FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

What glue to repair glass?

Matt | Posted in General Discussion on January 27, 2009 04:44am

Can opener fell out of upper cabinet and landed on the edge of the glass topped drop in cook top.  (my house)  The glass edge of the cooktop has a small chip in it and it is sharp.  I saved the small chip which is about 1/8″ in size – well, most of the chip anyway.  There is a sharp edge exposed that someone could get cut on when cleaning.  I’d like to glue this piece in and hopefully smooth over the sharp edge.  What kind of glue should I use?  Some kind of epoxy maybe?  The area does not really get hot from the cooktop. 

Thanks for your thoughts.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. DanH | Jan 27, 2009 04:58pm | #1

    Crazy glue will work at least temporarily, but will eventually dry out from the heat and turn to powder. You can look through the epoxies at the hardware store and see which ones claim to be able to handle glass -- some will, some won't. Epoxy should handle modest heat a little better.

    Before using any adhesive, clean both pieces well with rubbing alcohol.

    The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
    1. BilljustBill | Jan 27, 2009 05:23pm | #7

      DAP has come out with a High Temp. caulk that's rated at 3,000 degrees...much higher than the black or red silicone caulk, and it's clear.  If they sell it in a standard size tube, I'm sure you can buy it in a smaller "toothpaste" size tube.

      Bill

      1. DanH | Jan 27, 2009 05:26pm | #8

        Yeah, but generally caulk doesn't do that well in thin layers, and it's not really designed as an adhesive.
        The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jan 27, 2009 05:29pm | #10

          Yeah, but the edge of the cooktop don't get hot.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

           

          They kill Prophets, for Profits.

           

           

          1. KenHill3 | Jan 27, 2009 08:01pm | #11

            The windshield stuff may not cure very well- it uses UV light to cure and I would guess that this cooktop is black glass.

          2. DanH | Jan 28, 2009 01:08am | #12

            A sun lamp for an hour or so should solve that problem.
            The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

  2. Piffin | Jan 27, 2009 05:04pm | #2

    You've heard of those places that repair small star chips in windshields wioth epoxy?

    I think auto parts stores have a kit that you can do the same with.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. DanH | Jan 27, 2009 05:18pm | #5

      Yeah, good point -- windshield repair epoxy would probably be a good choice. The kits are available for $10-20. Throw out the vacuum gizmo and just use the epoxy straight.
      The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

    2. User avater
      Matt | Jan 28, 2009 03:49pm | #16

      Thanks all for your responses.  I'll go to the auto supply store and see what they have.  Great idea!

      BTW - to some of the other people.  I said the edge doesn't get hot.  You can lay your hand on it when the burner portion is hot.

  3. User avater
    Sphere | Jan 27, 2009 05:07pm | #3

    Rear view mirror adhesive, it can take heat and cold and really sticks. My dog hit my mirror and it came off, took windhield with it..a small chunk. I reglued it and it's still stuck.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

     

    They kill Prophets, for Profits.

     

     

    1. bobtim | Jan 27, 2009 05:23pm | #6

      How's the dog doing?

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Jan 27, 2009 05:28pm | #9

        That one?  He died last May.  Not from whacking his head barking at a fake bear statue, but a stroke or something.

         Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

         

        They kill Prophets, for Profits.

         

         

        1. User avater
          Matt | Jan 28, 2009 03:59pm | #17

          That's a bummer about your dog.  Mine - always love me and are always happy to see me even if I come home smelling like beer 4 hrs later than I said.  They also never call me on my cell phone to ask me when I'm coming home...  To see how  simple things truly delight them makes ya feel good.  It pains me to know that I'll probably outlast them....  We got a pet cemetery out back. :-(

  4. MikeRyan | Jan 27, 2009 05:08pm | #4

    FWIW, I chipped a crock pot lid and just used a dremel and the sanding drum to file down the sharp edge.  If you're just gluing the piece back on to cover the sharpness, this might be something you might consider.

  5. JeffinPA | Jan 28, 2009 03:36am | #13

    Matt

     

    Go online and find an appliance parts place and look up the cost for your replacement top.

    I'd quit messing around and replace the top if it is a newer appliance.

    I just replaced an oven door and it was not too expensive.

  6. Ray | Jan 28, 2009 04:32am | #14

    I've lived with a "ding" like that for a long time.  A diamond-coated rod for sharpening serrated knives works very well for smoothing the edges.  It was recommended for smoothing chipped crystal glassware.

  7. Don | Jan 28, 2009 05:37am | #15

    MAtt: Gluing glass so it will withstand heat is beyond our paygrade. The only reliable way to glue glass is w/ UV setting glue. GENERALLY, the joint becomes stronger than the glass, but it will not handle heat. Also doesn't tolerate water well over the long term. For standard UV curing glues, about 30 seconds will cure it to the point it cannot be separated. A minute will completely cure it. A good, bright, sunny day will be far more than necessary.

    In this case, there are diamond abrasive pads that will do the job on a small ding. If it's not bad, a diamond nail file from Wal Mart will do it. Otherwise, find a shop that does stained glass supplies & they should have 3M pads that will do it. They are graded, so you can choose your pizen based on how much you like sandpapering. Careful - that top may be tempered & it magically survived the ding. You go too far & the top will shatter into a zillion pieces so fast you won't see it.

    UV glue is expensive. I use it all the time on large pieces of glass.

    Don

    Don Reinhard
    The Glass Masterworks
    "If it scratches, I etch it!"
    1. User avater
      Matt | Jan 28, 2009 04:08pm | #18

      The area doesn't get hot.  It's in direct contact with the counter top which is now stone but used to be laminate...  Not very heat resistant... :-)

      I'm not sure any natural light reaches that though - or at least no direct sun.  What kind of electric lights give off UV?  Incandescent?  Florescent?  Other?

      1. Don | Jan 28, 2009 04:30pm | #19

        It takes a very special segment of UV spectrum to cure the good stuff. The bulbs are available, but cost a bit. The ones that are readily available are fairly weak in the necessary spectrum. I used to use them because I was struggling financially, but have upgraded. IIRC, I had to go to an electric supply house to buy them. They were about $14 per tube. The glue costs about $35 per small tube. If you REALLY want to pursue it, I'll get the sources for you. Can you take the top out & haul it into the back yard for Sun light? You don't want to look at this spectrum w/ bare eyes - will speed up cataract growth - takes eye protection.A word of warning - you only get ONE CHANCE to make it right. Glue it crooked, out of line, etc & you cannot get it apart! I have two stories on that, but they are too long to recount here.Is the glass top transparent? Translucent? Black? Light must penetrate the entire thickness of glass to make the glue in the middle cure. DonDon Reinhard
        The Glass Masterworks
        "If it scratches, I etch it!"

        1. User avater
          Matt | Jan 29, 2009 02:26am | #20

          Thanks Don...  Yea I could take it outside but it would be a PITA as I would have to disconnect the ducting for the downdraft and the power.  OTOH, I'm not planning on buying any special lights for this one thing.  The top is black.  Sounds like that could be a problem.

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 29, 2009 02:28am | #21

            Use the Rearview adhesive, it's just like crazy glue. No UV needed.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

             

            They kill Prophets, for Profits.

             

             

          2. Don | Jan 29, 2009 04:09am | #22

            Matt: Yep - you have a problem w/ a black hunk of glass. Try the mirror adhesive. It is for joining metal to glass. But - it may work. Problem is that you need intimate contact between the pieces & you don't have that. I think your best bet at this point is to "sand" it out & accept it. Good luck w/ whatever you do.DonDon Reinhard
            The Glass Masterworks
            "If it scratches, I etch it!"

          3. User avater
            BillHartmann | Jan 29, 2009 05:01pm | #23

            I found this online.NO IDEA of how good or bad it it is. Waterproof Glass Glue * 2 tbsp cold water
            * 2 packets unflavored gelatin (1/2 oz.)
            * 3 tbsp skim milk
            * Oil of cloves (optional preservative) Dissolve gelatin in cold water in a bowl. Bring milk to a boil and then stir into softened gelatin. Add a few drops of oil of cloves if glue is to be kept for more than a day. To Use: While the glue is still warm, brush a thin layer on the objects to be glued. Store in an air-tight container. This glue will also gel when cooled, soften to use by placing the jar in warm water. Good for adhering glass to glass, can be used for adhering glass to other objects when in it's gelled state..
            William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Fine Homebuilding's Author Guidelines
  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data