Can You Reattach Bone Dry Clay? Here’s How to Revive and Repair It

If you’ve encountered a crack or break in your bone dry clay pottery, don’t despair! There are several effective techniques you can use to reattach and repair the damaged areas. By rehydrating the clay and using specialized adhesives, you can breathe new life into your ceramic creations and get them back on track for firing and finishing.

Rehydrating Bone Dry Clay

One of the key steps in repairing bone dry clay is to rehydrate the material. This can be done in a few different ways:

Damp Box Method: Place the clay piece in a sealed container with a layer of damp plaster or sponge on the bottom. The high humidity environment will slowly rehydrate the clay over the course of a week or so.
Damp Cloth Method: Wrap the clay piece in a soft, damp cloth and place it in a sealed plastic bag. The moisture will gradually be absorbed back into the clay.
Misting: Lightly mist the damaged area with water, being careful not to oversaturate the clay. Allow it to soak in gradually over time.

Once the clay has regained some pliability, you can move on to the repair process.

Repairing Bone Dry Clay

There are a few different techniques you can use to reattach and fill cracks in bone dry clay:

Paper Clay Slip: Mix together bone dry clay, toilet paper, and white vinegar to create a smooth, workable slip. Use this to fill in cracks and gaps, then allow to dry.
Spooze and Magic Water: Make a mixture of dried clay and sugar, then rehydrate it with a “magic water” solution of vinegar and water. This creates a pliable, low-shrinkage filler.
Adhesives: Products like Patch-A-Tatch, which contain ground fired clay and sodium silicate, can be used to glue broken pieces back together.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to take your time and allow the repairs to fully dry before moving on to the next steps. Sanding may be required to blend the repaired areas seamlessly with the rest of the piece.