During the past century, the popularity of porcelain and Chinese ceramics has steadily increased, earning much fanfare from collectors, academicians and researchers alike. These finely crafted items boast a sophisticated look and intricate design. The antiquity that comes with every piece adds another layer of elegance to the material’s already first-rate aesthetics.
As these items were made from hundreds to thousands of years back, it is inevitable for some to get damaged over time. Sellers and owners turn to porcelain restoration or China restoration to keep their belongings’ value and preserve their overall look.
But do you know the most common damages that antique porcelain or China can have? Read about them below:
Crazing
Also called as crackling, this type of damage is commonly seen on glazed art pottery. Crazing is a network of fine cracks found on the porcelain or ceramic’s glaze or surface layer. Though visible, these cracks cannot be felt when you run your fingers over the affected area.
Crazing occurs when the glaze is not able to handle the tensile stress exerted on it. Another possible reason is improper storage and sudden change in temperature.
There are some people who consider crazing as an “added value” to the porcelain ware. But generally speaking, if the presence of these fine cracks can decrease the value of an item.
Cracks
Repairing cracks is one of the most common jobs porcelain restoration companies do.
A typical type of crack is the so-called hairline crack. Unlike crazing, this can be felt with a fingernail. This is a natural fault that goes through the material or clay body itself. The thinner the material is, the more prone it is from getting a hairline crack.
If you want to make sure that your ceramic piece doesn’t have any crack, simply place it over a flat surface and then gently tap near the rim. If it makes a ringing sound, it’s more or less fine. If you hear a dead thud, it means it has a crack somewhere and needs to be repaired.
Chips
Chips can be found either on the rim or on the base. Rim chips are easier to detect: you just have to run your finger along the rim and inspect for any sharp edges. Collectors typically do this kind of inspection to determine if there are any damages that can be hidden in plain sight.
Items like figurines, cups, and vases often get chipped on the base when they are moved from one place to another. Though not as critical as other damages, base chips shouldn’t be ignored because they can still diminish the value of your porcelain or China.
Firing damages
Folks at any china restoration or porcelain restoration company are also familiar with damages that occurred during the item’s firing process.
Firing cracks, for instance, happen when a piece of porcelain or pottery is being subjected to an extremely high temperature. The most commonly affected areas are those considered as the item’s weakest points. Defects like these can be easily visible especially when a glaze is ran over the cracks.
The team at Bradshaw Ceramic Restoration can help you prevent deterioration, and ultimately, the value of your ceramic pieces through proven techniques of porcelain restoration. For China restoration needs, contact us today.
