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How to Repair Broken Resin Statues

Resins are popular, sturdy casting materials for a variety of figures, including mass-produced statues, gift-store figurines and privately produced models known as "garage kits." These figures can last a long time with care, but cracks and breaks may occur. Small repairs can be made with a simple smear of super glue; larger problems require extra work and craftsmanship, but they can usually be accomplished by amateurs with steady hands and patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Cyanoacrylate-based glue or five-minute epoxy
  • Two-part epoxy putty or plumber’s putty
  • Hobbyist’s seam-filling tube putty
  • Fingernail polish remover
  • Cotton swabs
  • Acrylic paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the area of the damage to remove loose fragments, including cracked paint. Gently separate parts that are breaking off and sand those as well. Wipe off dust after sanding.

    • 2

      If parts are broken off, apply a thin coat of cyanoacrylate-based glue or five-minute epoxy to the break area on one piece, reconnect the parts and maintain pressure until they bond. Allow the glue to dry. Consult glue packaging for suggested drying time

    • 3

      Fill larger cracks with two-part epoxy putty or plumber’s putty. Wet your fingertips with water before sculpting the putty to match the shape of the sculpture. Allow the putty to dry. Consult packaging for suggested drying time.

    • 4

      If necessary, sand the area where the putty was applied. Wipe off dust after sanding.

    • 5

      If small flaws remain, apply a thin coat of tube putty. Wet a cotton swab with fingernail polish remover and rub on the putty to smooth it. Allow to dry, then lightly sand to further smooth.

    • 6

      Mix acrylic paint to match and then apply to affected area in thin coats until satisfied.

Sculpture

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