--- title: "How to Fix a Crack in Glass" description: "Cracked glass can often be repaired, rather than replaced. Repair a cracked window, glass tabletop, or even a mirror with this easy, step-by-step guide." date: "2018-08-14" modified: "2025-05-01" authors: - name: "Michelle Ullman" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-ullman/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-crack-in-glass/" categories: - "DIY" - "Repair & Maintenance" - "Skills & Techniques" tags: - "How To" - "News" --- # How to Fix a Crack in Glass ![A broken window and decayed wall.]() *Photo: iStock* A pebble from the lawnmower that flies against a window. A drink set down too heavily on your glass-topped coffee table. A favorite vase tipped over by your curious cat: These are the types of scenarios that can lead to a crack in glass around the home. The bad news is that glass that has broken into pieces or has cracks larger than an inch, as well as double-paned glass with a hole through both panes, is pretty much beyond repair. The good news is that you can fix small cracks in glass yourself with little more than a steady hand and a few basic supplies. The catch is that you’ll need to fix a crack in glass as soon as you notice it, because small ones can grow into larger breaks if they're exposed to moisture, temperature swings, dirt, or rough handling. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Two or three microfiber rags]() - [Cardboard or a disposable plate]() - [Putty knife]() - [Razor blade]() - [Safety glasses]() - [Liquid dishwashing soap]() - [Two-part epoxy]() - [Toothpick]() - [Acetone]() - [Glass cleaner]() - [Nitrile gloves]() ## Project Overview ***Working Time****: 25 to 30 minutes* ***Total Time****: 24 hours (including time for curing)* ***Skill Level****: Beginner* ***Estimated Cost****: $5 to $30* ## Before You Begin It’s important to note that the following guide on how to repair a crack in glass will do the job for single-pane glass household items only. This includes tabletops, shower doors, vases, and single-pane windows, as well as [double-pane windows]() with a crack in only one of the panes. It’s not intended for repairing a cracked car windshield, which requires a syringe to inject resin into the crack and a plunger to maintain the vacuum between the windshield’s layers of glass. While you can fix a cracked mirror with this technique, the reflection is bound to show the repair a bit more than on regular glass. You’ll get best results with a minor crack on the sides of a mirror, out of the direct line of vision. Don’t forget to don your protective gear—gloves and safety goggles—before you get started. ## Types of Cracked Glass That You Can Repair Yourself - Tabletops - [Shower doors]() - Vases - Single-pane windows, and [double-pane windows]() with a crack in only one of the panes ## How to Repair Cracked Glass Fixing cracked glass may seem like a daunting task because of the potential for injury, but the fix itself is pretty simple, provided you can work quickly before the epoxy hardens. ### Step 1: Clean the glass with dish soap. Wash the glass around the crack with a drop or two of [dishwashing soap]() on a damp cloth. You’ll want to remove any dust, oil, and fingerprints, and then wipe the spot with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap residue. Let the glass dry completely. ### Step 2: Mix the two-part epoxy. ![Mixing Epoxy on Cardboard Plate]() *Photo: Amazon P* In a well-ventilated area, prepare a two-part epoxy on a piece of cardboard or a disposable plate. These [types of adhesives]() (which can be found in many craft stores or home improvement centers) have a separate resin and hardener that are mixed together at the time of use. The mixture is typically a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener, but be sure to follow the directions on the specific product you’re using. Use a toothpick to mix the epoxy for at least 20 seconds. Once the epoxy is mixed, be ready to use it immediately, as it will quickly thicken and harden. Generally, you’ll have 5 to 10 minutes of working time before the epoxy is too thick to seep into the crack. ### Step 3: Apply the epoxy to the crack in the glass using a putty knife. Press the epoxy over and into the crack with a [putty knife](). Work the adhesive back and forth across the crack, gently pressing it into the damaged area. Let the epoxy cure for at least five minutes. **RELATED:** [**How to Cut Glass**]() ### Step 4: Remove excess epoxy with a razor blade and let the epoxy in the crack cure. Scrape away excess epoxy with a razor blade, and then wipe the area with a clean rag moistened with acetone to further [remove epoxy]() that’s raised above the crack. Let the repaired glass cure for 24 hours. ### Step 5: Spiff up the surface with a glass cleaner. ![Woman wearing yellow rubber gloves wipes down a glass table with glass cleaner.]() *Photo: iStock* Polish the glass with a clean rag and glass cleaner. ## Final Thoughts Replacing small cracks in glass is a manageable do-it-yourself project with the right tools and precautions. By following these simple steps, you can save time and money on professional glass repair services. Always remember to prioritize safety when attempting to repair glass yourself: Wear protective gear and handle glass carefully to avoid cutting yourself. If you encounter large cracks that require [glass replacement](), we recommend contacting a local repair company to ensure a seamless and secure outcome. ## FAQs ## Author Michelle Ullman has been an avid gardener, DIYer, and home decorator for most of her life. She turned that passion into a career and has been writing about just about everything related to home, garden, and lifestyle since 2011. Her writing has been published on many websites, including [Better Homes & Gardens](), [Business Insider](), [The Spruce](), and [Investopedia](). She also writes for ADT Home Security, Walmart, Pennington Garden Decor, and Lowe’s. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()