How to Repair a Ceramic Bird Bath

How to Repair a Ceramic Bird Bath. Bird watchers know that there are two effective ways to attract birds--bird feeders and bird baths. Once the birds accustom themselves to the location of a regular feeding site and a bird bath they will return again and again. Ceramic bird baths are one attractive choice but they are susceptible to cracking. Pieces can then break off, especially when water freezes in the ceramic basin. However, a homeowner can easily fix a ceramic bird bath.

Things Needed

• Mild dishwashing liquid
• Scrubbing pad
• Plastic gloves
• Small paint brush
• Polyvinyl acetate ("white glue")
• Rag
• Utility knife or razor blade
• Cotton swabs

Step 1

Drain all water from the ceramic bird bath.

Step 2

Lightly scrub the broken edges of the bird bath. Use warm water with a bit of mild dishwashing soap mixed in. Make sure that no dirt or dust adheres to the broken pieces.

Step 3

Rinse the ceramic bird bath with clean water and let it dry.

Step 4

Put on plastic gloves.

Step 5

Apply polyvinyl acetate or "white glue" to the edge of the broken piece of the ceramic bird bath with a small paint brush. Cover the entire edge.

Step 6

Join the broken pieces of the ceramic bird bath together. Apply light pressure.

Step 7

Hold the pieces of the ceramic bird bath together for at least 10 minutes as the glue starts setting. Let the glue dry for one hour.

Step 8

Scrape off any excess glue from the ceramic bird bath repair site with a knife or a razor blade.

Step 9

Wipe the repaired area of the ceramic bird bath with warm wet cotton swabs to remove any remaining glue.

Warnings

• Let the bird bath dry for 24 hours after repairing it before refilling it with water.

References

• Pottery Magic: Repairing Broken Pottery