Cleaning and Maintenance of Limoges Boxes and Figurines

The unique appeal of Limoges boxes and figurines with their meticulous imagery and vivid hues charms one and all. Whether you have been collecting these exquisite pieces for some time now or have just received the first piece as a gift from someone special, it is important to keep them clean and well maintained. This will keep your precious Kaolin clay box or figurine looking brand new and even add to its value.

You need to be extra careful while cleaning or repairing these delicate boxes and figurines that are made from Kaolin clay. It would help if you dust them lightly with a soft, dry cloth on a regular basis. This will prevent dust and dirt from settling on the surface and scratching it. However, while it may be easy to wipe the surface clean, it requires a little more precision to get rid of dirt and dust that accumulates in the crevices.

Cleaning the crevices of Limoges boxes and figurines

The best way to remove dirt or dust that has settled in the crevices of your Kaolin clay item, be it a figurine or a trinket box, is by using a solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean it. Just a few drops of the detergent will be enough. You may use a soft cloth to remove the debris. You may even soak your box in the detergent solution for some time and then use a light sponge to wipe off any accumulated dust or dirt.

In order to remove tough stains from your porcelain box, you need to soak the same in a solution of warm water and mild detergent for approximately half an hour. Make sure that the detergent you use does not contain any bleaching agent or chlorine that can damage the imagery on these items. The stains will most likely fade away after 20 to 30 minutes after which you should remove the item from the cleaning solution and wash it gently with distilled water. Thereafter, pat the item dry with a soft cloth and it will look as good as new.

Repairing Limoges boxes and figurines

These items require careful handling or else they can easily develop cracks on the surface. You can mend minor cracks and chips on the surface of your Limoges trinket box or figurine by filling them up with epoxy putty using a butter knife. Once the putty has dried, you need to smoothen it with silicon carbide paper and apply a top coat of white-colored lacquer, the cold-cure variety, using a soft artist’s brush. With proper care and maintenance, these collectible items are sure to last you a lifetime.

by Marina Chernyak

Limoges Factory

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