.
- Apply a line of cyanoacrylate glue to the crack; build the glue up until flush with the surface of the statue.
Buff the repair line smooth with a micromesh sanding pad and touch up the damage with acrylic paint.
Remove small, loose pieces of acrylic resin with a fingernail or edge of a credit card.
Wipe the damaged area with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
Place a plastic bag over fingertips or wear latex gloves to keep fingers free of hard-to-remove putty, then press two-part epoxy putty firmly into the chipped area. Two-part epoxy putty consists of claylike putty and a hardening agent.
Press and mould the putty to match the surface of the statue and allow the putty to dry completely, usually within five to 10 minutes.
Sand the repair with extra-fine sandpaper, wipe away dust, rub with a micromesh sanding pad, wipe away dust and paint the area with matching acrylic paint.
- Press and mould the putty to match the surface of the statue and allow the putty to dry completely, usually within five to 10 minutes.
- Sand the repair with extra-fine sandpaper, wipe away dust, rub with a micromesh sanding pad, wipe away dust and paint the area with matching acrylic paint.
Wipe the statue and broken edges clean with a damp rag.
Sand the edges of the break lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and remove loose pieces around the break. Wipe off sanding dust with a damp cloth.
Wet the edges of the break lightly with plain water and apply cyanoacrylate glue. Quickly replace the broken piece because the glue dries within seconds.
Fill in uneven, small lines around the break with cyanoacrylate glue or large gaps with two-part epoxy putty. Allow to dry fully, generally within less than 10 minutes.
Buff the repair smooth with extra-fine sandpaper and then rub with a micromesh sanding pad. Apply acrylic paint to further disguise the damage and restore the statue.
TIP
Work in a well-ventilated room when using cyanoacrylate glue.