I need to repair a damaged large jade vase

[vaxmanid]

Here's a challenging one and I hope the moderator can help.  I aquired a damaged large jade vase. About 20 percent shattered with salvagable pieces.  Some areas may require a filler of some sort when I get to repariing it.  I haven't fully uncrated it but from what I can access there are some hairline cracks so I'm curious about filler for that and use of reinforcing materials.  So...I'm interested in proper adhesives and methods to reconstruct this thing.  Thanks in advance!

[Mark D.]

This is a job for either Epoxy or crystal mastic. You want a product that dries water clear (unless you want to color it green to match the stone).

First I would color test the glue you are using in a place you won't see it to make sure that the glue does not enhance the color. If it were to do that then the repairs will be more noticeable.
For the hairline cracks you should use a penetrating epoxy. This will serve two purposes:
1) It will seal the cracks
2) It will impregnate the stone to help prevent the cracks from getting any bigger
Penetrating epoxy has a viscosity like water and when you use it please call for directions to get the best results. Here is the link:
http://www.defusco.com/stoneweld-crack-filler-epoxy-24oz-p-1982.html

For the large chips and for where you will be gluing the salvageable pieces back in place, I would use a knife grade epoxy or a knife grade crystal mastic  (but then again, for any application other than a horizontal lamination I prefer knife grade as it is the consistency of warm peanut butter and tends to stay where you put it better than a flowing epoxy, which is the consistency of warm syrup).
For the epoxy I like the Instant Install as it is a mercaptain epoxy and doesn't stick to already polished surfaces.
http://www.defusco.com/instant-install-minute-epoxy-20oz-knife-grade-p-2371.html

For the mastic, there is nothing better than Crystal by Tenax:
http://www.defusco.com/tenax-crystal-knife-grade-mastic-liter-p-987.html

I have used the Crystal to repair a solid jade bracelet that broke into 2 pieces for an Asian woman that I know, and the result was good. Strong adhesion and only a slightly noticeable joint.

If you have any questions please call us at 800-289-6834.

Hope I was of service,
Mark

[vaxmanid]

Thank you Mark for your expertise.  I ordered the Stoneweld and Instant Install products.  I found overall the Stoneweld worked best for this project.  I've completed it.  Upon fully uncrating I found that the damage was on the order of 30%.  Good news was that between large and small pieces I was able to reassemble it to about 99%. 

I ended up having to grind some joints and have been able to bring up the polishing to about 95% luster using automotive body products.  So I'm coming up a little short in final product.

To ANYONE reading this post I can not say enough for Mark's advice.  It instilled confidence in my project.  Obviously I am not a professional granite installer and this was a different application of product but it worked out beyond satisfactory.  From my brief experience this is a company worth doing business with!

Thank you again for all of your help!

[Mark D.]

vaxmanid,
It was my pleasure. Thank you for allowing me to be of service.
To get the final glow in your stone you can use a polishing compound like Diaglo. It will give your luster that final "Ummph". If you would like me to make a recommendation for jade I will give Abrasive Tech a call as it is their product.
Mark
p.s. - Who's next?