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CakeLady · Jul 13, 2008, 02:32 PM

Hi Everyone!

I just received by UPS an old (probably 50+ years old) lawn ornament made of molded concrete. It is 3 boys eating watermelon. When I opened the box, I found it completely broken into two large pieces---the 3rd boy had broken off during shipment. It obviously wasn't packed very well.

How on earth can I re-attach the third boy? It is a large piece and there is a lot of surface area that needs to be bonded. I am planning on re-painting the whole ornament after it has bonded, so that may be one part of your total consideration. I've heard from a friend, who suggested Gorilla Glue.

Any other suggestions?

Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks,
Cake Lady

ballengerb1 · Jul 13, 2008, 03:03 PM

I know you want to patch this but have you called UPS and told them of the damage? You should. Don't try any repairs until you hear back from them. If you get stuck with doing the repair and plan to paint them you should use a 2 part epoxy glue found in most hardware stores.

smearcase · Jul 13, 2008, 03:05 PM

Without seeing the shapes, it is difficult but the first thing that comes to my mind is to drill it and put in one or more all thread bolts and patch over the holes on each end of the
Bolt(s) with some mortat and paint.
If the glue has to hold the weight of the concrete, I don't give it much chance of success. I would glue it before bolting to help keep out water, if the bolting is feasible. You might be able to find something better than an allthread--there are a ton of fasteners available.

KISS · Jul 13, 2008, 03:23 PM

This stuff:
Rezi-weld 1000 Construction Epoxy

W. R. MEADOWS, INC. Construction Products

You might find it or similar at a building supply store. About $20. It's a 2 part system and I've used it to repair a chipped piece of concrete.

WVHiflyer · Jul 15, 2008, 10:29 PM

To patch any chips or holes once you manages to get it glued together, there's an epoxy stick that comes in many varieties, one for cement. You slice of a piece, knead it with fingers and apply. I haven't tried the one for cement, but the ones for plastic and metal are great. They set quickly and can be sanded, drilled and painted. If your hardware or craft store doesn't have it, try looking for a web site for MicroMarks (modelers supplies).

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0rphan · Jul 18, 2008, 12:50 PM

Obviously it's very old, concrete does sometimes go a bit brittle and if knocked will break easily, it's almost like it gets over dry.. if you know what I mean.

I would be inclined to seek out some where professional to have a lasting repair done on it, if you try yourself and it doesn't work there may be more unnecessary damage to what sounds a really old lovely piece.

A garden centre may help or even a stone mason, anywhere that supplies garden ornaments will have some kind of information , just go in and ask, hopfully they will be able to help you or...

Know a person who can.

concretequeen · May 9, 2011, 05:35 AM

My answer is the correct answer. Use bondo "repair Kit" can get at auto zone. Make sure it says "repair Kit" I own a fountain and statuary business.

CakeLady · May 10, 2011, 07:10 PM

The EPOXY thing worked like magic! I used the liquid kind, with two liquid tubes attached in the middle then mixed on an old brick with a stick until blended---applied very thick & let sit for about 24 hrs. The ornament was then easily sanded/painted/renewed. Has sat outside in winter cold & summer sun now for 2 yrs w/no problems. I do thank everyone for the ideas. Figured I had nothing to lose once I'd started, anyhow!

I do however need to paint them again... :-)

Thanks everyone,
CakeLady