How to Repair Cracked or Chipped Glass

If you’ve ever driven a car or lived in a home with windows (both likely), you’ve probably experienced the unpleasantness of a broken window. Whether your windshield has been chipped due to flying rocks, or the windows in your home have a crack or two, we have a few quick and easy fixes for the beatings your windows take. 
 
When working with damaged glass, make sure to always wear a durable pair of gloves, like heavy duty rubber kitchen gloves. No matter how small the damage may be, take precaution. It can be hard to spot a shard of glass sticking out from a window, and protection can prevent a potential injury. 

Once you’re equipped to work with the broken glass, make sure it’s clean, especially if the window was damaged by something dirty, like a rock. Ball up a moist cloth towel and wipe the entire area gently until any particles of dust or dirt have been removed. If you can’t get it clean this way, use a glass-cleaning solution to do the job.  

Now that you’ve prepped the glass for fixing, it’s time to get it done! 

For a super easy and very temporary fix, think simple. Use a strip of strapping tape to completely cover the damaged area. Any heavy duty tape will do, but we recommend using strapping tape over others such as masking tape because of its waterproof properties. Smooth the tape against the glass, making sure it’s secure. This will prevent the crack or chip from spreading until you can get the glass permanently fixed. 

For a longer lasting solution, take some clear nail polish and dab a thin layer to fill the damaged glass. Allow the polish to dry, and then repeat the process, allowing time to dry in between, until the crack or hole is completely filled. Once the glass is even and sealed, the damage will be practically invisible. 

If you’re willing to go the extra step to really fix that window, here’s the option for you. You’ll need a plastic putty knife and silicone sealer. Place a small glob of the sealant onto the crack, and using the knife, smooth the product down until it’s flat and blends with the rest of the glass. Wipe the blade with a paper towel, then smooth one more time for an extra smooth finish. 

These methods are, for the most part, for small cracks and chips. If your window is in disrepair to the point of no return, or if you aren’t sure, give us a call at (303) 777-4491. We’re here to help!!

How to Start a Custom Glass Project

Welcome to Santa-Fe Glass’s blog!! Here, you’ll be able to find stories, tips and tricks of the trade involving what we do best… everything glass. Sometimes you’ll come to us for a quick fix, other times you’ll want to do some major renovations. In honor of the New Year, we’re anticipating re-models, re-models, and more re-models. Here are some things to think about before starting any project using custom glass. 

When beginning your custom glass journey, start by deciding what exactly it is you want out of the project. You might want to rip out your shower and replace it with glass, or you might just want to fix and upgrade cracked windows or chipped glass tabletops.  

After you’ve determined what you want to replace, think money. Being realistic on your budget can avoid a lot of problems down the road, like being disappointed that you can’t afford something you want. It’ll also eliminate the dreaded issue of running out of money and not being able to finish your project. Nothing is worse than living and working in a construction zone with no end in sight. Make a list of your priorities, so if only certain things can be done at a time, it’ll be what you need most. 

Now that you have all of those practical business angles in order, it’s time to have some fun. Think about what you want your new item or space to look like. The best part about custom glass design is that the sky is pretty much the limit. Aside from the standard ‘regular’ glass most of us are used to, there are a large variety of hand-crafted glass types that can create a unique space that’s pleasing to the eye. 

Texture is more important in glasswork than one might initially think. If you decide to flip through some magazines for inspiration, you’ll discover a world of glass that you probably didn’t even know existed. Adding imperfections and designs like bubbles or lines right into the glass is a fun way to add some privacy while still allowing natural light to shine into your space. 

Take your time when planning any glass-related project for your home or work. Rushing into something you’ll most likely be looking at every day isn’t the smartest move. Make sure you’re happy with your decisions and that you love the custom glass you’ve picked! Getting exactly what you want will provide you and the people around you years of comfort and happiness.