How to Repair an Acrylic Resin Statue

Acrylic resin is often used to make figurines that are found in nearly every gift shop around the world. Acrylic resin is cast from molds that can be used time and time again. Figurines and statues made from this material can last for years without much care or attention outside of simple dusting. However, cracks and breaks will still occur if the acrylic resin statue is knocked over or dropped. 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.

Step 1 - Prepare the Acrylic Resin Statue

Take a good look at the damage to the statue to 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 ascertain the complexity of the damage and whether you can even facilitate a repair.

If you decide to move forward with this project, lay down a clean, dry cloth to place the statue and its pieces on. This way, you don't risk anything getting misplaced. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the damaged area on the statue as well as the pieces that were broken off. You want to remove the loose fragments and cracked or chipped paint. If there are fragments 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 - Glue Pieces Back On

Apply a coat of five-minute epoxy to the fragmented pieces, working one at a time. You do not need a lot of epoxy in order to bind the acrylic resin, so apply it in very thin coats. Once the coat of epoxy is applied, you can then place the broken piece onto the statue. Keep pressure on the pieces until the adhesive. The package will be able to instruct you as to how long that will take.

Step 3 - Fix Cracks and Chips

Fixing cracks in acrylic resin is a little different than attaching parts that have broken off. Handle large cracks by filling them 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 for a more seamless result. Let the putty dry, 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 in areas where it is needed. Then, take a cotton swab and soak it in acetone. Use this to smooth out and shape the putty. After it has dried, you can then sand it so that it is smooth.

Step 4 - Finishing Up the Repair

Check the statue and make sure all the damage has been repaired. Then, analyze the colors of the statue where it needs repainting and mix the acrylic paint to match. Also, make sure you have a variety of brush sizes handy for large and small details. Repaint any repaired areas of the statue and leave it to dry. You may also use an acrylic sealer on the final product to get a uniform finish and to add some protection to your repairs.