Have you ever dropped your art project while rushing to the studio or set your cup down too hard in the kitchen sink? If so, you probably have experience dealing with chipped or broken glass. Glass isn’t the easiest material to repair, but super glue is an easy solution that can help.
Super glue works well on glass. It is an affordable and easy-to-use product that will make your broken glass look like new. Additionally, its unique chemical makeup creates strong and lasting bonds that maintain integrity over time.
In the rest of the article, I’ll discuss the unique qualities that make super glue the best product to use for glass repairs, tips on applying the super glue so that it lasts, and suggestions on which products to use for your repairs.
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Does Super Glue Dry Clear on Glass?
Super glue dries clear on glass, which makes it a great choice for repairing glass products. Additionally, cyanoacrylate, the compound that makes up super glue, creates a tight seal on many surfaces, which helps ensure your repairs are long-lasting and durable.
Cyanoacrylate is the main compound in super glue. It is an acrylic resin that dries very quickly in the presence of moisture. A chemical reaction occurs when this compound meets water.
However, this doesn’t mean that you need to have a wet surface for it to work effectively.
Instead, the molecules react to any moisture already in the air or on your object. Once it meets water, the cyanoacrylate begins setting immediately and forming a strong, waterproof bond.
This can be both a benefit and a drawback. Have you ever left the lid off of your super glue? If there is any glue inside the lid, the opening might be sealed shut, or you may not even be able to open the tube, to begin with! Also, if you accidentally drip super glue on your fingers, it will react quickly to the moisture in your skin and begin sealing your fingers together.
These examples show the importance of following the directions indicated on the super glue packaging. By doing this, you will increase the shelf life of the product and keep yourself safe.
How to Apply Super Glue to Glass
Here are a few important steps to follow when applying super glue to glass.
- Lay out the pieces that you are gluing together. Remember that super glue works fast, so you will need quick access to all the parts you are putting back together.
- Apply the super glue to all pieces. This will ensure a stronger bond with a higher likelihood that the pieces will stay connected.
- Apply pressure! Make sure that you hold the pieces together for at least 30 seconds. Once you set it down, keep the piece in a secure place and let the glue continue to set and harden for at least 24 hours.
- Clean up excess glue. Scrape away any globs of unwanted glue with a caulking tool. And don’t forget to wash your hands!
Removing Excess Super Glue
Even if you follow all of the steps listed above, inevitably, there will be occasions when you will get super glue somewhere that it shouldn’t be. If there is excess glue on the object you are repairing, it is best to try and remove it while the glue is still wet.
That said, if the glue has already set, it doesn’t mean that removing it is impossible. In fact, you have a few removal options you can consider, including:
- Acetone or nail polish remover. Dab some acetone on a cloth or Q-Tip and gently use it to scrub the section of super glue you want to remove. You can also use it to remove super glue from your skin.
- Sandpaper. Depending on how delicate your glass object is, you can use a small piece of sandpaper to remove the excess super glue.
- Soap and water. If you get super glue on your hands, this is the easiest – and gentlest – way to remove it. Just soak your hands in warm, soapy water and scrub the affected areas.
Best (Super) Glue Products for Glass
Glass can be a difficult material to repair. It is rigid, fragile, and shows blemishes easily. Aside from melting broken glass back together at incredibly high temperatures, super glue is one of the only other solutions to fixing glass. Thankfully, this product is easy to find and easy to use.
Though most super glues work on glass, some are formulated specifically for use on glass. Those are the products that offer the best results. If you’re looking for help finding a super glue to use on glass, here are some options I recommend:
Loctite Glass Glue, found on Amazon, bonds glass to glass or glass to other non-porous materials like steel or plastic. The glue dries clear and sets just seconds after application, and it is dishwasher safe, making it an excellent solution for broken dishes. This brand of super glue is the only option that is patented and formulated specifically for use on glass.
Another reliable option is Gorilla Clear Glue. This product also dries clear and is advertised for use on glass, wood, stone, metal, and more. Though it isn’t formulated specifically for use on glass, it is still effective. The repairs it creates will be strong and can be used on both indoor and outdoor repairs.
Keep in mind, you can use many super glue products both indoors and outdoors. However, if you plan to use it outdoors, try and look for a product that specifically says something like “for outdoor use.”
These typically will be even more durable than a standard super glue and will be better able to withstand dramatic temperature changes that happen seasonally.
Final Thoughts
Super glue is a great choice as a way to repair glass products. Its unique chemical composition means that it creates durable repairs. Additionally, it dries clear, so no one will be able to tell that you’ve had to repair a broken product.
This product is also easy to apply, and there are many options you can use to remove it if you apply it somewhere it shouldn’t be applied, making it the perfect solution for many broken objects or other projects around the home.
