How to Do Your Own Glass Repair

A stray baseball tossed by the neighborhood kids or a wind storm may leave you with a cracked window, mirror, or other glass item that needs repair. While there are times when a crack is so severe that a do-it-yourself fix isn’t possible, fixing a small crack can be accomplished with a little effort and the right materials. Before attempting to fix your broken glass item, it is important to make sure you are wearing safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from potential shards of glass.

Start by cleaning the glass area that has a crack or smudge with soap and water to remove any dust, debris, or fingerprints. This step will help the glue adhere more effectively. Make sure to wipe the area completely dry before moving on to the next step.

The next step is to use a putty knife to press the epoxy over and into the crack or smudge. Be careful not to press too hard, as it can cause the crack to widen or extend. After applying the epoxy, let it set for a few minutes. Now is also a good time to sweep up any loose shards of glass. Be sure to also wear safety gloves when handling shards of glass, as they can break under pressure.

Epoxy is a type of adhesive that comes in two separate cylinders: a resin and a hardener. Follow the directions on the bottle of your particular brand of epoxy to mix it properly before using. Most of the time, a ratio of 50/50 is required, but be sure to read the directions on your particular product. Once mixed, squirt the epoxy onto a clean working surface, such as a piece of cardboard or a paper plate, and then use a wooden stick to dab a line of adhesive along the broken edge of one of your pieces of glass.

Once the epoxy has a minute or so to set, apply it to the other broken piece of glass in a similar way. Be sure to cover the entire area of the broken glass, and don’t forget to fill in any gaps. Once the epoxy has a minute or so more to set, use a razor blade or a rag moistened with acetone to remove any epoxy that’s raised above your crack.

When you’re finished, let the repaired glass cure for 24 hours before polishing it with a clean rag and glass cleaner. It’s a good idea to store your glass in a secure place to prevent it from getting knocked or bumped during the curing process.

While repairing glass with epoxy is fairly easy, it’s always best to contact a professional for any large or complex jobs. A professional glass company can help with both residential and commercial services, and they will also be able to provide advice on how to better protect your glass from future damage. They may also be able to offer suggestions on ways to prevent glass from becoming damaged in the first place.

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