Stained glass isn't just made for religious places like churches and synagogues. Stained glass makes a lovely addition to any home, but it is prone to scratches and cracks.

It can be tricky to repair cracks in stained glass, so you may be tempted to throw the piece away. Cracks in stained glass are commonly repaired with matching ink or epoxy. You should be able to repair minor damage with a careful hand by following these tips.

Prepare to Fix the Crack

Gather the following materials:

  • work gloves
  • mild liquid soap
  • pliers 
  • damp cotton rag
  • plastic container or bowl
  • plastic spoon
  • toothpick
  • glass medicine droppers
  • razor blade
  • baking soda
  • super glue
  • self-stick thermometer
  • cake pan (optional)
  • ink matching the color of the crack or UV resistant glass restoration epoxy (available from glass restoration companies)

Lay the glass on a flat work surface covered by padding or scrap carpet and remove loose glass bits around the crack with pliers. Wash the cracked area with mild liquid soap, and rinse with a damp cloth.

Repair the Crack with Ink

Mix two or three drops of the ink with one-eighth teaspoon of baking soda in the bowl, and use the spoon to stir it thoroughly. Keep adding drops of ink until it matches as closely to the original color as possible. If the ink is too dark, sprinkle more baking soda. Stir in more ink, if the ink isn't dark enough.

Dab a thin layer of glue around the crack to make a seal. Scoop the mixture into the crack quickly, and tilt the glass slightly to remove extra ink. If you are repairing vertical glass, set a cake pan under it to catch ink.

The mixture should change into putty within several seconds. Smooth the putty with gloved fingers or the spoon. If putty gets on the glass surface, use the razor to gently scrape it. 

Fix Clear Stained Glass with Epoxy

Repair clear cracks with epoxy. Stick an adhesive thermometer on the glass to check the temperature. If it isn't warm enough, heat it slowly with a hair dryer to 120 degrees. Keep the hair dryer about two feet away from the glass, and don't heat the glass passed 120 degrees.

Prepare the epoxy parts using the glass medicine droppers, and blend them with the glass stir stick. Insert a toothpick in the crack to help guide the epoxy as you add it, and dab excess epoxy with a damp rag. After twelve hours, gently scrape extra epoxy with a razor.

For more information, contact companies like Allied Glass & Mirror.

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