If you are into any DIY projects, chances are that you have had to or will eventually have to work with glasses. In most of these cases, you will need to cut the glasses. When glass is cut, its edges are usually broken, uneven and jagged. For aesthetic and safety purposes, you need to know how to polish glass edges after cutting.
There are quite a few ways you can polish glass edges. You can sandpaper, drills, and silicon carbide to smooth the jagged edges of the cut glass out.
So, without wasting any more time, let us look at the methods you can use to polish the jagged and uneven edges of cut glass.
How To Polish Glass Edges After Cutting: 3 Straightforward Methods
As mentioned above, unpolished edges of the glass are not only unaesthetic but also dangerous. So you need to smooth them out before proceeding with any project. The methods which you can use to do this are given below.
Method 1. By Using Sandpaper
Sandpaper for glass is a very good and effective choice to polish glass edges, especially glass bottles. Sanding glass bottles after cutting is a great way to make them safe and look better. Let’s take a look at how to use sandpaper for this purpose.
i. Making the Sandpaper Wet
Before using the sandpaper, first, you have to wet the sandpaper you are using. Sanding glass with sandpaper requires the sandpaper to be made completely wet. Then lay the sandpaper on a durable working surface. As for how to wet the sandpaper, first put the paper into a water container properly and then sprinkle some more water afterward. In case you don’t have wet sandpaper, use an emery cloth.
ii. Placing the Glass onto the Sandpaper
After you have made the sandpaper for glass bottles wet, it is time to place the said bottle onto the sandpaper. Wear safety glasses and goggles and with the dominant hand, hold the bottle. Then holding the sandpaper with your non-dominant hand, place the glass on the sandpaper. You must place the edge that has been cut onto the sandpaper.
iii. Smoothing the Edges
Now we come to the part that matters most. After placing your glass, apply gentle pressure, and rotate the glass for about 5 minutes. Keep the rotating cycles constant to make the sanding uniform. Failure to do so will result in the glass being polished non-uniformly.
iv. Sanding the Inner and Outer Edges
After sanding the cut edge, it is time to polish the inner and outer edges. Sanding glass edges by hand is the best way to do so. Make the sandpaper wet again using the previous method and taking it with your dominant hand, rub the edges with it. Rub it in a backward and forward motion until the corners become smooth.
v. Using Sandpaper of Different Grits
Now you have to repeat the process using sandpapers of different grits. Sandpapers of 150, 220, 320, and 400 grits will make the glass smoother. After that, finish the process off by using 1000 and 2000-grit sandpaper.
Method 2. Using a Drill
You can also use a drill to polish your glass edges. You need a sanding attachment for this.
i. Using A Sanding Attachment
Before you use your drill to polish a glass’s edge, you will need to attach a sanding attachment to it. It is recommended that you use sandpaper with 60-100 grit and the attachment be a bit large. It is also imperative that the sanding attachment is of the right size to fit inside whatever glass object you are working with or on.
ii. Using the Tool
Now holding the tool with your dominant and the glass with your non-dominant hand, start the tool by pressing the power button. Use the side part of the attachment on the inside edge of the glass. You don’t need to apply any pressure to the glass, because doing so will crack it. Continue smoothing all around the glass to completely polish it. It will take around 3-5 minutes to complete the process. Always remember to wear protective goggles and a mask while doing this.
After polishing the inside of the glass, take the attachment to the outside edge of the glass and repeat the process. Doing so will give your glass a more rounded edge. Use fine-grit sandpaper to finish polishing your glass.
Also Read: How to Sharpen a Drill Bit – Quickly & Easily Ways.
Method 3. Using Silicon Carbide
If you don’t want to or can not use sandpaper, you can also use silicon carbide to polish your glass. The steps you need to follow are as follows :
i. Preparing the Work Surface
First, you must prepare the work surface accordingly for this procedure. The chief work surface you will use is float glass. Place it on top of some foam rubber to ensure the float glass stays in place to make your work easier. In the absence of float glass, scrap plate glasses such as window or mirror glasses can also be used.
ii. Applying Silicon Carbide to the Work Surface
After you are done preparing the work surface, pour some water on the center of it. Pour enough water to create a little puddle and then just the right amount of silicon carbide in it. Then stir the puddle with your finger so that the water and silicon carbide mixes properly.
iii. Polishing the Glass
Now place the glass on the puddle so that the sharp edge is faced down. Holding the glass with the dominant hand, rotate the glass for about a minute in a motion that resembles figure 8. Always wear protective gloves to avoid cutting your hands on the glass.
Now wipe the glass off with a towel. Take a piece of wet sandpaper and smooth the inner edges of the glass.
Polish Glass Bottle Edges After Cutting
FAQs
To clean glass edges after cutting, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust or residue. Then, use a glass cleaner to remove any debris that may have been left behind. For best results, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the edges.
To polish glass edges after cutting, you will need to use a polishing compound. Start by using fine-grit sandpaper to remove any burrs or sharp edges. Then, apply the polishing compound and buff it with a soft cloth in a circular motion. For best results, use a polishing wheel or buffing machine to achieve a smooth and glossy finish.
The type of polishing compound you use depends on the type of glass you are working with. For general use, you can use a ceramic or diamond polishing compound. For more delicate glass, you may want to use a milder compound such as chromium oxide or aluminum oxide.
The best method for polishing glass edges depends on the type of glass and the desired finish you wish to achieve. Generally, you should start by sanding the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Then, apply the polishing compound and buff it with a soft cloth in a circular motion. For best results, use a polishing wheel or buffing machine to achieve a smooth and glossy finish.
If you accidentally scratch the glass while polishing, you will need to start the process again. Begin by using fine-grit sandpaper to remove the scratches. Then, apply the polishing compound and buff it with a soft cloth in a circular motion. For best results, use a polishing wheel or buffing machine to achieve a smooth and glossy finish.
Final Words
If done properly, the arts involving glass are a thing to behold. But they are very delicate and dangerous. But if you know how to polish glass edges after cutting, it will go a long way to making your life easier. But no matter what method you follow, always ensure that you take the proper precautionary measures.
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