by Andrea Daley

This process will make you look like an expert, and, you can charge a premium price!

Before I tell you about this new method, I first will give you some background. When lace is used to decorate figurines or other objet d’art, it is referred to as ‘porcelain lace’ or ‘Dresden lace.’ The lace is dipped into slip (liquid clay that is fired in a kiln), then draped on a fiqure to create the desired form. Once positioned, other layers are added to fully complete the desired design. It is then heated to a high temperature, approximately 2100 ⁰ F degrees, burning away the cloth and leaving just the porcelain in the shape of the original lace. After it has cooled, paint and glazes are added and these are fired a second time at a lower temperature.

Due to the fragile nature of the lace, that frequently has protruding parts, it is subject to damage. Until now when repairs were attempted, the missing or repaired sections were hand molded or squeezed through a mesh which resulted in a mismatched or crude duplication. The feel of the replacement part would also be as unacceptable as the aesthetic restoration. Many capable restorers have chosen to not take on the challenge or manage to frustrate themselves with the attempt. In some cases, where there were small holes, sculptured flowers, ribbons, or bows would be placed over the damaged sections. When it came to replacing large sections, most restorers would simply refuse the job.

After many years of experiencing all of the above, I have developed a method that is easy, quick, and extremely effective. I have located a lace that is similar to the pattern used on the old porcelain lace figurines. I located this material from a wholesaler of fabrics. It is the material used for linings in women’s undergarments and bathing suits. Once purchased, the next step is to stretch and stiffen the material to match the hole size of the piece being restored. This is done by placing a piece of the material in an embroidering ring, stretching the holes to the exact size needed, then applying a coat of CA (cyanoacrylate adhesive), commonly referred to as ‘crazy glue.    WARNING: This is a dangerous process to perform. Take all necessary precautions. Do not inhale any fumes or come in contact with the glue. The Association of Restorers will not be responsible for any harm from mishandling of this product.  Proceed at your own risk.   One coat will hold the size of the holes, but still be soft enough to create the folds for matching the original design. Remove the material from the ring and cut to fit the damaged section. Sometimes more of the damaged section needs to be removed so the new material can be attached without interruption of the pattern or design. If a decision is made to cut away some of the original lace, I suggest you use a diamond point drill bit. Using extreme care, cut away all unwanted portions so when the new piece is added, the seam created will be disguised in the folded edge of the added part. Once fitted and folded in place, use a toothpick, dipped in CA glue to spot hold the material in place. Then dip a cotton swab or a toothpic into the CA glue and apply coats to stiffen the material. Repeat this process until the material is stiff to the touch. It may take 5 to 7 applications. If the lace is colored, either color before attaching or use an airbrush to paint the matching color after it is in place, then finish with a clear glaze. The job is complete.

If you have any questions, regarding this procedure, contact the association via mail or email.

I have assembled a porcelain lace repair kit. It contains two sizes of prepared lace, CA glue, Activator, De-bonder plus written instructions. This kit retails for $75. Members receive a 15% discount.