How to Get Glass Cut to Size

Glass Cut To Size

There is a good chance that you will need to cut your own glass, either because of damaged window frames or because your little one dropped the favourite picture frame and cracked the glass (that’s why it is so important to make sure that all kids have tempered glass kitchenware, which is 2.5 times stronger than regular glass and can easily withstand a fall to the floor). Most types of glass are available in standard sizes that are suitable for many applications but sometimes you will require bespoke dimensions. Luckily, this is easy to do.

The first step is to carefully measure the frame dimensions and double check that they are correct. You can then take the measurements to a local hardware store or glass supplier to have the glass cut for you. This will cost more than simply buying glass cut to size but it can be well worth the investment if you are working with fragile materials or very expensive windows.

Once you have the glass that is required for your application it will need to be sanded and polished to ensure a smooth finish. You can do this at home, but it is often better to leave this to the professionals. Glass fabricators have the specialised tools and equipment needed to achieve a professional quality finish and can use diamond tooling technology that is more efficient than manually sanding or polishing.

When the glass has been polished and sanded it is ready to be cut to size. It is often necessary to score the glass along the line that you would like to cut it and then give it a sharp bend or tap to break it along the scored line. This can be done by hand but it is usually easier and more precise to use suitable glass breaking pliers.

While scoring glass it is essential to keep a consistent pressure, and a constant speed of movement across the surface. This will prevent the glass from being shattered by a sudden change in pressure or speed. It can also be useful to wear gloves and goggles, especially when working with shattered glass.

Once the glass has been scored it is then time to separate the two sides of the glass. This can be done by hand following the three point principle or more easily and reliably with suitable glass breaking pliers. Once the glass is separated it can then be cleaned, and if required, polished with whetstones to remove any ragged edges.

Finally, it is a good idea to use a special felt cutting mat when scoring and cutting glass to reduce the risk of grit getting stuck in the wheel of your cutter, which can lead to jagged cuts. This mat is designed to allow the glass cutter to slide smoothly over the surface of the glass, and it can be easily cleaned using a chip brush. This can help to extend the life of your glass cutter and prevent it from becoming dull over time.

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