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We all have accessories that we like to use or wear. They may be tools, clothes, jewelry, or toy accessories. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and your accessories will definitely be damaged or at least worn out when using them. In the world we live in, most people choose to replace these accessories.
However, if you really care about the accessory, the better move might be to restore it so you can continue using it. Moreover, it may be cheaper to restore it than replace it. Some accessories may even be irreplaceable if they are no longer in production.
The following are six easy ways to restore your favorite accessories:
1. Use Glue
Yes, sometimes restoring an accessory might be as easy as using some glue. However, if history is anything to go by many people never even consider it.
Glue has been used for centuries to restore damaged items. You need to apply it correctly if you are to properly restore an item especially if it has delicate parts.
The good thing about glue is that you can use it to restore just about any material possible. Plastic accessories in particular can be easily restored by applying glue in the right places and ensuring that it sticks.
2. Remove Rust
As far as metallic accessories are concerned, the most common reason for restoration is rust. Most metals will rust naturally as long as they are exposed to air and water. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to restore such items by simply removing the rust from them. Once you remove the rust from a metallic accessory, it can look as good as new.
The best method to use to remove rust from a metallic accessory is to submerge it in vinegar overnight. You will then use steel wool or a metallic brush to scrape off the rust in the morning. After washing it, the accessory should look as good as new.
3. Welding
Metallic objects also experience breakage from time to time. It is especially so with accessories that handle a lot of weight or force which then break at a joint.
Welding is the fabrication process of applying heat to separate parts and then allowing them to cool and join together. There are several types of welding, which you can do easily at home. Everything you need for it is just some simple welding tools. You will require some equipment if you will perform a welding job. You can easily get the gear from your local hardware or supplies store.
4. Screws and Nails
For parts that you cannot use glue on and cannot weld, you will need other materials to enjoin separate parts. Nails and screws are two common materials to use to restore damaged accessories.
Wooden accessories in particular can be restored by skillfully using nails and screws. However, metallic and plastic materials can also be enjoyed using nails and screws. It is extremely easy to use screws and nails as long as you have a screwdriver or hammer. Moreover, it is very easy to get screws and nails hence using them should not be a problem.
5. Add New Parts
In other cases, the best way to restore your favorite accessory may be to add new parts. You may either remove debilitated parts and replace them or add new parts to make the accessory usable.
You can buy new parts for accessories from a wide variety of places. You can dismantle old accessories for parts or get new ones. You can also have these parts custom fabricated to suit your favorite accessory. The accessory will probably look different depending on the modifications you do. However, as long as you can still get great use out of it, you will have successfully restored it.
6. Cleaning
You will be surprised at how many accessories can be vastly improved by simply cleaning them. However, in this regard, we will be talking about more than using soap and water.
Cleaning the accessories is one of the easiest ways to restore them. You might need some serious chemicals and equipment to do the restoration though depending on the extent of the damage.
Chemical cleaners might be specialized and strong or they may be simple household items like baking soda that have a unique reaction with the accessory. Look for any cleaning method possible for the accessory and you should be able to easily restore it.
Restoring an accessory is much easier said than done. The method of restoration will often depend on the material and the extent of the damage. The methods above are the simplest and easiest ways to restore an accessory. You should feel free to look for others.