Repair a cracked window, glass tabletop, or even a mirror with this easy step-by-step guide.
Photo: istockphoto.com
The Blow Job shot belongs to an era of provocatively named cocktails dating back to the 1980s and ’90s. By the time this layered shot appeared on the scene, bartenders had been making fun cocktails and shooters for several years, perhaps none more popular than the Sex on the Beach. Shake and strain into a shot glass DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, 15%-50% Alc./Vol. ©2012 John DeKuyper and Sons, Frankfort; Clermont, KY. DeKuyper® prohibits the sharing of this work with individuals under the legal purchase age for alcohol.
A pebble from the lawnmower tossed against a window. A drink set down too heavily on your glass-topped coffee table. A favorite vase tipped over by your curious cat. These and near-endless other scenarios can lead to a crack in glass. Sadly, glass that has broken into pieces or has cracks larger than an inch, as well as double-paned glass with a hole through both panes, is pretty much beyond repair.
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 glass right away, however, as small ones can grow into larger breaks if exposed to moisture, temperature swings, dirt, or rough treatment.
Before you begin, note:
• The following guide on how to repair a crack in glass will do the job for single-pane-glass household items. This includes tabletops, shower doors, vases, and single-pane windows—as well as double-pane windows with a crack in only one of the panes. It’s not intended for repairing a cracked car windshield, which requires a syringe to inject resin into the crack and a plunger to maintain the vacuum between the windshield’s layers of glass.
• While you can fix a cracked mirror with this technique, the reflection is bound to show the repair a bit more than on regular glass. You’ll get best results with a minor crack on the sides of a mirror, out of the direct line of vision.
Photo: istockphoto.com
STEP 1: Clean the glass with dish soap.
Wash the glass around the crack with a drop or two of dishwashing soap on a damp cloth. You’ll want to remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints, and then wipe the spot with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap residue. Let the glass dry completely.
STEP 2: Mix up the two-part epoxy.
In a well-ventilated area, prepare a two-part epoxy on a piece of cardboard or a disposable plate. These adhesives (which can found in many craft stores, home improvement centers, or on Amazon.com) have a separate resin and hardener that are mixed together at the time of use.
RELATED: The Right Glue for Every Repair Job
Photo: amazon.com via Gorilla Glue
While the mixture is often a 50/50 blend of the resin and the hardener, follow the directions on your specific product. Use a toothpick to mix the epoxy for at least 20 seconds. Once the epoxy is mixed, be ready to use it immediately, as it will quickly thicken and harden. Generally, you’ll have five to ten minutes of working time before the epoxy is too thick to easily seep into the crack.
Making Crack In A Shot Glasses
STEP 3: Apply the epoxy to the crack in the glass using a putty knife.
Size Of A Shot Glass
Press the epoxy over and into the crack with a putty knife. Work the adhesive back and forth across the crack, gently pressing it into the damaged area. Let the epoxy cure for at least five minutes.
STEP 4: Remove excess epoxy with a razor blade and let the rest cure.
Scrape away excess epoxy with a razor blade, and then wipe the area with a clean rag moistened with acetone to further remove epoxy that’s raised above the crack. Let the repaired glass cure for 24 hours.
STEP 5: Spiff up the surface with a glass cleaner.
Polish the glass with a clean rag and glass cleaner, and enjoy your repaired item.
Require windshield services from the experts?
Have a chip or crack in your auto glass? Poor driving conditions or even bad weather can damage your windshield with projectiles like rocks on the road, debris, or even hail. Whether the damage is on your windshield, rear or side window, services from Safelite AutoGlass can help.
Fill In Cracks In Glass
Safelite has more than 70 years of experience providing windshield and auto glass service to 6 million customers just like you each year. Not only do we have certified technicians who can get the job done quickly, our auto glass service uses innovative technology and is built for your convenience.
Whether your auto glass damage is on your front or rear windshield, or even a side window, you can rely on Safelite for all types of car glass services.
And if we can’t repair your windshield, you can be confident in our ability to replace your windshield.
If you notice a chip on your glass and that chip fits under a dollar bill, get an auto glass repair as soon as possible before it cracks and needs replacing. Catch it early and a windshield repair could be all you need.
Depending on your insurance coverage, your windshield repair may be completely covered. We work with more than 500 insurance companies, or you can pay for the service on your own.
Life does not stop for cracks in your auto glass and here at Safelite, we’re all about customer convenience. Our MobileGlassShops can travel to your home, office or any location that works for you.
Fix Cracks In Glass
If you’d prefer, stop by one of our 720 facilities nationwide for your car glass repair or car window replacement. You can be sure there is a Safelite location ready to provide auto glass services near you.