Fix cracked glass in windows, mirrors, doors, and other items.
Short cracks can rapidly develop into long ones that spell the end of the entire glass item.
Warning
The methods discussed do not work for windshields or other automotive glass.
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Glass Repair With Two-Part Epoxy
Two-part epoxy consists of a resin and a hardener.
Neither will work on its own.
You’ll need to squirt out the two substances and mix them together.
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For small repairs, it’s best to buy epoxy in a double-cylinder syringe.
This syringe regulates the flow of resin and hardener so that they remain within the correct proportion.
You’ll leave the excess in place and let it fully cure.
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Once the epoxy has hardened, you will slice it off with a razor blade or utility knife blade.
Kitchen glassware that will not be heated can often be repaired too.
Round impact cracks tend to repair best if they are no more than 1 inch in diameter.
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Long cracks should be no more than 12 inches.
Glass repair will only work on single-pane glass.
Cracked phone or tablet glass can be temporarily repaired with epoxy and the break will still be quite visible.
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It is highly advised to take any machine with a cracked screen to be expertly fixed.
Work in a well-ventilated room.
All tools that you use should be disposable: work surface, gloves, and mixing stick.
Fixing method when glass is separatedThe Spruce / Lisa Ruschioni
Separating the broken pieces of glass and cleaning the edges is preferable, if possible.
Otherwise, leave the broken pieces together.
Let the glass thoroughly dry.
Fixing method when glass is crackedThe Spruce / Lisa Ruschioni
Handle the glass with care if you decide to separate the pieces for cleaning.
Always wear safety glasses.
Prepare the Epoxy
Snap off or cut off the ends of both of the two-part epoxy cylinders.
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double-check that both cylinder nozzles are equally open.
Thoroughly mix the epoxy with the wooden stick.
What Is Epoxy?
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It comes in a two-part applicatora resin and a hardenerthat activates when mixed, creating epoxy resin.
Once cured, epoxy resin can be modified in many ways, from sanding to painting to drilling.
Firmly hold the two pieces of glass together by hand as you add strips ofpainter’s tapeto the surface.
It is okay to leave a low hump of epoxy since it aids in the cutting process.
It can take anywhere from minutes to a day or two for the epoxy to fully cure.
Slice Off Excess Epoxy
Once the epoxy has fully cured.
slice off the excess with a loose utility knife blade or razor blade.
Slide the blade at a low angle (about 15 degrees) to slice off the epoxy.
Slide the blade away from your body.
Clean the Glass
Use paper towels andglass cleanerto clean fingerprints off of the glass and patch.
For sentimental or important items, it’s probably best to have a professional repair the glass for you.
Glass repair will not make the crack completely invisible from all angles.
Rather, it is a cosmetic touch-up that only minimizes the visual appearance of the crack.
When viewed from certain angles, the repaired crack may not be visible.
From other angles, the crack will be visible.
Windshield repair is not a do-it-yourself project.
It may be illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in your area.
So, your insurance company can either repair the windshield or replace it entirely.
No, but you could minimize the repair’s visibility.
Transferring dirt or smudges onto the glass or mirror will make the patch visible.
Dirt embedded in the epoxy stays on the glass.
So, cleaning the glass is vital.
Also, any remaining particles of epoxy will be visible.
For nail polish or super glue, apply to the crack and along the border of the cracked area.
Remove polish or glue with acetone before applying a stronger sealant like epoxy.
If using tape, covering the crack will temporarily protect the area from debris and moisture.
