Egg White Repairs Cracked China

## Why It Works Egg white proteins denature and cross-link as they dry, forming a thin, rigid film that adheres strongly to ceramic and porcelain surfaces. In a hairline crack, the white wicks into the crack by capillary action and dries in place, filling the void and creating a bond between the crack edges. The repair is stable enough for display and light handling, and the dried film is nearly invisible on white or light-colored china. ## How to Do It 1. Clean the cracked piece thoroughly with soap and water. Let dry completely — moisture will prevent proper adhesion. 2. Beat a small amount of egg white — you don't need much, maybe a teaspoon. 3. Using a very fine brush (an artist's brush works well), apply egg white directly along the crack line. Work the brush to push the white into the crack. 4. Wipe away any excess from the surrounding surface before it dries. 5. Let dry completely — at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. 6. If the crack is still visible, apply a second thin coat and let dry again. 7. A coat of clear lacquer over the repair will protect and waterproof it for display pieces. ## Pro Tips - For white china: the dried egg white is essentially invisible. For colored or patterned china, you may be able to touch up with a fine ceramic paint marker after the white dries. - Don't use this on pieces that will hold food or liquid. The repair is not food-safe for long-term use and will fail if submerged. - This technique has been used for centuries — it's a legitimate traditional repair method, not a hack. ## When to Use This Heirloom or display pieces with hairline cracks, decorative plates, cups you want to keep for sentimental reasons. Quick, free, and effective for the stated purpose.