Replacing old or rare Christmas ornaments can be challenging. Fortunately, you can give your damaged keepsakes a new lease on life with some creativity and the right Christmas ornament repair kit.
Christmas ornaments have a lot of sentimental value. Each one tells a unique story — some may be family heirlooms, while others are treasured, handmade crafts from childhood. While they might not seem like much, these trinkets carry unforgettable memories from seasons past. You don’t have to throw these fragile items out just because they are damaged.
Your treasures are nearly impossible to replace, so it pays to know how to repair Christmas ornaments.
Christmas ornaments are made from different materials, including ceramic, wood, fabric, glass, and more. Before you make any repairs, it is important to find out what you are working with. A different approach is required for each material. Common types of damage include chips, cracks, and breaks. While not all damage can be fixed, you can repair most problems with the right supplies and approach.
Before choosing a specific repair method, evaluate the nature and extent of the damage. The rarity and age of the ornament are also important factors in deciding the necessary steps. For sentimental items that cannot be repaired, consider repurposing them into new decorations.
To help you extend the life of your beloved decorations, follow our detailed guide on Christmas ornament repair.
Use these steps to repair ceramic and glass Christmas ornaments.
1. Gather materials: For this project, you will need:
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control and Loctite Glass Glue
- Mild dish soap
- Water
- Soft paint brush
- Cotton swab
- Nail polish remover
- Toothpick
2. Clean the ornament: Use mild dish soap and water to clean the item. You can use the soft paint brush to lightly work over any stubborn stains. Dry the ornament completely.
3. Apply glue: Once the ornament is dry, apply a few drops of adhesive to the surfaces to be bonded. Use Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control for ceramic items and Loctite Glass Glue for glass ornaments. You can use a toothpick to spread the adhesive evenly over the surface. Press the parts together and hold them firmly in place. Leave the ornament undisturbed for at least two hours. A full-strength bond develops after 24 hours.
4. Clean off any excess glue: Scrape off any glue residue and wipe away any remnants with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. Before applying the nail polish remover, be sure to test it on a small hidden part of the ornament to see whether it removes any paint.
Repair broken wooden ornaments with the following steps.
1. Get the necessary supplies: You will need the following materials for this project:
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- Sandpaper
- Varnish or paint
- Soft paint brush
2. Sand the affected area: If you are working on a previously repaired joint, sand away any old glue remnants before applying fresh adhesive. Otherwise, do not sand the surfaces.
3. Apply adhesive: Carefully apply Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control over the surfaces to be joined.
4. Hold the pieces together: Firmly hold the pieces together for 15 to 30 seconds as the glue dries.
5. Re-finish the ornament: If the ornament’s finish has been affected, you might need to repaint, stain, or apply varnish to the affected area to match the original color.
Fabric ornaments add a rustic charm to your Christmas décor. However, repairing fabric ornaments requires a gentle touch.
If your fabric ornaments have ripped seams or are torn from their hanging ribbons, fix them using the following steps:
1. Gather supplies: To get the job done, you will need:
- Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Repair
- Some festive fabric
- Scissors
- Clothespins
2. Seal ripped seams: Apply a bead of Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Repair glue along the ripped area and then close the seam. Use clothespins to hold the seam together firmly until the glue sets. If you want to fix tears in other parts of the ornament, you can create DIY patches from festive fabric and glue them in place.
3. Reattach ribbons: Attach ribbons by applying glue to the detached end of the ribbon and pressing it firmly on the ornament. Use a heavy object or some clothespins to hold the new bond together as the glue sets.
If the artificial decorations on your wreaths have come loose and detached, you can use a reliable adhesive to reattach them. If your decorations are made of Styrofoam, choose a product designed for this specific material.
Fix the damaged Christmas wreaths using these steps.
1. Get the necessary supplies: You will need:
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- Detached ornaments
- Floral wire
2. Prepare all the elements: Make sure the wreath and its elements are clean and dry before you start the repair work.
3. Reattach the ornaments: Locate the place where the artificial ornaments detached from the wreath and apply a drop of Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control to the ornament and press it firmly back onto the wreath. Repeat this for all the detached elements.
4. Use floral wire to attach other elements: For elements like twig balls, reattach them using floral wire. Cut a length of wire, tie one end to the twig ball, and then twist the other around the wreath’s foliage.
Always select the right product for each ornament repair project to increase the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome and extend the life of your beloved Christmas ornaments. Loctite offers a wide selection of adhesives, designed for use on different materials. Whether you are working on fabric, wood, glass, or ceramic, you can find a Loctite product specifically designed for that material.