Glass is beautiful, but unfortunately it's also fragile and doesn't react well to parties, pets, children and household "acts of God." If your favorite coffee table has cracked and you want to repair it yourself, it's easier than you might think to make it like new again. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine whether replacing the glass would be easier than trying to fix it, or if the glass is too damaged to do the job yourself. If the table is a specialty piece that's close to shattering, take it to a professional. If you're dealing with a glass-topped table or glass inlay piece, it may be less expensive and time-consuming to simply replace the cracked pane.
2. Purchase a glass repair kit. Unless you are working with a table made from blown glass or a specialized non-flat surface, a windshield or window repair kit is an easy way to repair the problem. Buy these kits at auto parts stores and major retailers with automotive repair sections as well as at home repair centers.
3. Assess the damage. If you have multiple cracks, be sure you have enough resin and enough bridges for each crack before you begin any repairs.
4. Clean the glass carefully. It's easy to accidentally cut yourself on the thin edges of the glass surface, so take good care. Allow the glass to dry thoroughly before you repair it.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, making sure the vinyl or resin is used in appropriate amounts and the bridges are applied to the cracked glass correctly. The bridge looks like a suction cup attached to a metal bar with a screw through it. Make sure you apply the right amount of pressure to the crack specific to the type of filler you are using.
6. Remove excess resin or vinyl on the glass with a razor blade according to the instructions of the kit you are using. Timing differs among kits, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
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