How to fix a broken cake topper

Do not glue it yet. Take photos of the break and the box, then write to the seller. One topper we bought from another maker arrived broken, and the maker confirmed a remake and spare parts the next day.

For the full steps, and how to reach us if it is one of ours, see what to do when a topper arrives damaged.

• Small part, clean break (a hand, glasses): thin super glue. It sets in seconds.
• Leg or base, the parts that carry weight: two-part epoxy. It is stronger and gives you time to line up the pieces.
• Hot glue: only for a part that carries no weight.
• Wood glue: skip it. It sits on the surface of a printed figure and does not hold well.

An old porcelain topper, for example your parents' one, is different. Ask a ceramics restorer before you glue it. They can judge the damage from the piece or from a good photo.

The same topper, up close.

On the topper in the photo, the hands and the legs are the thinnest parts.

A thin leg that snaps again needs more than glue. Drill a small hole in both faces of the break and glue a short piece of wire into them. The wire carries the load.

1. 1. Clean the break

   Lightly sand both faces. Wash off the dust and any oil, then let them dry.

2. 2. Test the fit

   Put the pieces together with no glue. Check that they line up.

3. 3. Add one drop

   Put one drop of glue on one face only. Too much glue squeezes out of the joint.

4. 4. Press and hold

   Press the pieces together and hold them for 30 to 45 seconds.

5. 5. Leave it alone

   Do not touch the joint until the glue reaches full strength.

Wear gloves and work in a room with fresh air. These steps follow general advice for gluing printed figures. We have not tested a repair on our own toppers.

Extra super glue can leave a white haze on a glossy figure. Use as little as you can. Scrape off any drop that squeezed out once it is dry.

Keep acetone off the colored surface. It can haze the finish.

Super glue needs a full day to reach full strength, and epoxy can need 3 days. So glue the topper as soon as you can. Set it on the cake without touching the joint.

Super glue must not touch food, so stand the topper on a clear disc from your baker.

See how to put a topper on the cake.

Can I fix a fondant topper the same way?

No. Never use super glue on anything people eat. Bakers stick fondant pieces back with royal icing or with fondant softened with a little water.

What if a piece is missing?

Glue cannot replace a lost piece. Ask the maker for a spare part or a remake as soon as you can.