How to repair broken clay pots and care tips

Repairing clay pots

• Damaged clay pots can always be repaired even if broken into many pieces. Many ancient pots that are still in use in gardens have been repaired several times. When lovingly repaired the pot will gain in history and character.
  
  1. Always wear protective gloves in a well-ventilated area when handling epoxy glue or acetone.
  2. Mix epoxy glue with some powdered clay of matching colour or sprinkle the powder on the glued surface.
  3. Use acetone to remove excessive glue before it settles.
  4. Gently sand with very fine sandpaper when the epoxy has hardened to improve the finish of the surface.

Care tips

• Clay pots will age beautifully. If weathered for many years they will gain in character. With time moss and algae will colonize the pot. This is part of the natural ageing process for a clay pot.
• For extra caution protect your pots from frost by moving them into a shed or wrapping them up with fleece, bubble wrap or sacking. This is especially important for pots with delicate surface decorations.