Minor statue repair

Commander0Zero · 03-13-2021, 04:01 PM

So I broke the very edge of the trench coat my Gambit PF. The Good news its a pretty clean break and small. I have never repaired something like this. Is there a preferred adhesive to use with polystone? Any special touch up paints that are better than others? Also since I'm boxing it up should i save the repair until its in its final location? Thanks for any advice.

jedi_don · 03-13-2021, 04:07 PM

I recommend a super glue gel. Thin super glue tends to absorb into the polystone too quickly. Hobby shops sell Bob Smith Industries cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) that have different viscosity and cure time. Cure time of 15 to 30 seconds is good to allow you to get the piece adjusted correctly before it cures and short enough that you don't have to hold or tape in place. I have a had pieces shift after I taped it.

I prefer hobby acrylic paints like Vallejo (my go to favorite). Craft acrylics are usually too thick and often have a slight glossy sheen. The hard part will be match and mixing colors. I am not a fan of enamel paints due to the petroleum based solvents needed to clean up. But enamels do cure harder.

Philintheblank · 03-13-2021, 04:15 PM

Pretty much what Jedi said. I usually use two part epoxy, but super glue would work. Depending on the size of the break maybe insert a brass rod for stability. Some acrylic paint for the touch up. Tamiya is the brand I use most often. As for storage...I think if you let it dry you should be good to pack it up.

Josh-a-tron · 03-13-2021, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedi_don

I recommend a super glue gel. Thin super glue tends to absorb into the polystone too quickly. Hobby shops sell Bob Smith Industries cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) that have different viscosity and cure time. Cure time of 15 to 30 seconds is good to allow you to get the piece adjusted correctly before it cures and short enough that you don't have to hold or tape in place. I have a had pieces shift after I taped it.

I prefer hobby acrylic paints like Vallejo (my go to favorite). Craft acrylics are usually too thick and often have a slight glossy sheen. The hard part will be match and mixing colors. I am not a fan of enamel paints due to the petroleum based solvents needed to clean up. But enamels do cure harder.

Agreed, also depending on the size of the break you may want to pin it for added stability, but if its too small may not have room.

Another thing you may want to get, krylon matte clear finish.

Commander0Zero · 03-13-2021, 04:30 PM

Awesome everyone! On Amazon I found Bob Smith Industries BSI-133H Insta-Cure+ Gap Filling Super Glue, Clear,1 oz.... It's 5 to 15 second cure. I guess I'll run to my local hobby shop tomorrow to see what they have also. Not sure I have enough room for a pin (if i even know how to do that). its literally the very tip of Gambits trench coat. Imagine a Dorito but like half size if that.

Sonic Boom · 03-13-2021, 05:26 PM

I've always had luck with Zap-a-gap. Krazy glue is ok. I wouldn't recommend Gorilla glue since it takes forever to dry with statues.

Halcyon · 03-14-2021, 07:02 AM

Years ago someone at Statueforum recommended me, Zap-A-Gap Medium CA+ (the green sticker). I buy size PT-02, bcs my guess is the volume of glue will not harden/dry-up to quickly in the bottle after opening.

It is very good and strong, even larger areas and you only need very little. Bit pricey, but I can use this bottle at least 2years. I am using my fourth bottle atm.

When I look at the Bob Smith InstaCure+ BSI-133H you mention. It says works best with; Balsa and soft wood ?! and works good on many other materials.

Also price of ZAP is the same as the BobSmith.
Zap-A-Gap; Bonds virtually anything and has small gap filling ability.
https://www.zapglue.com/

thecollector80 · 03-14-2021, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commander0Zero

So I broke the very edge of the trench coat my Gambit PF. The Good news its a pretty clean break and small. I have never repaired something like this. Is there a preferred adhesive to use with polystone? Any special touch up paints that are better than others? Also since I'm boxing it up should i save the repair until its in its final location? Thanks for any advice.

Pics?

Commander0Zero · 03-14-2021, 01:56 PM

Forgive my shoddy camera work. Needless to say I was unhappy breaking one of my favorite statues. Here are some pics (I hope). sorry in advance I don't know how to make the images larger.

thecollector80 · 03-14-2021, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commander0Zero

Forgive my shoddy camera work. Needless to say I was unhappy breaking one of my favorite statues. Here are some pics (I hope). sorry in advance I don't know how to make the images larger.

Good its on black paint....should be easy to touch up and not see the repair right away....just glue it back on really good