Have you every wanted to learn about fine porcelain/ pottery restoration or conservation……………. but did not know where to start?
Have you asked yourself these questions?
"Where do I go to learn how to do porcelain/pottery restoration or conservation?" "Who are the teachers?" How do I know which ones are the best? How do I know what training will work for me? How do I extract information with out making a large investment? "Will I be able to do this type of work?" "Will I be able to get work?" "How much can I earn?"
While the United States does not have a long history of apprenticeships in our trade, we are fortunate to have a selection of excellent instructors. The availability of education in our industry has just evolved over the last 10 to 15 years. Many of these industry teachers offer group training, usually limited to 6 to 10 students per class and typically lasting for one to two weeks.
Other industry experts offer one-on-one, where the teacher sits side-by-side with the student instructing in and observing his/her skill growth. There are also a few programs associated with schools of higher learning. And, a few business leaders offer apprenticeships where skill is attained hands-on in the actual work environment under the guidance of the owner/teacher.
The majority of industry participants, however, are self-taught, learning through trial and error. There are many avenues to skills growth in this industry, but for a newcomer, the paths are not clear and are hard to find.
The repair/restoration/conservation industries are expanding. The general public is paying a great deal more attention to old pieces: their value, care, preservation needs, and restoration values. A large portion of this sudden celebrity is due to the public's exposure to it through television auction, appraisal, and collecting/decorating programs. The widening recognition of the value of historical and sentimental objects is driving an interest in learning the craft of restoring.
Art history students, antique dealers, decorative artists, framers, and collectors are all developing an interest in learning the craft. It is not difficult to find discussion in art circles about the stability, reversibility, integrity and preservation of an art object in need of repair. There is so much to know on just the cleaning and care of a valued item.
Within the actual field of restoration, intense discussions are surfacing on what should be the parameters used to decide when an item should be slated for conservation rather than restoration or practical repair. The more scarce perfectly preserved items become, the more the restoration industry evolves and expands. The recognition of the rarity of these unique and sometimes priceless objects from our historical past creates concern over and demand for their preservation and future careful maintenance.
So if you are new to the craft or just considering its possibilities, and are asking "how do I get started" the following will give you a path?
Let's first take a look at the products. Do what it takes to first make sure that you are not allergic to the components of the dust this craft creates or sensitive to the numerous paints, coatings, and solvents that are used. Many contain Toluene, Xylene, Ethylbenzene, Acetone, etc. Wearing a respirator is a given. Are you disciplined enough to take the proper precautions to protect your health and the health of those who may share your working environment?
Each instructor has his or her favored methods and products. Make sure that you will be physically comfortable with the tools and materials you will be guided to use.
Our industry is making an earnest effort to learn about new products and their applications. It is all very promising. The point being is to ensure that whomever you select for your training or the sources you use for self-training are keeping current, have an open and eager attitude toward new product experimentation, and are not adverse to your questioning product alternatives. Many of the products being used in our craft have evolved over time, each restorer having her/his "secrets." Client education and general consumer demand for quality and reliability have encouraged a new emphasis on building a professional information network that experienced as well as novice restorers can draw from. The AOR/CCA, Association of Restorers & Council of Certified Restorers and its "We Share our Secrets" motto is dedicated to building strong communication links between all facets of the industry.
It is critical before selecting any training vehicle to carefully question the types and availability of demonstrated products. Can the recommended products be easily obtained at competitive prices from multiple sources? Many of these products need to be imported from England or Germany. Some instructors build their teachings around products that they provide directly to the student. While this is convenient, unless the student knows precisely what comprises the product, she/he will be limited in searching for alternate brands. The student may also be stymied when trying to determine compatibility with other products and processes used in prior repairs. Make sure you will be given the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for each product used. These government mandated disclosure forms not only help you to protect your health, they also assist you in determining product components for application purposes. (Check out the website: http://www.camd.lsu.edu/msds/jssearch.htm, all you have to do is just type in the name of a chemical and all the factors including manufactures name and address will appear)
Product availability becomes easier each year. The AOR/CCA is partnering with many leading industry vendors to provide more products and more specifics on existing products. Do not be shy in addressing prospective instructors with these questions. You will be making a big investment in time, money, and materials. You will want to end up with as much versatility and flexibility as possible when it comes to supplies.
Restorer's Supplies, a new company, has taken on the responsibility of searching out all the different systems and associated products that are used in the "practical" world of restoration (versus museum-level conservation) so that they can provide a one-stop service (1-303-384-9121 or www.restorersupplies.com.) Another company that carries conservation and archival products geared more for the conservator is Conservator's Emporium, Nevada. They carry a full line of paper conservation products. Their number is 1-775-852-0404 or www.consemp.com.) Among these two resources, most unique products can be found. The beginning restorer will also need a range of less industry specific products which are readily available from hobby/craft shops, arts stores, and/or automotive paint stores.
The durable products available to our industry make it possible to facilitate lasting repairs. Most restorers use lacquer-based paints. Lacquer paints dry quickly, do not discolor, and have good adhesion. They are very stable paints. Water-based paints and glazes are new on the market. Golden Artist Colors, New Berlin, NY has offered to work with the AOR/CCA to develop water-based paints specifically for the restorer's needs. It is just a matter of time until the bugs are worked out. Our source contact is through NY Central, their number is 1-800-950-611. They offer a complete line of water-based paints and glazes that are for the porcelain artists.
Generally speaking, there is very little difference in the techniques and processes used to complete a repair. All restorers go through the same basic steps: clean, adhere, fill, level, and paint. These methods are addressed in all training programs that I am familiar with, whether private or group. The student needs to become proficient in the techniques used at each step in the process. This takes time and hours of practice!
When interviewing a prospective instructor, be sure to get a detailed explanation of the student notes you will receive. Will you be leaving with a complete "how-to" manual with adequate reference material to guide you through independent work when questions arise? Many students quickly become frustrated once they are on their own and a problem arises. No two repairs are ever exactly the same, questions will arise and there will be projects for which it seems nothing will work. Stress can be minimized by the availability of good follow-up materials. Just as important, is to verify the availability of the instructor for post-training assistance when problems do arise.
Find out from your prospective teacher what follow-up support will be available and at what cost. You cannot expect an instructor to be instantly available to answer your every question and assist you each time you get stuck. Much learning comes from trial and error. But, it is reasonable to expect that provision will be made to be available for those times when you have exhausted your resources and still have no solution. Determine right up front the level and quantity of follow-up that will be available to you.
No one has ever quit "because there was no work" or "there was not enough money in it." However, one member did just recently share with me that she was ready to give it up. "Until I read the article on airbrushing, I had given up because I did not know how to clean my airbrush." The number one reason that most novice restorers quit is that they got stuck at some point and were not able to work through the problem and had no one to turn to for help. To summarize: Does the training program you are considering provide technical support? Is there a charge?
Part of your research also needs to include a careful examination of your own motives and capabilities. Is this profession really for you? The art of restoration takes time, a long time, to master. There are many variables that will enter the picture as you progress on to doing work unguided on your own. Much of a newcomer's potential success depends on her/his natural talent. How creative are you? Do you become discouraged easily? Do you have the personality to keep working through a problem no matter how long it takes? Does working on small objects requiring a lot of detailed concentration produce stress and become a frustration? Is your workspace in an uninterrupted environment? Distractions will take away from needed concentration. The restorer always needs to be extremely focused during and after learning this craft.
The AOR/CCA can be a great support to all newcomers as well as to those who have been in the field. It offers support through its headquarters staff, the Q & A board, private email clubs, and through the networking and seminars of its conventions. AOR/CCA members are setting an example for the entire industry on how to effectively share vital information and technical/ product advice.
The AOR/CCA on-line library has many articles that can be used for self-study, teaching, follow-up, and problem solving. This newsletter is another available vehicle for keeping yourself updated on new products and techniques. You are not alone, and AOR/CCA members are dedicated to "sharing secrets" of the trade for the overall betterment of our abilities to serve our customers.
Ask your instructor to provide you with a list of past students that are active in the field. This way, you can form you own network of support. Some instructors provide updates on happenings in the industry, new product availability, and new methods to experiment with. Post-training follow-up and technical support are very important to your potential success.
No one can guarantee you ahead of time that you have the necessary basic abilities nor can they accurately predict how long it will take you to learn the basic skills sufficiently to be performing repairs for clients. From years of experience, however, I can tell you that if you doubt yourself, then you will likely not be successful. I have observed students who have seen what it's all about and instantly know then and there that it is what they want to do. Almost without fail, these people have been successful in learning the craft.
To answer the question "how long is it going to take?" It may be two months, it may be one year or longer. It is all up to you, your personality, and your talent. You will have gained exposure to the methods through the training. It is next up to you to practice and develop the skills. Anyone who is gifted with natural artistic abilities will have an edge, no doubt about it. They will likely be much more at ease and more quickly able to do the objects that needs artistic-level repair. If you struggle in these areas, then concentrate on developing expertise with your airbrush. Perhaps you can find additional training in your area on furthering your art and painting skills. Develop a strategic relationship with a local airbrush artist and bring the hard pieces to her/him. Success is all about creative thinking.
I highly recommend that anyone interested in this type of work attend one of the AOR/CCA conventions. After observing and networking with restorers and suppliers for two and a half days, you will know whether you have found your calling. It is a small investment to make compared to investing in the startup products, tools, and training prior to understanding what the business demands. You can expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000.00 for your initial equipment, supplies, and training, including overnight costs and expenses. Or request a catalog about their new training center, AOR, Academy of Restoration, that will be opening in the Spring of 2001.
I suggest visiting at least two or three active restorers' studios. Call around to see which ones would be receptive and willing to share startup insights. AOR/CCA members and their contact information are listed on the website at www.assoc-restorers.com.
When people ask "is there enough work" my response is "concentrate on developing the techniques. The work will always be there." Show me a good restorer who does not have six months to a year backlog!
Last but not least is what monies can I expect to make? The great thing about this field is that restorers are always able to make money, no matter at what level of competency! Once you develop the skills, learn the short cuts (while not jeopardizing the integrity of the piece or the integrity of your repair), you can be looking at anywhere from $35 to $75.00 per hour. As a beginner if it is taking you 3 times as long then you will be making 1/3 the price. Still not bad -$10.00 to 20.00 per hour while you learn! And, there is the added bonus of self-satisfaction from providing such an awesome service!
Your membership in the AOR/CCA is a crucial first step that you will find very beneficial as you progress. The AOR/CCA provides education and networking to connect you with the practitioners and suppliers to the fields of restoration, repair, conservation, and replacements. It is the AOR/CCA's mission to air all viewpoints so restorers can make informed decisions that will be for the betterment of his/her profession growth and ability to perform quality work for clients.
AOR/CCA offers on-going instructions in areas such as: reversibility, adhesives, restraint in repair, paints and other materials, bonding techniques, sculpting parts, reproduction parts, gilding, etc. The AOR/CCA is working with its membership to develop a code of ethical business guidelines. It is considering ways to encourage the claiming of a restored item by an identifying imprint on the restored object. AOR/CCA stresses the importance of passing along the documentation on the restoration.
Education is the mission of the AOR/CCA, members are working to elevate the profession through a philosophy of networking that we refer to as "We Share Our Secrets!" For information regarding membership, call 1-800-260-1829 or visit us on the website at www.assoc-restorers.com
The following is a list of all AOR/CCA teacher members, listed alphabetically b location, that offer instructional training in the field of Fine Porcelain/Pottery. If you are looking at making a career in this fascinating field or just want to develop the skills for you won personal use, I suggest contacting each and requesting their literature. All teachers and institutions listed are active members of the AOR/CCA and abide by the "Guidelines of Integrity."
AZ, Chandler
TS Restoration
Judy Denson 480-963-3148
Years in business - 32
Teaching years in business - 26
Paint base - Lacquer - Oil
Provides - Supplies and hard to find products
Videos - Written lesson series
follow up - By phone
Comments - Students should strive to understand products they are using
CA, Carmichael
Karoly's Porcelain Restoration
Barbara Karoly 916-944-4847
Email - karoly@softcom.net
Years in business - 7
Teaching years in business - 5
Number of students in class - 1 to 4
Paint Base - Lacquer
Securing Products - Auto. Paint stores, hdw./hobby & art stores
Written Material - Handouts and Manual
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - By phone
Equipment and Supplies - Airbrush, Drills w/bits, Brushes
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Offers one-on-one for an additional fee
CA, La Mesa
Hadley Restorations
Carla Powell 619-462-5290
Email - CPhad@earthlink.com
Years in business - 7
Teaching years in business - 6
Number of students in class - 1 to 4
Paint Base - Lacquer
Securing Products - Through teacher
Written Material - Handouts, Manual & Video
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - 1 day personal time plus phone
Equipment and Supplies - Airbrush/hose, Compressor, Misc. Small Tools, Brushes, Paints/Solvents, Adhesives, and Fillers
Payment Plan - Yes (3 payments)
Personal Comments - No one has to be an artist, needs to be detailed orientated
CA, Mill Valley
Mill Valley Studio
Frances Felix 415-383-2272
Email - ARCHS6874@aol.com
Years in business - 23
Teaching years in business - 13
Number of students in class - 1 to 6
Paint Base - Lacquer, Oil, Water
Securing Products - Through teacher plus industry
Written Material - Handouts (Book in process)
Level of Training - Novice, Advance
Follow-up Support - By Phone, Email
Equipment and Supplies - All supplies are available
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Teaches the English secrets of restoration, member AIC, addresses conservation
CA, San Jose
Gusten's Restoration Studio
Lenore Gusten 408-294-9662
Email - gusten@ix.netcom.com
Years in business - 5
Teaching years in business - 2
Number of students in class - 3 to 4
Paint Base - Lacquer
Securing Products - Auto. paint stores, hdw/hobby and art stores
Written Material - Handouts, Manual & Supplier catalogs
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - Is available
Equipment and Supplies - Brushes, Adhesives, Fillers, Sandpaper Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Business plan, workshop design, business ethics, safety
CO, Golden
Restorations by Michael, Inc
Michael Blair 303-384-9121
Email - mblair5028@aol.com
Years in business - 15
Teaching years in business - 6
Number of students in class - 1 to 3
Paint Base - Water and Oil
Securing Products - All supplies available through Restorers Supplies
Written Material - Handouts
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - By phone and email
Equipment and Supplies - Please inquire
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Each student is interviewed and an assessment is made to qualify
Fl, Daytona Beach
Richford's Restoration
Sharon Richford 904-239-0936
Email - srichford@aol.com
Years in business - 15
Teaching years in business - 5
Number of students in class - 1 to 10
Paint Base - Lacquer
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts, Manual
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - By phone, email and mail
Equipment and Supplies - Airbrush/hose, Drill w/bits, Misc. Sall Tools, Brushes, Paints/Solvents, Adhesives, Fillers, Sandpaper
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Includes one year membership in AOR.CCA. Three full days of Airbrushing & Color Matching
LA, Layfayette
The Restoration Shoppe, LTD
Jean PreJean 337-269-0420
Email - jfixit@bellsouth.net
Years in business - 7
Teaching years in business - 1
Number of students in class - 1 to 16
Paint Base - Lacquer, Water, Epoxy
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts, Manual
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - By phone, email and mail
Equipment and Supplies -Drill w/bits, Brushes, Paints/Solvents, Adhesives, Fillers, Sandpaper Payment Plan - Yes, will work with student
Personal Comments - Emphasis on health safety and ethical restoration
MD, Baltimore
Zorella Ceramic Restoration
Sharon Zorella 410-225-2141
Email - szorella@aol.com
Years in business - 8
Teaching years in business - 3
Number of students in class - 1 to 6
Paint Base - Water
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts, Manual
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - By phone and email
Equipment and Supplies - Student needs to purchase separately
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Personal attention (one-on-one). Student only needs desire to succeed
MI, Flushing
Antiques Restoration Services
Svetlana Shchukina - 810-659-0505
Email - sshch@aol.com
Years in business - 10
Teaching years in business - 1
Number of students in class - 1
Paint Base - Lacquer, Water
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts
Level of Training - Novice and Advanced
Follow-up Support - By phone and email
Equipment and Supplies - Student needs to purchase separately
Payment Plan - No
MI, Lansing
Hackmann Restoration Services
Anne Hackmann 517-351-2011
Years in business - 20
Teaching years in business - 10
Number of students in class - 1 to 2
Paint Base - Lacquer and Epoxy
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts, Manual. Book loaned
Level of Training - Novice
Follow-up Support - Informal meetings at studio
Equipment and Supplies - Misc. small tools, Brushes, Adhesives, Fillers, Sandpaper
Payment Plan - Yes
Personal Comments - Flexible teaching schedule
Mo, Ballwin
Hamlin's Porcelain Restoration Studio
Gloria Hamlin 636-256-8579
Email - hamlinsrestoration@msn.com
Years in business - 20
Teaching years in business - 3
Number of students in class - 1 to 2
Paint Base - Lacquer and Epoxy
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts, Manual
Level of Training - Novice and Advance
Follow-up Support - By phone
Equipment and Supplies - Airbrush/hose, Misc. small tools, Paints/Solvents, Adhesives, Fillers, Sandpaper
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Authorized restorer by Lladro and Capodimonte, plan includes membership in AOR/CCA , emphasis is on conservation methods
NY, New Hartford
Restorers of America
Andrea Daley 315-733-1952
Email - andrea_restore@msn.com
Years in business - 34
Teaching years in business - 28
Number of students in class - one-on-one at students location
Paint Base - Lacquer and Water
Securing Products - Recommended resources
Written Material - Handouts, several recommended books and books loaned
Level of Training - Novice and Advance
Follow-up Support - By phone, email and membership in AOR/CCA
Equipment and Supplies - Airbrush/hose, Compressor, Drills w/bits, Heat lamp, Misc. small tools, Brushes, Chemical Mask, Air Purifier, Paints/Solvents, Adhesives, Fillers, Sandpaper
Payment Plan - No
Personal Comments - Inc. Shop set up, Info on ventilation system, Business and Marketing Plan, Estimating, and one day in field securing work
TN, Nashville
Tindell's Restoration School & Studio
DiAnna Tindell 615-885-1029
Email - Tinrestore@aol.com
Years in business - 10
Teaching years in business - 3
Number of students in class - 1 to 4
Paint Base - Lacquer, Water, Oil, Enamel
Securing Products - All supplies available at school
Written Material - Handouts, Manual, Books (over 200 pages)
Level of Training - Novice and Advance
Follow-up Support - By phone, email and visitations
Equipment and Supplies - All supplies are available at school
Payment Plan - Pre-payment plan only
Personal Comments - Permanent year round school. Full library, complete workstations for each student, lodging available.
South Africa
The South Africa Academy of Ceramic Conservation
Dalene Olivier (Program Coordinator)
Ph: +274422731567
Fax: +274422732177
Email: conservation@eastcape.net
Years in business - Established in 1994
Number of students in class - 6 to 14
Paint Base - Mainly Epoxy
Securing Products - International mail order of all supplies
Written Material - Handouts, Manual and recommended reading
Level of Training - Novice, Advance and Experienced Professionals Follow-up Support - By phone, email, established day visits
Equipment and Supplies - Misc. small tools, Brushes, Paints/Solvents, Adhesives Fillers and Sandpaper
Payment Plan - N0
Personal Comments:
Request brochure - conservation@eastcape.net