There are several ways to connect two glass surfaces, and this depends not only on the choice of glue, but also on the state of the glass, the requirements for the appearance of the seam and the conditions in which the elements to be glued will be located. Polymerizing glue that hardens under the influence of ultraviolet rays can provide the strength of the seam. However, it is not always appropriate.
Choosing an adhesive for glass
The polymerizing glue, which hardens under the action of ultraviolet radiation and is designed for gluing glass, provides a strong connection, often transparent, which is important. Its main drawback can only be called that at least one of the parts must be transparent to ultraviolet radiation, otherwise the glue will not harden and form a strong uniform contact.
It is better to fix painted or colored glass parts with cyanoacrylate-based glue. You can also use a two-component adhesive with epoxy resin. The first option grasps very quickly, within 20 seconds. The smaller the adhesive layer for joining the parts, the better. Epoxy glue dries within one day and can create a significant layer without loss of strength.
Cyanoacrylate glue is afraid of high humidity. From contact with water, it begins to crumble over time, lose its properties and strength. In contrast, epoxy is water resistant.
In addition to the listed products, you can use hot melt glue based on silicone or compounds like liquid nails. However, such a connection for strength requires a large layer between the surfaces to be glued; this option is more suitable in cases where it is necessary to fix some decorative elements on the glass that are not subject to significant stress.
How to glue glass
For any glue, the preparation phase is the same. The gluing processes may differ slightly, but not significantly. To begin with, the surfaces to be glued should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and, possibly, of the remnants of old glue. Next, you need to degrease them. To do this, use gasoline "Galosha", alcohol in case of severe pollution or soap solution or window detergents with acetic acid for minor pollution.
When using cyanoacrylate glue, it is advisable to clean the surfaces and, if necessary, level them for a tighter fit. In the case of using epoxy resin, it is advisable to make the surface rough at the bonding site. For example, you can walk on it with sandpaper.
After that, a layer of glue is applied to the cleaned surface according to the instructions and the parts are pressed tightly so that they adhere thoroughly. It is important that the surfaces to be bonded do not move until the adhesive has completely hardened.
Exposure to ultraviolet light from lamps can adversely affect vision, you should use protective glasses or directional emitters.
For the hardening of the polymerizing adhesive, it is necessary to influence the bonding site with ultraviolet light. Experience shows that in most cases it is enough to expose the part to the sun. Otherwise, an ultraviolet lamp with a wavelength of 300 to 450 nm is used.
