Broken Mug Repair

[Stevenamills]

My father just gave me his grandfather's shaving mug when he heard that I started wet-shaving. Unfortunately, the mug had been broken several years ago. It is now in three pieces. Has anyone successfully repaired a mug so that it was useable? If so, how? I would really love to use this mug- my way of connecting to the past.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[jbradley]

This question requires a little more information. What's it made of? Can you post a picture?

 

[Stevenamills]

I believe the mug is ceramic.



Thanks

 

[The Kiwi]

If the pieces fit back tightly, one of the cyano-acrylate adhesives should take care of it ("Instant Glue").

Ahh, right. Too long since the guy swung from a beam hanging onto his hard hat: "Superglue", same thing.

 

[Mike'sWorld]

+1 for the "super glues" You really have nothing to lose, it's unusable now.

 

[dpmtherrien]

+1 for the "super glues" You really have nothing to lose, it's unusable now.

+1. Yeah, its well worth the shot.

 

[jbradley]

Yeah, I'd try super glue. There are potters that can repair it, I am not familiar with the process, but know it can be done.

 

[Theprofessor]

My father just gave me his grandfather's shaving mug when he heard that I started wet-shaving. Unfortunately, the mug had been broken several years ago. It is now in three pieces. Has anyone successfully repaired a mug so that it was useable? If so, how? I would really love to use this mug- my way of connecting to the past.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I wouldn't suggest repairing it. It is said that bacteria hide in the cracks. So No matter what glue you fix it with there will always be cracks where bacteria can fit. That's my advice.

 

[Threeme2189]

Go for it, but clean the pieces thoroughly before you glue them, especially the parts that will be stuck back together.
You want clean surfaces when you glue stuff.

 

[Rob72]

I wouldn't suggest repairing it. It is said that bacteria hide in the cracks. So No matter what glue you fix it with there will always be cracks where bacteria can fit. That's my advice.

Surely, you jest. "Bacteria" reside in/on everything. Soaps, of all sorts, are at least mildly basic or acidic, and destructive to cell walls. If that is a serious concern(live in the Turd World?), run the mug through the dishwasher on "HOT" once/month, or when you change soaps- or souse with Barbicide.

 

[Steve V.]

If it fits together I would clean the cracks and put it back together with clear marine epoxy.

Steve

 

[ladykate]

This idea is also active in another thread. CA works fine. The mug will have a lot of character afterwards. Marine epoxy is sometimes soft setting. If you use it, be sure to get the type you think you would want. I would use regular epoxy and wipe it down with acetone (to clear any extra off). But CA is always my preference (also wiped with acetone). If it leaks with CA, then just wick more into the leaking area and wipe off.

 

[PugslyCat]

I would look for a gap filling cyano-acrylate adhesives (aka CA or super glue) or 5-minute epoxy to fix this with. If there are small, exterior gaps you might want to patch them with plaster and clear coat those pathces. Interior gaps you can probably fill with the epoxy or the same gap filling CA.

I wouldn't sweat the bacteria thing because it isn't anything you are actually drinking from, and the inside is getting washed with soap every time you lather up.

 

[buma]

maybe just repair the mug by one of the above suggestions (super glue or epoxy) but not for active use? When I say 'active use' I mean such activities such as soaking a brush, or using it to lather pucks or whatnot. Examples of 'passive use' would be using it as a display item, or put your razors in, or some other item that doesn't require it to be water-tight. Just an idea - good luck!

 

[Mike'sWorld]

maybe just repair the mug by one of the above suggestions (super glue or epoxy) but not for active use? When I say 'active use' I mean such activities such as soaking a brush, or using it to lather pucks or whatnot. Examples of 'passive use' would be using it as a display item, or put your razors in, or some other item that doesn't require it to be water-tight. Just an idea - good luck!

Good idea. I have an older Old Spice mug used this way. It's from the forties and beautiful to look at but it's very fragile because of cracks and crazing.

 

[Stevenamills]

Thanks to all for all the great advice and suggestions. After failing several attempts with various epoxies and CAs, I finally broke down and had it repaired by a ceramic restoration service. The company could have repaired it to look brand new, but I chose to keep its cracks and imperfections. I now use the mug every day.