How to Repair an Acrylic Resin Statue

Acrylic resin is often used to make figurines that are found in nearly every gift shop you may come across. Acrylic resin is cast from molds that can be used time and time again. Figurines and statues made from acrylic resin can last for years without much care or attention outside of simple dusting. Cracks and breaks will occur if the acrylic resin statue is knocked over. Have no fear though because your prized dragon or dancer sculpture can be fixed. The article that follows will show you how to repair broken acrylic resin statues and figurines.

Step 1 - Prepare the Acrylic Resin Statue

Take a good look at the damage to the statue. Determine if it is something that you can actually repair. Gather up the pieces from the statue that broke and fit them together. This will help you determine the complexity of the damage and if you can even facilitate a repair. Use the fine grit sandpaper to sand down the damaged area as well as the pieces that were broken off. You want to remove the loose fragments and cracked or chipped paint. If there are parts on the statue that are teetering on breaking off you need to carefully and cleanly finish the break and then sand. Remove the dust created by sanding with a rag.

Step 2 - Repairing the Acrylic Resin Statue

Apply a coat of 5-minute epoxy to the broken off area working one piece at a time. You do not need a lot of the epoxy in order to bind the acrylic resin. Apply it in very thin coats. Once the coat of epoxy is applied you can then place the broken piece onto the statue. Apply and continue pressure to the piece on the area until it cures. The package will be able to instruct you as to how long that will take.

Fixing cracks in acrylic resin is a little different than attaching parts that have broken off. Handle large cracks by filling it with plumber's putty. You can use a putty knife to smooth the putty out in the crack or you can wet your finger and smooth it out that way. You may need to shape the putty to match the contour and shape of the acrylic resin statue. Let the putty dry and then sand it down if you have to and then wipe off the dust.

Small blemishes and cracks can be handled with tube putty. Use a small amount of the tube putty in these areas. Take a cotton swab and soak it in acetone. Use the cotton swab to smooth out and shape the putty. After the putty has dried you can then sand it so that it is smooth.

Step 3 - Finishing up the Repair

Check the statue and make any last minute repairs. Match the colors of the statue and mix the acrylic paint to match. Carefully paint the statue.