Broken glass is quite tricky to repair. This is why usually it’s discarded and not fixed. However, if you want to save the piece of glassware and want to know how to glue glass to glass permanently, don’t fret. We have done our research to provide you with an easy guide!
Whether you have broken glassware you want to repair or you want to decorate it, here are the steps:
- Select a glue
- Prepare the surface
- Apply adhesive on one edge
- Press the pieces together
- Leave the glue to dry
- Shave off excess glue
These are easy steps in gluing glass to glass. Throughout the post, we will detail each one. We will also discuss the types of glue appropriate for glass. You’ll also get tips on properly caring for glass and other related information. Continue reading!
How To Glue Glass Together
Glass is fragile and, when broken, hard to restore. However, there are several products that you can use to resurrect glass so it’ll function the way it used to.
These steps will guide you with gluing glass to glass:
1. Select The Glue
Traditional adhesives may not be appropriate for gluing glass to glass. You also can’t just use glass glue because some may not be able to repair extensive damage.
To find the right glue for the glass, assess how big the project you will repair is. For fixing small cracks, you may use epoxy or super glue. It will keep the glass glued together for a long time.
Moreover, epoxy can also be used for glassware that needs to be heat resistant. Also, superglue has a runny consistency, making it easier to use on small cracks.
For bigger repairs or gluing bigger pieces of glass, you’ll need thick glue that can fill the cracks while providing excellent adhesion.
Silicone glues can also get the job done, especially in applications that need to be water-proofed. However, silicone can be toxic, so be careful when using it.
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2. Prepare The Surface
If you glue big pieces of glass together, clean the surface with warm water and dishwashing liquid. The surface should be free from debris or oil that will keep the adhesive from doing its job.
Once you have cleaned the surface, wipe it with a clean cloth to dry it. Avoid touching it with bare hands so it won’t be dirty again. If you can wear latex gloves, that will be better.
If you stick broken pieces of glass, wash the parts with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Make sure they are all dried before you move on to the next step.
Remember that broken glass pieces are sharp, so be careful when dealing with them.
3. Apply Adhesive On One Edge
After cleaning and drying the glass pieces, you are ready to stick them together. The next step is to apply glue to one side of the glass.
Some types of glues come in tubes with narrow tips; this is easier to apply because you’ll be able to control the amount of glue that comes out.
You may also use a small paintbrush to apply the glue on the surface.
Remember not to apply too much glue, as it will ooze out when you stick and press the two pieces of glass together. Some glues do not dry clear, so it’ll affect the appearance of the glass.
If you use silicone, a thick layer should be applied to the edges to ensure a strong bond.
4. Press The Pieces Together
When repairing broken glass pieces, ensure that they are aligned and in place before you press them together. You may need to hold them in place for a couple of minutes until they are stuck with each other.
At times, you’ll need a tool to press them together. You can use clamps for big pieces of glass or a clothespin for minor repairs.
Bear in mind that although you need to press the pieces together, you should watch the amount of pressure you are applying because you don’t want to break the glass.
Lastly, if you see excess glue that oozed out between the glasses, gently wipe it with a damp cloth.
5. Leave The Glue To Dry
Different types of glue have different times of curing. Drying time may take anywhere between a couple of minutes to 24 hours. During these times, refrain from touching the glass.
This may seem firm and stuck together, but the bond is not enough.
Some adhesives require ultraviolet rays to cure. You must let it dry under the sun or use UV lamps to help the glue harden.
Some glues are not sensitive to temperature and will cure independently, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Make it a habit to check the labels for any special instructions.
6. Shave Off Excess Glue
Now that you have glued the glass to the glass, it’s time to remove the excess adhesive.
Even if you have wiped the excess in the previous steps, you still need to remove the excess dried glue by shaving it off lightly. Use a scalpel or a razor blade to get the job done.
Wipe the surface clean, and you are good to go.
How To Store Glue Properly
Are you one of those who cannot use glue the second time because you find the nozzle clogged? If you are, then you are not storing the glue properly.
Containers should be kept in temperatures between 50 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not expose the tube or adhesive containers to direct sunlight; it’ll dry out.
Keep moisture out, and put the tube in a zip-top bag. You can also put the tube inside a jar with a screw lid since it has the same effect as the zip-top bag. Add a silica gel pouch into the bag, as this will pull moisture out of the air.
After using the glue, wipe the nozzle off before closing the lid so it won’t stick together. Keep the tube upright to keep the glue away from the nozzle.
How Can I Minimize Glass Breakage?
Many factors contribute to glass breakage. In areas where you have glass windows, panels, or doors, you need to be extra careful, as breaking those will seriously damage your budget.
To protect these surfaces, make sure that you are cleaning them regularly. Dirt and grime build-up will cause the integrity of the glass surface to weaken and will cause breakage.
During house repair, ensure that glass windows or doors are covered to protect them from flying debris. In the kitchen, glassware breakage can be minimized by properly storing them.
As much as possible, do not store these in areas where they will be directly hit by sunlight. You may wrap each piece of glassware with paper and put them inside a box when not in use.
Moreover, refrain from exposing glassware to too much cold or too much heat. The sudden temperature change will result in breakage.
Sometimes breakage also happens because glassware that is not meant to be stacked together is collected that way. Do not stack glasses together--this will also break a couple of glasses.
How To Remove Glue From Your Hands
Sometimes you accidentally get superglue into your fingers, and the residue won’t come off. This common concern can easily be fixed by washing with soap and warm water.
This is best done when the glue hasn’t hardened yet.
If you find the glue has hardened and soap and water weren’t enough, use baby oil or petroleum jelly. Rub the oily product into your fingers to break the bond of the super glue.
Remember that when trying to remove super glue or any glue from your fingers, avoid pulling with force, as you can get blisters.
If the suggestions above don’t work and it’s not bothering you too much, just let it come off on its own.
Remember to wear gloves to avoid getting your fingers glued together.
Final Thoughts
The steps in gluing glass to glass are relatively easy to follow. Remember to use glue compatible with glass for the project to work.
It is also important to note that applying adhesive on one side of the glass is enough for both glasses to stick together. Moreover, you should not let too much excess glue harden on the surface as it may affect the appearance of the glass.
Now that you know how to glue glass to glass permanently, you will be able to confidently do this on your own while taking necessary safety precautions.
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