All of us break things, but for miniatures there are some special issues you need to think about before you proceed with a repair. First make sure you gather up all the pieces! Handle the pieces as little as possible to make sure oils from your hands do not compromise the repairs. If you have the tiny tools and magnification needed you may be able to do some repairs. If not, consult a local club for help
The rule of thumb for fixing any broken treasure is first do no harm!
Valuable Antiques, Collectibles , Artisan Creations
Repairs can damage value. Determine what your miniature is made of, then repair it with materials which will not cause harm, and which can be replaced in future if better materials come along. Don’t use crazy glue or other glues which may bond with the material of the miniature. If your item is valuable, seek out the services of a
conservator who works in a specialized area. Museums have lists of local conservators. Contact the artisan or company who made your miniature for assistance or an explanation of the techniques they used to assemble the piece.
Fabrics
Fabrics can be rewoven to mend tears or small holes, and it may be possible to remove some staining depending on the fabric and the cause of the damage. If possible remove the fabric from the miniature. Use the simplest techniques on fabrics first, blot with cool then warm water, using a damp cloth. Miniatures may not be able to withstand the expansion dampness can cause to wooden joins. Use enzyme cleaners sparingly and then only on non protein based fabrics (never on wool or silk). Do not rub miniature fabrics. If it is a valuable antique or a collectible where originality is important consult a museum!
Wood
You must know the wood type and the finish used on the article. Consult a furniture repair manual and test the finish to make sure you can repair it in case it is damaged during the repair process. Most breaks can be successfully repaired with thin applications of a pH neutral white glue (available from art stores) applied to the break which is then clamped by being wrapped with strips of self stick plastic wrap, or embroidery thread wrapped over plastic wrap (you don't want the thread sticking to the repair.) When the glue has set, remove the clamping material and sand and refinish the repaired area if necessary.
Resin
Resin based miniatures are tricky to repair. Many household glues for resin will yellow and eventually damage the miniature. If the piece is not valuable you may be successful with crazy glue or epoxy. Use as little as possible and check with a museum before using either of these gluing methods on your particular miniature.
White Metal
White Metal miniatures (vehicle models, wargaming figures, some dollhouse miniatures) can be repaired with epoxy glue. The ends of the break should be cleaned gently with rubbing alcohol first and allowed to dry before small amounts of epoxy are applied. Repairs are difficult if the broken part is subject to any amount of force due to the construction of the miniature (axles, supports etc.)
Styrene Plastic
Most plastic model kits are made from polystyrene. Breaks in this material can be mended with cyanoacrylate (crazy glue)or model cement which are the glues generally used by modellers to assemble these models. The type of glue (gap filling, fast drying etc.) should be matched to the type of repair needed. The piece may need to be gently supported with tissue paper or plastercine in order to allow the glue bond to set properly. Follow safe practises when using these glues, work only in well ventilated areas. (Acetone/nail polish remover will unstick fingers glued by crazy glue.)
Polymer Clay (Fimo, Sculpey, Cernit)
Polymer clay can usually be successfully mended by using a small amount of liquid polymer clay as a glue and rebaking the object in a toaster oven or regular oven set to a temperature lower than 300 degrees. (Avoid fumes or ingesting the clay, see polymer clay websites for information on safely handling polymer clays) Before attempting repairs try to contact the shop or individual who made the object to determine if any paints or other finishes or glues were applied to the piece after it was baked, as these later additions may not be heat safe.
Seek Help from Museum Staff
Make friends with the staff of your closest museum when you have an item which needs repair or restoration, or just to learn more about collecting and preserving collections. They often have open houses where people can bring a treasure in for evaluation, or give talks on repairs . See the link to the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute for useful information on caring for many different types of article and materials.
