Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: Can you help?   I have several old (pre-1920), large, heavy dinner platters---afraid to use due to deep cracks.  These are irreplaceable...would love to be able to pass them on.  Can they be re-glazed????

ANSWER: Dear Pat,
Assuming that your platters are ceramic and already glazed, I have repaired several older pieces with cracks by applying a clear coat and refiring (low-fire). If you don't have access to a kiln, a local studio can probably be of help. If you let me know what city you're near I can recommend a few or you can do a search under http://www.ccsaonline.com/ look under studios.

Leisha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Leisha, Thanks again so much for your help!  Upon call several studios from your list, they would not accept repairs on items that are not their own.  However, I did find one who would re-glaze.  She requires pre-payment & a sign off to cover the risk of further breakage, or even the explosion of the item.  I understand this, but thought that I would ask if this is a valid concern.  (Platters are large & heavy--Homer Laughlin, & 2 large, hevy pasta bowls as well----Several cracks are long, & all the way through----howwever, unusable as-is)    Thank,again.  (Racine, WI)  Pat

Answer
Pat,
That's fairly standard. She's just trying to protect herself. No one can guarantee against explosion in a kiln, further breakage, etc. She just wants you to realize there is a risk. I guess you have to decide if the risk is worth it. If her reputation checks out in town, if she's been around for a while, she's probably trustworthy. Good luck, Leisha