10 Tips to Care for Your Antique Ceramics

To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle touch and they'll last you a long time. This month we'll give you some useful tips to help you care for them.

1. When you are cleaning delicate ceramics, remember to use a soft-bristled brush to wash antique ceramics in warm soapy water.

2. Rinse with warm, clear water.

3. Don't rub ceramics dry; let them dry naturally.

4. Avoid abrasive products and bleach.

5. Avoid soaking antique ceramics. If there are any repairs, extended soaking could loosen them.

6. Avoid plate hangers. They do great damage to antique ceramics because over time the pressure from the hanger will cause cracks.

7. Display ceramics on sturdy plate stands or plate rails.

8. Avoid hanging antique ceramics such as cups, pots or vases by their handles or other weak areas.

9. Don't attempt repairs. It is tricky work and you'll never be able to match the paint colours exactly on your own. Bring a damaged ceramic to a qualified ceramics restorer. Repairing a bad restoration disaster will cost you more than fixing it right the first time.

10. Avoid serving food on restored ceramics; the chemicals used in the restoration could be hazardous.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com

---

The Hosta ? A Shade Loving Perennial

My first introductions to Hostas were four small green and... Read More

Introduction to Aquaponics

Hydroponics and aquaponics are very similar in every way except... Read More

Hand Feeding your Koi

One of the most rewarding and entertaining things about having... Read More

Using Push Reel Mowers

If you're not familiar with push reel mowers or if... Read More

Composting the Easy Way

Having an ample supply of good rich compost is the... Read More

Cozy Nooks: Creating a Secret Outdoor Place

Everyone seems to love a secret -- and when the... Read More

Water Ponds and Wildlife - How To Attract More Animals to Your Backyard

Wildlife require water just as humans do. Water is essential... Read More

Add Value to Your Home - Landscaping

Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000... Read More

Cat Repellent or How to Keep Cats Out of Your Garden

Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More

How to for Lawns ? Mowing

How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More

Light Up Your Garden And Brighten Your Life

Extending Your Living SpaceThe garden is fast being considered to... Read More

How to Grow Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial plant with erect, edible stems and... Read More

Funky Garden Plants 2

What's a perennial garden plant that blooms in the winter?... Read More

Why You Should Always Have Garden Furniture

You've put a lot of work into your garden, from... Read More

Water Conservation in the Garden - Use a Rain Barrel to Harvest Rainwater

If you are a gardener you probably already do a... Read More

Introducting KOI-Cam!

This is a project I've had on the back burner... Read More

Easy Pond and Water Garden Construction

Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem... Read More

Flowers Wilting? Tips for Making Your Flowers Last Longer

We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they... Read More

Rose Meanings Explained

Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but... Read More

A Look at Planting Flower Bulbs

Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More

Tarragon: A Favourite of French Chefs

Long a favourite of French chefs, the herb Artemisia dracunculus,... Read More

Catch a Leprechaun in Your Garden

There is no mention to be found of female leprechauns... Read More

Wind Chimes Soothe The Soul

They can be pretty to look at and soothing to... Read More

Daphnes for Scent and Colour

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of plants knows that... Read More

Garden Sheds - More Than Just Storage

You may already have a garage or shed in your... Read More