How to Repair Cracked Glass

When a picture frame, mirror or glassware item cracks it can be frustrating. If left unattended short cracks can turn into long ones that threaten the whole piece of glassware or window. Fortunately, you can prevent these cracks from worsening by using a few simple methods. Depending on the type of glassware or window, these solutions may include masking tape, clear nail polish or epoxy. They are not the most aesthetically pleasing but will hold the crack together until you can come up with something more permanent. They also work well for double-pane windows where a bad crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and reduce the insulating properties of the window.

Before applying any glue to a cracked glass surface it is important to clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime and allow the glass to dry completely. When repairing glassware, it’s best to use an adhesive that is specifically formulated for such purposes such as Loctite Super Glue Glass. This high-strength adhesive is designed to bond all types of glass in seconds and dries crystal clear. For large repair jobs on glass items such as a door, or a window sash, it’s more appropriate to use a two-part epoxy that consists of a resin and a hardener. These are usually sold in a dual-cylinder syringe that regulates the flow of the two substances and keeps them at the correct proportion for mixing.

Once the epoxy has been mixed, a putty knife can be used to spread it over and into the crack on the glass surface. Once again, it is important to leave an adequate amount of space to prevent the crack from spreading after the epoxy has been applied and allowed to cure. Generally, this will take from minutes to a day or two, depending on the product you are using. During this time it is important to avoid flexing the glass or the surrounding surface as this will disrupt the curing process and weaken the strength of the repaired crack.

When the epoxy has cured, it can be removed by using a utility knife blade or razor blade. Be sure to cut at a low angle and keep the blade away from your body. You can also wipe off any excess epoxy with a rag moistened with mineral spirits or acetone.

Whether you need to fix a small crack on your bathroom mirror, a broken pane in your kitchen window or even an entire windshield, these methods should help you stay ahead of the need for replacement and keep your home or business looking its best. However, these are not suitable for repairing cracked car windshields which require special techniques, tools and materials to preserve the integrity of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) camera mount and maintain a vacuum between the layers of the glass. Contact your auto dealer for details. They should be able to supply original equipment windshields as well as install the new windshield and calibrate the ADAS system for proper function.

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