Expert: Leisha Hiester - 7/8/2008

Question
I recently purchased a vintage Art Deco china tea set.  The silver painted exterior has been worn off in many places and I would like to know how best to restore it so that I can use it rather than keep it only for display purposes.

Answer
Catherine,

How wonderful! I am ALL for refurbishing, re-use! I applaud you.

Do you currently do ceramics of any kind? Do you have access to a kiln? If you do you can use a commercial product called an "overglaze." I'm assuming the silver paint is used as accents versus all over coverage.

Duncan has a nice precious metal "White Gold" (OG802). It is available in a 2 gram bottle. Precious metals can be tricky, just follow instructions to a 'T' and I encourage you to practice on another piece first.

This product contains gold, so it can be expensive, but worth the results! Happy golding!

Leisha

PS. If you're not a ceramicist I encourage you to seek out one in your area familiar with overglazing.