Glass furniture and ornaments are elegant, but very fragile. Repair a cracked window, glass tabletop or even a mirror with this simple step-by-step guide.
A stone from the lawn mower flying into a window. A glass placed too hard on your glass coffee table. A vase that your cat has thrown on the floor: these are the situations that can cause a crack in the glass of your house. The bad news is that broken glass or glass with cracks of more than one centimeter, as well as double-glazed glass in which both panes have been punctured, are practically irreparable.
The good news is that you can repair small cracks in the glass yourself with a steady hand and a few basic materials. The problem is that you have to repair a crack as soon as you detect it, because small cracks can grow if they are exposed to moisture, temperature variations, dirt or rough handling.
Before You Begin
It is important to note that the following guide to repairing a cracked glass pane only applies to single pane household items. This includes table tops, shower doors, vases and single pane windows, as well as double glazed windows where there is only one pane of cracked glass. It is not intended for repairing a cracked car windshield, which requires a syringe to inject the resin into the crack and a plunger to maintain a vacuum between the layers of windshield glass. Although this technique can repair a cracked mirror, the reflection will make the repair stand out a bit more than on regular glass. You’ll get the best results with a small crack on the sides of the mirror, out of direct line of sight.
Don’t forget to put on protective gear – gloves and goggles – before you start.
Types of cracked glass you can repair yourself
Table tops
Shower doors
Vases
Single pane windows and double pane windows with single cracked glass.
How to repair cracked glass
Repairing cracked glass may seem like a daunting task because of the risk of injury, but the repair itself is fairly simple, as long as you work quickly before the epoxy hardens.
Step 1: Clean the glass with liquid detergent.
Wash the glass around the crack with a drop or two of detergent on a cloth.
Step 2: Mix the two-part epoxy.
In a well-ventilated area, prepare a two-component epoxy adhesive on a piece of cardboard or a disposable plate. These adhesives (which you can find at many craft stores or DIY centers) are composed of a separate resin and hardener that are mixed together at the time of use.
The mixture is usually 50/50 resin and hardener, but be sure to follow the instructions for the specific product you use. Use a toothpick to mix the epoxy for at least 20 seconds. Once the epoxy is mixed, be prepared to use it immediately, as it thickens and hardens quickly. In general, you will have 5 to 10 minutes of working time before the epoxy is too thick to seep into the crack.
Step 3: Apply the epoxy to the crack in the glass with a putty knife.
Press the epoxy over the crack with a putty knife. Move the adhesive back and forth across the crack, pressing gently into the damaged area. Allow the epoxy to cure for at least five minutes.
Step 4: Remove excess epoxy with a razor blade and allow the epoxy to cure in the crack.
Remove the excess epoxy with a razor blade, then wipe the area with a clean cloth soaked in acetone to remove any remaining epoxy protruding from the crack. Allow the repaired glass to harden for 24 hours.
Step 5: Spiff up the surface with a glass cleaner.
Polish the glass with a clean rag and glass cleaner.
Final Thoughts
Replacing small cracks in glass is a do-it-yourself project that can be done with the right tools and precautions. By following these simple steps, you can save time and money by hiring professional glass repair services. Always remember that safety comes first when attempting to repair glass yourself: wear protective gear and handle the glass carefully to avoid cutting yourself. If you encounter any major cracks that require glass replacement, we recommend that you contact a local repair company to ensure a safe and flawless result.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the idea of repairing cracked glass still scare you? Here’s more information on the types of cracks and the types of glass that can be successfully repaired.
Question : What types of cracks in glass can be repaired?
Small surface cracks in glass, which are usually hairline cracks or cracks that have not spread, can be repaired. Note: It is always important to carefully assess the situation and, if in doubt, call a professional glass repair service for advice.
Question: Can a windshield be repaired?
We do not recommend that you repair cracks in your windshield yourself (however, it is possible to repair chips if they are too small).
