Re: adhesives

We use Paraloid B-72 for bonding and consolidation of earthenware and coarse grained stonewares. It can also be used to rebond soft paste porcelain and hard paste porcelains in the event such items are not going to be handled much or stressed. Larger porcelains and those which require stronger bonds may be rebonded with Hxtal NYL epoxy resin bearing in mind that reversibility is an issue. We fill voids and chips with with Hxtal and fumed silica and dry pigments to match and polish with glass papers, Micromesh and Autosol to impart a semi- translucent, glaze-like sheen. If the missing areas are to be repainted then we fill with Milliput Super Fine White epoxy putty. Archaeological ceramics and terra cotta are filled with Polyfilla (cellulose plaster)with areas consolidated with B-72 as an isolation layer prior to filling. Keep in mind that all pieces are unique in there method of cleaning, bonding, filling, sanding and retouching and should be evaluated on a case by case basis so that treatment remains reversible and does no further damage in process. All of these products should be available from Conservation Resources in Virginia 1-800-634-6932, Conservator's Emporium in Nevada 1-702 852-0404. Adhering Technologies in CA (good prices on a range of adhesives including Hxtal NYL) 1-530-676-4810. We do sell glass paper and Milliput and an especially good volume on ceramic restoration and conservation: The Conservation and Restoration of Ceramics by Buys and Oakley. Our products and books are available at www.ceramicbooks.com Hope that helps.