Full restoration (or what some call “invisible restoration”) can make a broken object look as if it were never broken. But while some restoration can be truly invisible, it will be detectable to experts. The techniques and materials used today are very different from just 30 years ago; they will not discolor or degrade.

During the process of full restoration your object will be inspected, cleaned, re-glued, chips & voids filled, and painted carefully to match the original artist’s design, intent, texture and sheen. Missing pieces can be molded and attached.

Each item for restoration is closely examined before the estimate. “Hands on” estimates are more accurate, but effective estimates are possible through telephone discussions and photographs. Estimated time for each phase of operation totals the cost estimate. Final cost is for actual time spent on restoration. Terra Nuova Restorations will not exceed the cost estimate without prior approval. Costs may range from $40 for a small edge chip, $75 to replace a finger, $125 to mold a finial on a teapot lid, or a major restoration (see bowl and jug below) which would range between $1,250 and $1,500.

A customer may want a limited restoration. This could include gluing the item and filling unsightly chips & voids, but not painting. This limited restoration would cost less and yet the item would still be ready for invisible restoration at a later date. A customer may want a crack ‘stabilized’ so it will not crack further, or a delicate object cleaned. Terra Nuova Restorations will advise each customer of the many options available specific to each item, the quality & durability of the outcome, and the decision of how to proceed is the customer’s.

Dealers of antiquities and modern sculpture are very concerned about the cost of restoration and the dollar value gained, especially if it was recently broken. The profit margin has changed, but through high quality restoration some of the market value can be regained. The economical considerations of ceramic restoration for resale items is a judgement call based on several factors; the cost of the item, the value of the item, extent of the damage and the quality of the restoration. Dealers and collectors find that buying a broken object and having it fully restored can be not only very cost effective, but satisfying, knowing that something broken has been rescued from the trash.

For additional questions concerning costs involved in ceramic restoration, please call Roger Krokey, owner of Terra Nuova Restorations.