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mending a terra cotta pot
M-Ruth
Posts: 5
Can anyone give me advice please? i have a terra cotta (clay) plantpot about 50cm in diameter. I used it to grow a grapevine inside until I realised the vine was happier outside. The vine is now taking over the world and my grape jam is popular although the wine is a weapon of mass destruction, but that's another story. The pot has been unused for a couple of years and stored outside. When I intended to reuse it, I found there was a hairline crack in it.
Is there a way to mend this perhaps with masonry filler? Has this been done? Is there a netter way or should I just smash it up and use it as drainage? It's a nice pot. I don't want to lose it if it can be mended.
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Posts
I don't know how to mend it, but if it splits into reasonably large chunks, you can plant them with shallow rooted annuals or sedums or even strawberries. Lie them on their side if it helps.
If you can mend it, I'd go for a waterproof filler with a bit of flexibility. I've also seen pottery mended with some kind of staple.
I'm sure someone will come along with some more practical advice
Try Gorilla glue,trickle some water along the line of the crack,then apply the glue along the crack.The glue will run into the crack and expand and fill the crack you will need to scrape off the excess glue when dry,has worked for me.
Thanks for the advice. I'll try the gorilla glue first though.
Gorilla glue is really excellent. I've glued a 3" x 2" batten onto the wall for my side gate to fasten onto, as I was struggling to get a hole drilled deep enough for a decent rawlplug and screws. I was doubtful, but it's rock solid!
I've also used sealant on terracotta pots, which works well enough for a while.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gorilla glue is very good and very strong. I recently used it to fix some coat hooks on a back plate to a paneled door inset too thin for screws. Be aware that it expands as it sets and a little goes a long way.
For your pot, I would maybe strap some heavy duty tape around the outside to hold it firm before you apply the glue. This could help prevent the expansion of the glue making the crack wider. Wait 24hrs, then remove the tape.
Good idea. I'm doing it this weekend. Thanks to all.
Gorilla glue is good stuff but it is also quite nasty. Do not get it on your skin. There is another compound called Milliput. Stands for Military Putty, you can get it Teracotta coloured as well. Less noxious than Gorilla glue works very well I have used it on a large pot with great success, I agree with straping or binding round until it is set.