Revive your ceramic pieces with AMACO Bisque Fix: The 'first aid kit' every ceramicist needs!

by Chanicha T

In ceramics, mistakes are always possible, whether it's a broken cup handle, cracks from biscuit firing, or a piece shattering before glazing. It would be a shame to throw away a valuable piece... Today, Pottery Clay will introduce you to AMACO Bisque Fix, a multi-purpose ceramic repair glue that potters worldwide consider their studio's "Ceramic First-Aid."

What is AMACO Bisque Fix?

Bisque Fix is a special, high-heat resistant ceramic repair cream that can be used to bond broken or fill cracks in both raw and biscuit-like materials. Its most notable feature is that when re-fired, the adhesive becomes extremely strong and can withstand temperatures up to Cone 10 ( approximately 1,280-1,300°C) .

Professional Usage Tips

To achieve a flawless and durable repair that looks like new, here are some tips compiled from experts abroad:

1. Prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly before applying the adhesive. Ensure the crack or fracture is free of dust, dirt, or grease. For very narrow cracks, it is recommended to use a sharp tool to slightly widen the crack in a "V" shape to allow the Bisque Fix cream to penetrate deeper and bond more firmly.

2. Application and Adhesion: Use a paintbrush or small spatula to apply Bisque Fix to both sides of the crack. Then press the pieces together firmly until a small amount of adhesive oozes out. When filling cracks, apply the adhesive slightly " raised" above the surface of the workpiece, as the adhesive will shrink slightly after drying and firing. Applying an extra layer will help the joint appear perfectly filled after firing.

3. Smooth the surface and allow the adhesive to dry completely (you can tell when the adhesive turns off-white and hardens). Then, gently sand away any excess with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish that blends seamlessly with the original workpiece.

4. Detailing with Glaze: Since Bisque Fix pieces turn an off-white color after firing, if your piece is made of dark clay, after repairing and sanding, you should apply a glaze over the repaired area for a beautiful and seamless finish.

Precautions for use.

  • Food safety: Although Bisque Fix is highly durable, when repairing cracks in food containers (especially on the inside that comes into contact with food), it is recommended to apply a sealant over the repaired area for a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
  • Shrinkage: Bisque Fix may shrink slightly differently from the clay itself, so very large repairs may still show some traces. Therefore, it is best suited for small to medium-sized cracks.

AMACO Bisque Fix is the tool that transforms a potter's nightmare into a beautiful masterpiece. Anyone who doesn't want to waste their meticulously crafted work should definitely have one of these on their potter's bench.

 

Reference information.

  •  Amaco Brent (Official Site): Bisque Fix Usage Guide
  • The Ceramic Shop: How to repair broken pottery with Bisque Fix
  •  Ceramic Arts Network: Discussion on S-crack Repairs & Success Rates

 

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