How to Cut Glass to Size

Glass is utilised in many different ways throughout the home. It is often used in windows, fireplaces and door panels but it can also be found as glass table tops and as splashbacks. Whether it is brand new or as a replacement for glass that has been broken, in most cases the glass will require cutting to size in order to fit perfectly into the required space. Using the right techniques and tools, it is possible to easily cut glass down to the correct size and shape.

Before the glass is cut, it should be cleaned and wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust or dirt. Once it is clean, a line should be marked on the glass with a marker, or a grease pencil, to mark where the glass should be cut. Once the lines have been marked, the glass can then be scored. The scoring is done with a glass cutter or similar tool, which is run over the line of the desired cut. The pressure applied should be consistent throughout the scoring, which will leave a smooth and even line. The cutter should then be wiped clean of any oil, which can cause it to stop working properly.

The best surface for working on is a flat table, padded with something such as an old blanket or multiple layers of newspaper. This ensures that the glass will not be scratched or chipped as it is moved around the work area. It is possible to work on a concrete or tiled surface, however the glass is much more likely to become damaged by being touched and knocked against as it is handled.

It is important to note that it is never a good idea to score the glass more than once. Repeatedly running the cutter over a line can produce ragged edges that will not break cleanly. If the line of glass needs to be cut again, it is a good idea to use a sanding stone or fine piece of sandpaper to dull down the edge of the cutter. This will reduce the chance of the glass becoming ragged and it will also make it less likely to break along the sharp edge.

Once the glass has been scored, it can be snapped with the fingers or with a tool such as a pair of pliers. It is advisable to snap the glass gently, as a sudden application of force can result in splintering of the broken pieces. It is also recommended to always use a blunt tool such as a pair of pliers to prevent injury. Alternatively, the end or ball of the glass cutter can be placed under the score line and then lightly pressed with moderate pressure to open the score. This is a quick and easy way to get even and uniform score lines on a large sheet of glass.

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