Glass Repair – How to Do It Yourself

A well-hit baseball, a falling pan or rough-housing with kids can leave you with broken glass that needs to be fixed. Whether it’s your window or a picture frame, you can glue and set the pieces back together with the right materials and tools. The type of crack or break determines whether you can successfully repair or replace the glass yourself or need to call in a professional. Small cracks in glass are easy to fix and can usually be done by an intermediate do-it-yourselfer. Larger breaks require a professional, but most cracked glass can be repaired at home with a little effort and the proper precautions.

Glass Repair

If the crack is not in a location that is critical (such as a car windshield), you can often get away with repairing it yourself, especially if it is a stress crack that appeared suddenly from pressure or temperature changes and has not spread. A simple trip to the hardware store for glass adhesive and epoxy can usually address most broken glass. It’s a good idea to keep some in the garage or a handy spot in the house so you can respond quickly to sudden cracks.

Before you begin, put on gloves and safety goggles. Then remove the broken pane of glass from its original location, if needed. If you are removing the glass, tape an “X” shape over it (using duct or blue painter’s tape) to hold the pieces together and reduce the risk of cutting yourself. Once the glass is removed, cover it with a plastic bag to protect your clothing and prevent shards of glass from flying around the room.

Clean the surface of the glass where the crack is located with soap and water to make sure it is free of oil, wax or any other residue that might interfere with a strong bond. Make sure your hands are also clean, especially if you have been handling food or other substances that could cause a chemical reaction with the epoxy.

Mix the two-part epoxy on a piece of cardboard or paper plate, as directed on the product label. A double-cylinder syringe will help to regulate the flow of resin and hardener and ensure they are mixed correctly. The epoxy dries very fast, so it is important to work quickly.

When the epoxy has fully cured, scrape off any excess with a utility knife or razor blade. Use the blade at a low angle, and be careful to move it away from your body to avoid accidental cuts. Wipe the blade with a rag moistened with acetone to further remove any epoxy that has raised above the crack.

Re-install the glass panel into its frame, or apply additional sealant to the glass and frame, if necessary, to keep the crack from spreading further. Tape over the crack on both sides, if desired, to keep it from being pulled open during weather changes. If you applied additional sealant, let it dry before attempting to drive the vehicle again.

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