Restoration Commission: Sculpting and Sanding the Ceramic Vase

Introduction: Back to the Vase After a Short Break

After a short Easter break with my family, it was finally time to get back to my latest restoration commission—the beautiful but damaged green ceramic vase from Villa Bronja.
Leaving the air-drying clay to cure for two weeks worked wonders. The material was now completely dry, solid, and ready for the next crucial steps.

Still, as I picked up the vase and inspected the work I had left behind, hesitation crept in. This next phase—addressing imperfections and starting the delicate sanding process—was going to require every bit of patience and precision I’ve built over 35+ years of miniature painting and restoration work.

Restoration Commission – Addressing Imperfections Before Sanding

Restoration-Commission-Ceramic-Green-Vase-Pinning and sculpting -@-dressart3d.com

First Inspection of the Dried Sculpting

At first glance, things looked pretty solid. But the more closely I looked, the more I noticed little issues:

• Some petals were too thin to safely sand.
• Others had small bumps or dips needing correction.

In any restoration commission, especially when working with fragile ceramics, you must never rush into sanding. It’s all about prepping the surface perfectly before moving to the next stage.

Filling and Smoothing with Clay

So, instead of diving into sanding, I spent hours refining the sculpt. I added clay to thicken thin areas and fill gaps or imperfections.
Tip for anyone doing this: wetting your hands or sculpting tools can help you smooth air-drying clay easily without dragging or damaging the existing shapes.

It’s slow work, but skipping this step could ruin all the effort once you start sanding.

Restoration Commission – Sanding Begins: First Test Petals

Protecting the Original Painting

One thing I quickly realized during the restoration: the original paint layer on the vase was incredibly thin and fragile.
Even a gentle rub could damage it, let alone sanding with rough grit!

Before I started, I carefully masked surrounding petals and areas behind them to shield the original finish while working on one petal at a time.

Starting with 160 Grit Sandpaper

For the initial sanding, I chose 160 grit sandpaper—coarse enough to shape but still fine enough not to gouge too deeply.
I worked slowly, sculpting the petals into their gradual thickness:

• Slightly thicker at the base
• Feather-thin and delicate at the tips

It’s like carving tiny sculptures with your fingertips, feeling the pressure at every pass. Even after so many years in 3D printing and miniature painting, moments like this still make me hold my breath.

Restoration-Commission-Ceramic-Green-Vase-Pinning and sculpting -@-dressart3d.com

Restoration Commission – Why Patience is Your Greatest Tool

Thinning the Petals Correctly

Petal sculpting needs to feel organic—gradual, flowing, and natural. Pushing too hard can snap the entire work.
At this stage, the reconstructed petals are still very fragile until fully sealed, so every move has to be deliberate and light-handed.

Restoration-Commission-Ceramic-Green-Vase-Pinning and sculpting -@-dressart3d.com

Planning for Sealing After Sanding

Once all sanding is done, I’ll apply a sealing layer to harden and protect the delicate shapes.
Still, even after sealing, these petals will remain delicate works of art—requiring careful handling forever after.

This kind of work teaches you the value of slow, steady craftsmanship. It’s the same skillset I use when creating fine details on my fully painted miniatures at dressart3D.com – Unique 3dPrinted Painted Miniatures & merch.

What’s Coming Next in This Restoration Commission

Refining the Full Sculpt

In the next working session, I’ll continue sanding the larger reconstructed petals.

• Achieving the original curve and thickness will take time.
• Special focus will go to ensuring seamless transitions between old and new surfaces.

It’s the point where a broken vase starts looking whole again—and it’s honestly one of the most satisfying moments in any restoration commission.

Preparing for Color Matching

Later down the line, after the physical restoration is complete, I’ll face an even bigger challenge:
Matching the delicate green-to-white watercolor fade of the original paint.
(But that’s a story for another blog post!)

Why Supporting Restoration Work Matters

Every Miniature and T-shirt Purchase Helps

Restorations like this vase—and many more projects in the pipeline—are only possible thanks to the amazing support we get through dressart3D.com – Unique 3dPrinted Painted Miniatures & merch.

There, you’ll find:
✅ Exclusive 3D printed, hand-painted miniatures for your tabletop RPGs and collections
✅ Unique print-on-demand t-shirts, mugs, and collectibles
✅ Custom commission options if you have a project you’d like us to bring to life

Every purchase helps fund future creative restorations and keeps this passion alive. Thank you!

Final Thoughts: Restoration Commission – Sculpting the Future, One Petal at a Time

This restoration commission has already been a journey—and we’re just getting started.
Sculpting and sanding the vase petals may seem like small steps, but they lay the foundation for a faithful and beautiful restoration.

If you’re passionate about miniatures, restoration art, or simply appreciate the dedication behind detailed craftsmanship, keep following the updates.
We’ll get this antique piece singing again—and I can’t wait to share every stage with you.

📩 Got questions about restorations or commissions? Reach out at contact@dressart3d.com!
And don’t forget to check out our exclusive creations at 👉 dressart3D.com to support more projects like this.

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Thanks with a Gift!

Thanks for sticking with this long read.  If you managed to arrive to this point I sincerely think that you found this reading an interesting one and I really appreciate it.  As a small token for your interest, may I remind you that if you simply create an account with our online show you will be instantly given a one time, no expiry 10% Discount Coupon.  You will be able to find it in the coupon section of the My Account Section in the links section above.

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