We’ve all experienced the unsettling sound of glass breaking. This is true whether it’s from setting a glass down too forcefully, a stray baseball hitting a window, or accidentally knocking over a vase.
Often, you can easily replace the broken item. But what happens when the broken piece is something irreplaceable, like an antique vase from your grandmother?
Repairing broken glass can be a complex task. The feasibility of a repair often depends on the type of glass, the extent of the damage, and whether the sentimental or monetary value justifies the effort and cost. Sometimes, you’ll need to assess your own skills and the significance of the glass item to decide if repair is the practical choice.
Fortunately, under the right conditions, broken glass can be repaired. Here’s how to assess and handle the situation to restore your cherished glass items effectively.
What kind of glass can you repair?
Not all broken glass is suitable for repair. For example, if both panes of a double-paned window are damaged, or if the glass is subject to heat (like in microwave or oven doors), it is usually better to replace it rather than attempt a repair. This ensures safety and functionality are not compromised.
However, you can usually repair single-pane glass commonly found in picture frames, mirrors, some types of glassware, and sidelites, provided it has not shattered into multiple pieces or is missing segments. You can usually fix minor chips and cracks in these items.
If the type of glass qualifies for repair, how should one go about fixing it? Here are the steps to consider for effective glass repair.
Melt it back together
To make glass, we combine sand, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and recycled glass. We then heat this mixture in a specialized furnace. The average temperature inside the furnace reaches about 1400 degrees Celsius, or over 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
We heat the glass mixture, then pour it onto a flat surface or shape it using molds or specially designed tools that can withstand the heat and manipulate the liquid glass. As the glass cools, it hardens and becomes transparent. To add colors or adjust levels of transparency, introduce different chemicals to the hot glass to create various effects.
Can you put any glass object back together?
So, if a glass object is damaged, can you simply melt it and put it back together?
Theoretically, yes, but realistically, this approach is dangerous, expensive, time-consuming, and might cause further damage or unwanted changes to the glass item.
While reassembling glass in this manner isn’t entirely impossible, it typically requires a professional’s expert opinion and assistance. For simpler repairs, you can often mend glass using epoxy.
Epoxy repair process
When repairing broken glass, be aware that the fixes might still be reasonably noticeable. It’s always a good idea to repair cracks as quickly as possible to stop them from spreading and causing irreparable damage to the rest of the glass.
There are seven basic steps to repairing broken glass using epoxy.
1. Prep
Ensure you have all the equipment you need to repair the broken glass. This includes gloves, dish soap, glass cleaner, a wooden mixing stick, painter’s tape, a putty knife, a razor blade, and the correct epoxy for the project.
There are different brands of epoxy, so be sure to read the instructions for mixing ratios, curing time, and any other specific directions before you begin. Most epoxies must be combined in a disposable container before being applied to the glass surface.
Epoxy comes in two separate parts — a resin and a hardener. It’s important not to mix the two parts until right before you use them because, once you mix them, the epoxy will quickly start to harden.
It is also essential to ensure your workspace is free of clutter and that the glass can remain undisturbed for 24 hours while the epoxy cures.
2. Clean
For the epoxy to stick effectively, the surface of the glass must be clean and free of dust and residue. Use a glass cleaner, dish soap, and warm water to clean the glass. Make sure you let the glass dry before proceeding to the next step. If possible, clean the edges of the broken pieces as well. This can be tricky; be careful not to cut yourself.
3. Mix epoxy
Most epoxy comes in a syringe-type applicator with separate cylinders for the resin and the hardener. When you apply pressure to the cylinders evenly, you usually get the correct ratio. But, to be safe, take a moment to read the directions carefully before opening the epoxy.
Stir the two materials together using a wooden stick until thoroughly mixed. Once you’ve mixed the epoxy, you want to proceed quickly to the application.
4. Apply
The epoxy application will differ depending on the repair you are doing.
For cracks:
Use a putty knife to spread the epoxy over the entire crack, working it into the crack completely.
For fully separated pieces:
Use a putty knife or a wooden mixing stick to dab a small amount of epoxy on the edges of the broken pieces. Press and firmly hold the pieces together while applying painter’s tape to both parts to ensure they stay together.
In both applications, we recommend using epoxy sparingly. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. You will only have about five minutes to work with the epoxy before it starts to harden.
5. Remove excess
After about five minutes, the broken glass should be filled with epoxy and start to harden. As soon as you finish the application, you need to remove any remaining epoxy from the surface of the glass.
Use a razor blade at an angle to slice off the excess epoxy by sliding the blade away from your body. If you would rather not use a razor blade, you can use a rag with acetone to remove the excess epoxy.
This step is critical for the repair to look clear and smooth. If you leave extra epoxy on the surface, the fix will be very noticeable, especially if you are working on repairing a mirror. Removing the excess must be done quickly while the epoxy is still malleable.
6. Cure
The process of hardening, known as curing, typically takes 12-24 hours. Although the epoxy might feel dry before this time, it has not yet fully hardened to its maximum strength. Be cautious and avoid moving the glass excessively until the epoxy has completely cured.
7. Clean
Finally, clean the glass again to remove fingerprints or tape residue. Of course, the crack will still be visible at some angles, but this should prevent the damage from getting any bigger or more noticeable.
Voila! Your simple repair is finished.
However, while we wish all broken glass could be fixed using these steps, there are some circumstances where the glass requires replacement, and even the best DIYer should get help from professionals for any glass installation.
Repair or replace glass in your home with Murray Glass
Dealing with broken glass can be stressful and unsafe. If you need professional broken glass repair, trust the experts at Murray Glass to provide fast, reliable, and efficient service. Our experienced team has the tools and knowledge to handle any broken glass repair job, big or small, ensuring that your space is safe and visually appealing again.
Don’t let broken glass pose a risk to your safety and security. Contact Murray Glass today to schedule a repair. Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your glass repair needs are in the hands of seasoned professionals.
