How to glue glass: clear UV glue, light and step-by-step instructions

To glue glass, apply a clear light-curing glue to one of the surfaces, press the parts firmly together and light the joint with a UV lamp or direct sunlight outdoors. In normal light NANOPROTECH UV glue for glass sets in 20 seconds, takes load after 30 minutes and reaches maximum strength after 24 hours.

What you need

Super glue for glass, 2 ml

For glass, photocurable

How UV glue for glass works

It is a light-curing glue based on acrylates with a photoinitiator. Curing starts when ultraviolet light reaches the glue, from the sun or a UV lamp: until then you can align the parts calmly and fix them at the right moment. Window glass blocks part of the ultraviolet, so indoors, in cloudy weather and in winter you need a UV lamp. The joint is clear and resists water, vibration and temperatures from −60 °C to +100 °C.

The glue bonds clear, coloured and toughened glass, crystal, acrylic glass and costume jewellery, as well as glass to metal, wood and plastic. It is also used to attach mirrors, including rear-view mirrors. The light has to reach the joint through a transparent part, so two opaque parts — ceramics, porcelain, metal to metal — cannot be bonded with this glue.

How to glue glass to glass or metal — step by step

1. Prepare a light source. Glue outdoors in direct sunlight or under a UV lamp; a nail lamp or a UV torch will do. Behind window glass and in cloudy weather there is not enough ultraviolet.
2. Prepare the surfaces. Remove old glue residue, sand the bonding area with sandpaper, degrease and dry it. Collect and handle broken pieces wearing gloves.
3. Apply the glue. Apply a thin layer of clear UV glue to one of the surfaces.
4. Join the parts. Align the glass with the other surface and press them firmly together.
5. Light the joint. Direct the light at the joint through the glass, holding the lamp close. In normal light the glue sets in 20 seconds; keep the parts pressed together until it hardens.
6. Remove the excess. Wipe off excess glue straight after bonding with a dry cloth or one moistened with solvent. Cured excess on glass is cut away with a sharp blade held almost flat.
7. Do not load the joint for 30 minutes. The bond takes load no earlier than 30 minutes after gluing and reaches maximum strength after 24 hours.

Why it may not work

• Not enough ultraviolet. Light behind window glass, in cloudy weather and in winter is too weak. Glue outdoors in direct sunlight or under a UV lamp.
• The light did not reach the joint. The glue cures only where light reaches it: shine the light through the transparent part and apply a thin layer. Two opaque parts cannot be bonded with this glue.
• The surface was not prepared. According to the instructions, the bonding area is cleaned of old glue, sanded, degreased and dried.
• The joint was loaded too early. The bond takes load no earlier than 30 minutes after gluing and reaches maximum strength after 24 hours.

Safety precautions

• Collect and handle broken glass carefully, wearing gloves.
• Keep the glue away from eyes and skin. In case of contact with eyes, rinse them with water and seek medical advice.
• Do not use this glue on dishes that come into contact with food and drink, or on glass that heats up above +100 °C, such as ovens, hobs and kettles.
• Wash your hands with warm soapy water after work. Keep the glue out of the reach of children.

Frequently asked questions