If you have a cherished collection of resin figurines or a few pieces that you love, we know how heartbreaking it can be when they get broken. However, accidents happen even if you take every precaution and follow all the care instructions of your resin figurines manufacturer.

The good news is that repairing a broken resin figurine is doable! With this guide, you will be able to repair your resin figurines if they ever get scratches, holes, dents, or any other kind of damage. If you don’t think this is something you can do yourself, you can find a resin repair shop or expert to do it for you. However, we encourage you to give this guide a try and learn a new skill!

What Is Resin?

To put it simply, resin is a durable and versatile thermoplastic. It has been around since the 1930s and there are many different types of resin for different purposes. Resin consists of a resin polymer and when it’s mixed with a catalyst or a hardener, it reacts and solidifies into any shape you’d like. In other words, we can mold resin however we like and this is what allows artisans to produce such detailed resin figurines full of life.

Is It Easy to Repair a Resin Figurine?

Resin figurines are generally easy to repair because the material is very forgiving. Repairing dents, scratches, holes, etc., is as easy as sanding the area or applying a layer of resin. If the resin figurine is broken, the pieces can be glued back together with an adhesive. So, it doesn’t matter what kind of damage you’re dealing with, there will be a solution in most cases.

How to Repair a Broken Resin Figurine in 4 Steps

If your resin figurine has some damage and you want to make it look as good as new, this guide will help. Let’s start by gathering all the necessary supplies. Including:

● Isopropyl alcohol

● Soft, microfiber cloth

● Medium-grit sandpaper

● Fine-grit sandpaper

● Resin (optional)

● Masking tape (optional)

● Small blow torch (optional)

Step 1: Get the resin figurine clean

Cleaning the resin figurine before you start working on it is always very important. You have to remove any dust or debris, so make sure to use a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. Use a gentle touch and once the surface is clean, you can move onto the next step.

Step 2: Sand the surface of the resin figurine

The next thing you need to do is sand the surface of the resin figure with medium-grit sandpaper. That would be 100 to 110 grit. Now, just use the sandpaper to buff out the imperfections you see on the surface. Gradually change to fine-grit sandpaper as you do this to avoid sanding too much.

Do this until the imperfection is no longer visible. When you’re dealing with small scratches or holes, sanding the figurine might be enough to repair it. But if the damage is larger or deeper, you’ll have to follow step 4.

Step 3: Wet sand the resin figurine

Once you sand the damaged surface area, the resin will no longer be transparent. It will become opaque. To correct that, you’ll need to wet sand the surface of the resin figurine. So, get the fine-grit paper a little wet and start using it.

This step will demand some patience because it may take up to 40 passes to make the area look smooth and shiny again. However, the effort and time will be worth it! When you see that the material looks transparent again, clean the figurine and put it back where it belongs.

Step 4: Apply a resin layer

If sanding wasn’t enough to get rid of the imperfections, you’ll have to take it a step further and apply a thin layer of resin to your figurine. This step is optional, so only do this if you’re dealing with large scratches, deep holes, or dents. Make sure you have gloves for this and you’ll also need epoxy resin.

Before you start working with the resin, apply masking tape around the area of the damage. This will protect the rest of the figurine so the new layer of resin only applies to the spot you’re repairing. Once that’s done, you need to prepare the epoxy resin. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and don’t forget to put on your gloves.

Preparing epoxy resin is easy enough, you just have to mix the epoxy resin with a hardener. The manufacturer will provide a ratio for you to follow, so don’t steer away from that. When the resin is ready, apply a layer over the damaged area using a brush.

Make sure the distribution is even. Then, let it cure by following the instructions. If you see any bubbles on the surface during the curing process, you’ll need a small blow torch to eliminate them. Once curing is over, you can remove the masking tape and follow steps 2 and 3. 

How to Glue Resin Figurines

Now, if your resin figurine is broken instead of damaged, the repair process will be different. We have another guide for that, so go to How to Glue a Resin Figurine. The process only requires you to sand the broken edges, apply the adhesive, press the pieces together, and let the repaired resin figurine dry. For a more detailed guide, visit our dedicated guide.

Final Words

Resin figurines hold a special place in the hearts of many people. Whether they’re family heirlooms, precious gifts you’ve received, collections, or anything else, these pieces are special for many different reasons. So, when they develop imperfections or suffer any damage, repairing them is a must.

Remember to be patient and precise when working on repairing a resin figure. Pay attention to detail and do your best! Once you restore the resin figurine, make sure to keep up with proper maintenance and follow care instructions from your resin figurines manufacturer. That’s the best way to keep your pieces in good shape for longer.