How to Glue Glass

Select the right adhesive. You’ll need a glue specifically designed for glass; otherwise, the bond may fail after washing.

• Clear silicone glue is strong and durable when dry but may be toxic to users. Aquarium sealants fall into this category.
• UV-cured acrylic resin is ideal for bonding transparent glass pieces. It requires exposure to sunlight or UV light to set. Opaque or colored glass may block some UV rays, reducing adhesion.
• If the glass will be exposed to water, ensure the adhesive is waterproof. Most silicone glues and some UV resins are water-resistant.
• For items that will come into contact with food or beverages, verify that the adhesive is food-safe. Some glues can be toxic once dried.

Clean both glass pieces thoroughly with soap and water. After washing, dry each piece completely with a clean cloth. Glass bonds best when it is clean, dry, and free from oils.

• Wear rubber gloves when handling and gluing the glass surfaces. This prevents oils from your hands from transferring to the glass and protects you from toxins and excess adhesive.
• Stubborn oil stains can be scrubbed off with steel wool.

Apply glue along the edge of one glass piece. Use a small amount, but ensure the entire broken edge is coated. You only need to apply glue to one of the glass pieces.

Press the two glass pieces together. Make sure the broken edges align perfectly and hold them in place for at least one minute.

Allow the glue to dry. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on the type and brand of adhesive. Even after it sets, avoid applying strong force for 24 hours.

• UV-cured glue requires exposure to ultraviolet light. A few minutes under strong sunlight or a UV lamp will harden the adhesive. More time may be needed for opaque glass or weak sunlight.
• Silicone glue needs at least a few hours to dry. It doesn’t require sunlight and will cure in conditions with 5%–95% humidity and temperatures between 5°C and 40°C.
• For larger glass pieces, use glass clamps or specialized clamps designed for fragile items. Avoid over-tightening, which could crack the glass.

Scrape off excess glue with a razor blade. Inspect the glass before the glue fully dries. Excess adhesive may seep out of the joint and begin to harden. Carefully scrape away the excess with a razor blade and wipe the surrounding area clean.

• Both UV and silicone glue will dry clear, making the crack nearly invisible.

Choose materials and adhesive. You can decorate glass jars with fabric or cut-out paper, or create 3D tile effects by attaching ceramic or glass pieces to vases. Each material combination requires a specific type of glue for a strong bond.

• Visit a hardware or craft store and read the labels on glue bottles to find the right adhesive for your chosen materials.
• Clear-drying glue is preferred for most art projects.

Prepare the materials. A few simple steps will speed up the decorating process and ensure the glass adheres properly.

• Wash the glass thoroughly with soap and water.
• Dry the glass with a paper towel.
• Pour a small amount of glue into a plastic cup. This makes it easier to apply with a brush and allows the glue to slightly thicken for better adhesion.

Apply a thin layer of glue to the object. Spread it on any area you wish to decorate. Wipe off excess glue and let it dry.

• Drying times vary depending on the type of glue used. In most cases, 5-10 minutes is sufficient.

Apply a second layer of glue to a small area. Once the first layer is dry, add a bit more glue to make the surface tacky, preventing decorations from sliding.

• Wait about 5-10 minutes for the glue to become effective.

Attach decorative items to the area where glue has been applied. If they slip, wait for the glue to slightly dry and try again.

• Apply, wait, and decorate each spot one by one. If desired, you can apply glue to another area while still decorating the current one.

Apply a final layer of glue over the decorations to secure them. Allow it to dry.

Spray a sealant layer to ensure durability and water resistance. Let it dry for 15 minutes.

Wipe off any excess glue and let it dry. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before handling the item carefully, then enjoy your new decorative piece!

Repairing Cracked Glass:

• UV glue or silicone adhesive
• Soap
• Water
• Clean cloth
• Rubber gloves
• Ultraviolet lamp or sunlight (for UV resin)
• Razor blade
• Clamping table (optional, for holding large glass pieces)
• Scouring pad (optional, for cleaning)

• The Cracked Glass Repair Guide can be used to bond glass pieces together.
• Some silicone adhesives come in tubes with a pump nozzle and a spray nozzle. These can be attached to a "silicone gun" (or pump gun) for better control over the amount of adhesive dispensed.

• Work in a well-ventilated area if you are using glue that emits toxic fumes.