Help me repair a tiny broken zebra

07/10/2022 | ExGeeEye

[drSteve78]

Gorilla glue clear or Superglue. Do one glue together at a time. Don’t try to fix all at once. Two big piecs together to start.

[SpokeshaveReturns]

When you are done gluing....find a 3D replication store and have a few more created in white plastic.

[MomwithHope]

Q tips more to clean off any that leaks out. Didn’t think about getting stuck to it but yes you are right.

[Fresh Wind]

She used Gorrila Glue and had some sort of embarrassing mishap.

LOL! She put it in her hair!

[Fresh Wind]

Acetone will remove excess super glue.

[Organic Panic]

My mother had hundreds, if not thousands of pieces like this. Look up “Rio Hondo California Pottery” on ebay or some other site to find replacements. I am pretty sure it is a Rio Hondo. They go for for around $15

[MomwithHope]

True but with dealing with such a small piece I have found Qtips work better right after it’s glued and can help seal any gaps. Just my experience.

[Fresh Wind]

Yes, but accidents do happen, like when I glued two of my fingers together not long ago!

[ladyjane]

MomwithHope’s post sounds good. If the little zebras are really really important to you, find a professional conservator. They can sometimes fix things so you never knew they were broken.

How to Search
Read through our guide to Hiring a Conservation Professional.
Search our tool to find one of our professional members in private practice by clicking the button below.

https://www.culturalheritage.org/about-conservation/find-a-conservator

[GOPJ]

Break something that has ZERO meaning to you and ‘repair’ that item first.

Best to make your mistakes and experiment on something that doesn’t matter before moving on to your zebras.

[lee martell]

Lol!

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Depending on what it is made of.

If it is porcelain, egg white works very well.

In fact I would try egg white first as it is easy to wash off if you make a mistake.

[Hegemony Cricket]

Tiny Broken Zebra would be a great name for a garage band, and that photo would be a great album cover.

[ExGeeEye]

He will join his brother in standing guard on the clock my grandfather gave his father for his 40th birthday in 1907.

[ExGeeEye]

Carthago sussed it.

[ExGeeEye]

Makes me think Mom might have bought them when living in San Francisco in 1961-63.

[ExGeeEye]

I think I have a better idea.

[Lazamataz]

Duct tape always works for me.

[heavy metal]

just put up a little cross that says “rest in pieces”...

[Albion Wilde]

Liquid crazy glue and not too much. Not the thicker crazy glue either. Thin stuff works best and have some Q tips handy for wiping off any excess quickly. Start with the torso and take some time, check the fit first. I would wait at least 20 minutes between fixes.

Perfect advice. Couldn't have said it better.

Only have this to add: let gravity help. Find a way to prop up the figurine so that the glued on part will be perpendicular and the weight of it will press downward. Use modeling clay, a pile of sand, or any other kind of easel or tripod to hold the larger piece. Glue and apply the smaller piece so that it connects vertically and its own weight holds it down tight.

Great advice above to take your time and wipe away any excess with a cotton swab. Let each piece dry for a long time before repositioning the base to do the next piece.