CERAMIC
RESTORATION PROCESS

This poor Hippo’s skateboard was shattered and severely damaged after a fall. He and his skateboard needed intensive and preventative care!

For full-size image, please click on each picture.

1
Before
The Hippo, 20 inches high and 15 pounds, needed a strong base to support his weight.
2
During
The skateboard/base needed to be rebuilt to support the Hippo, who is balancing all 15 pounds on one leg.
3
During
Many steel pins in all the skateboard's broken areas provided support for the sculpture.
4
During
The bottom of the skateboard was reinforced with steel plates that were steel pinned before cementing.
5
During
The reinforced bottom was then painted matching its original finish.
6
After
The Hippo on Skateboard is now ready for action! Restored to its original finish, there are no signs of being shattered.
7
After
He’s more stable than the original version and will continue to bring joy for many more years!