Does anybody know of any product that can be used to invisibly repair cracks in glass ornaments. Normally I wouldn't bother, but this article has been in the family for a while. It's a glass jug and it has developed a crack by the handle.

Obviously there are compounds available for windscreen repairs, so there must be something similar available.

muso wrote on Jan 1^st, 2012 at 2:24pm:

Does anybody know of any product that can be used to invisibly repair cracks in glass ornaments. Normally I wouldn't bother, but this article has been in the family for a while. It's a glass jug and it has developed a crack by the handle. Obviously there are compounds available for windscreen repairs, so there must be something similar available.

My guess is that if there is it's not going to be invisble and the problem of it being a crack, as opposed to say a chip, will only make the problem greater.

I've confronted the problem myself and decided that nothing can be done; on the grounds that a slight defect in an antique reduces its value very much. If invisible mending were possible, that probably wouldn't be the case.

However i've never pursued the matter to the nth degree. I would suggest that the best possible course of action would be to consult an artisan or antique dealer. The former may be able to reheat and glass weld it, the latter would know of any cheats. If all else fails and you want to try to invent a method there's always super glue :-)

Thanks Grey,  I'll do some research as see what I come up with. I understand your reasoning, but I'm not about to give up.  The value is more sentimental than intrinsic anyway.

I'm thinking of applying a vacuum by placing it inside a vacuum dessicator while applying a resin of some description that has the same refractive index as the glass.

I'll let you know how I get on.

muso wrote on Jan 1^st, 2012 at 3:51pm:

Thanks Grey,  I'll do some research as see what I come up with. I understand your reasoning, but I'm not about to give up.  The value is more sentimental than intrinsic anyway. I'm thinking of applying a vacuum by placing it inside a vacuum dessicator while applying a resin of some description that has the same refractive index as the glass. I'll let you know how I get on.

we have a place called Canberra Glassworks.. muso

possibilities they could have repairs its a factory and they make on the premises.. gotta go one day.

I have a few antique dolls...and they say they loss value when they are repaired.. dont know why this is..even cleaning them up is a No No..

good luck I am like you its the sentiment thats more important.I do hope you are passing sentiment on to the next generation.. I am sad today by the lack of sentiment in our kids.

That sounds like an excellent idea muso. I'd certainly love to hear how you get on.


Quote:

I have a few antique dolls...and they say they loss value when they are repaired.. dont know why this is..even cleaning them up is a No No..

Strange isn't it? Restoring of old masters is acceptable, even worthy, yet cleaning the grime off of a doll is a ruination. Damned if I can see the sense in that. Anything that reveals an artists true vision of what the work should look like is good with me. Just as long as it's done with care of course (and i'm sure you would be most careful) .

Any news Muso?