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Removing Glue from Dichroic Glass
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I found a beautiful, large dichroic glass bead. Unfortunately, someone had glued a bail onto the bead. How can I remove the bail without damaging the bead?

-Sandy in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Instructions
Answer:

What a shame, Sandy! The adhesive remover you need depends on the type of glue or epoxy that was used to attach the bail to the glass. Because it is dichroic, this fired glass is almost indestructible!

For super glue types, a good acetone will help to weaken the glue, and then use a thin blade to gently pry the bail off. Good acetone is found in most name-brand nail polish removers or in a hardware store. (Yes, acetone has fumes, so use it in a well-ventilated area, as directed on the product label.) Some folks say you can also cover the glue with pure lemon juice, wait a while, and then cover the lemon juice with table salt to work dissolving the glue.

A crafter's white glue (that dries clear) can be soften in hot water and then pried off too. I am sure that some of our readers will have some other advice for us too. Good luck!
Glass artist Lindi Schneck designed this elegant wire wrapped bail for her dichroic glass pendants
Dale Armstrong's Removing Glue from Dichroic Glass - , General Education, , Dichroic Pendant
Reader suggestion:

Cristina - DeCris Creations
March 11, 2011

Hi!

I had a client that gave me a belt buckle that was missing a stone and the setting had glue in it. The advice I got and followed with great success was to put it in the freezer for about an hour and then pry the glue out with a knife or something similar.
It worked like a charm! The instant I put the tip of the knife on the glue and tried to remove the glue, it just jumped out in one piece. No marks on the belt buckle, no leftover glue... It was perfect!
Something happened to the glue when it froze that made it pop right out. Maybe this would work with your bead too...

I hope I have helped. Let me know how it went if you try it, would you?

kisses,
Cris

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

E6000 Adhesive Glue 3.7 oz. - Pack of 1
G16-18
  • G16-18
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.57
  • Gold Club Price: $7.18
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Super New Glue
GLU-100.01
  • GLU-100.01
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.57
  • Gold Club Price: $1.18
Add to Bag
Tenax Water Clear Bonding Instant Adhesive
G13-1
  • G13-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.87
  • Gold Club Price: $4.40
Add to Bag
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education

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