When picture frames, mirrors, kitchen glassware, or door glass collide with hard things, cracked glass is commonly the result. Short fractures can quickly grow into long ones, indicating the end of the entire glass item.
The good news is you can often fix a small crack in glass yourself with little more than a steady hand and a few basic supplies. You’ll need to fix a crack in the glass right away, however, as small ones can grow into larger breaks if exposed to moisture, temperature swings, dirt, or rough treatment.
Cracked Glass Repair Options
Can Be Repaired
- Single-pane glass
- Mirrors
- Glass tiles
- Sidelites
- Picture glass
- Some kitchen glassware
Cannot Be Repaired
- Double-pane windows
- Microwave doors
- Oven doors
- Shower or tub glass
- Automotive glass
Before you begin, keep in mind:
- For single-pane glass household items, the following guide on how to repair a crack in glass will suffice. Tabletops, shower doors, vases, and single-pane windows are all examples, as are double-pane windows with a crack in only one of the panes. It is not intended for repairing a cracked car windshield, which necessitates the use of a syringe to inject resin into the crack and a plunger to maintain the vacuum between the glass layers of the windshield.
- While this technique can be used to repair a cracked mirror, the reflection is bound to show the repair more than on regular glass. The best results will come from a minor crack on the sides of a mirror, away from the direct line of sight.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner
Duration:
1-2 hrs
Steps:
5
Materials:
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Two-part epoxy
- Glass cleaner
- Acetone
- Paper plates
- Cotton rags
Tools:
Here is a list of all the tools we’ll be working with:
- Razor blade
- Toothpicks
- Putty Knife
How to Fix a Crack in Glass
1
Use Dishwasher to Clean Glass
Wash the glass around the crack with a damp cloth and a drop or two of dishwashing soap. Remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints before wiping the spot with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap residue. Allow the glass to dry completely.
2
Make the two-part epoxy.
Prepare the two-part epoxy on a piece of cardboard or a disposable plate in a well-ventilated area. These adhesives (available at many craft stores, home improvement stores, and on Amazon.com) contain a separate resin and hardener that are mixed together at the time of use.
While the mixture is usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, follow the instructions on your specific product. Mix the epoxy for at least 20 seconds with a toothpick. When the epoxy is mixed, it will quickly thicken and harden, so use it right away. In general, you'll have five to ten minutes before the epoxy becomes too thick to easily seep into the crack.
3
Using a putty knife, apply the epoxy to the crack in the glass.
With a putty knife, spread the epoxy over and into the crack. Back and forth across the crack, gently pressing the adhesive into the damaged area. Allow at least five minutes for the epoxy to cure.
4
Remove any excess epoxy with a razor blade and allow the remainder to cure.
Scrape away the excess epoxy with a razor blade, and thereafter wipe the area with an acetone-soaked clean rag to remove any epoxy that has risen above the crack. Allow 24 hours for the repaired glass to cure.
5
Use a glass cleaner to polish the surface.
Enjoy your repaired item after polishing the glass with a clean rag and glass cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Cracked glass is a major issue. We've all been there in one way or another. Some people may have a broken window, while others may have a visible crack in a favorite picture frame or glass bowl. You can remove the cracks, but you must exercise extreme caution. Seek professional assistance as needed. Don't get carried away with your DIY enthusiasm. You could end up hurting yourself.