Gluing glass can be a daunting task. Glass is transparent, fragile and smooth, so gluing it to some material without ruining its characteristics can be difficult. Fortunately, there are several special types of glue you can use to glue glass to just about any material. To learn how to do this, buy the right products and follow a few simple steps. Keep reading this article.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Repairing a Crack
Step 1. Choose the type of glue
You will need a special product designed specifically for glass or the fragments will come off again as soon as they are cleaned.
- Silicone based adhesives are clear and very strong once dried but can be toxic. Among these we remember the glues for aquariums.
- Acrylic resins that harden with ultraviolet (UV) are excellent for repairing clear glass fragments that fit together perfectly. They must be exposed to sunlight or a UV lamp to dry and set. Colored or opaque glass may prevent light from reaching the glue, making the fixing somewhat weak.
- If you need to repair an object that will be exposed to water, make sure the glue is water repellent. Most silicones and some UV resins are.
- If you repair an object that comes into contact with food and drink, make sure the glue is specific for this purpose as many adhesives are toxic even when dry.
Step 2. Clean both pieces with soap and water
After washing, dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. Glass adheres best if it is clean, dry and without traces of grease.
- Wear latex gloves for these operations. This allows you to prevent the sebum present on the skin from transferring to the glass; they also protect you from the toxic components of the glue and you will not get dirty.
- Stubborn stains can be removed with steel wool.
Step 3. Apply glue along the edges of the crack
You have to put a little, but in enough quantity to cover the whole edge. You only have to put it on one of the two fragments.
Step 4. Join the two pieces
Make sure the broken surfaces are aligned and press them together by applying some pressure for at least a minute.
Step 5. Wait for the glue to set
It will take a period of time ranging from a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on the type and brand of adhesive. Even if the solder feels solid to you, avoid stressing it for at least a day.
- UV glues must be exposed to ultraviolet rays. A few minutes in sunlight or under a specific lamp should be enough for them to harden. If you are fixing opaque glass or the sunlight is not very intense, wait a few more minutes.
- Silicone adhesives take several hours to set. In this case there is no need for the action of the sun and silicones set in almost all conditions (humidity from 5% to 95% and temperatures between 5 and 40 ° C).
- If you are working with large, flat pieces of glass, hold them together with specific clamps for delicate objects. Try not to break the glass by tightening the clamps too much.
Step 6. Scrape off excess glue with a razor blade
Check for any excess adhesive before it hardens or it will run off the joint and start drying. Be very careful and remove this adhesive with the blade, then clean the surrounding areas.
Both types of glue, UV and silicone, are perfectly transparent once dry, so the joint should not be visible
Part 2 of 2: Decorating the Glass
Step 1. Decide which materials to glue to the glass and the type of adhesive to use
You can decorate a jar with fabric or paper scraps, you could create a three-dimensional mosaic by placing pieces of ceramic or glass on top of a vase of flowers. Each combination of materials must be fixed with a specific type of glue.
- Go to a hardware store or home improvement store and check the labels on the various types of glue to figure out which one you need.
- Glue that stays clear when dry is the best choice for most projects.
Step 2. Prepare the material
A few simple steps can speed up the decorating work and make the bond very strong.
- Wash the glass thoroughly with soap and water;
- Dry it with kitchen paper;
- Pour some glue into a plastic container. This will make it easier to apply it with a brush and at the same time it will begin to dry slightly, so that it has the right consistency.
Step 3. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the object
Cover the entire area you want to decorate. Remove any excess that comes out and wait for the glue to dry.
The laying time of the glue varies according to the type used. In most cases, 5-10 minutes is enough
Step 4. Apply a second layer of glue to a small area
When the first coat is dry, add a little adhesive where you want them to become moist and sticky to prevent the decorations from slipping off.
Wait another 5-10 minutes
Step 5. Attach the decoration to the area you have prepared
If it slips, wait for the glue to dry and try adding some more.
Continue decorating the item following this procedure. Feel free to put some glue elsewhere while still decorating the previous one
Step 6. Add a final layer of glue on the decoration to secure it
Wait for it to dry.
Step 7. Spray the object with a sealant to ensure durability and waterproofing
Let it dry for another 15 minutes.
Step 8. Wipe off the excess adhesive and wait for it to dry
It will take 24 hours before your item can be handled safely, enjoy your work!
Step 9. Finished
Advice
- Some silicone adhesives are sold in a cylinder with a plunger and a nozzle at the other end. These must be inserted into a "gun" in order to be able to control their application.
- The instructions listed in the “Repairing a Fracture” section are also valid for fixing two glass objects together.
