How and what to use for gluing glass

For generations, in the art of Murano glassmaking, the use of glue was considered by the Masters as a true sign of inadequacy. If you own high-value glass objects, you know that pieces involving glued elements were deemed unworthy of the millenary tradition and, as a result, were shunned by true aficionados of Murano Glass.

If you're considering attempting to repair your beloved glassware or sculptures, it’s vital to understand the evolution of this technique.

 

Overcoming Limitations: The Evolution Accepted by the Masters

 

What changed? Two key factors revolutionized the approach:

1. The Evolution of Adhesive Materials: The quality of glues has exponentially improved, reaching levels of transparency, strength, and durability previously unimaginable.

2. The Will to Push Boundaries: There has been a growing drive to overcome the structural limitations imposed by pieces made entirely "hot" (without adhesives).

Little by little, the use of glue has increasingly infiltrated the production of glass furnaces, even those of the highest rank.

Today, this technique is widely accepted and necessary: nearly all large-sized sculptures (which would be impossible to create entirely in the heat) are glued in one or more parts.

 

Monumental Sculptures and New Skills

 

Thanks to the acceptance of this compromise and the reliability of these new materials, we can now admire and create sculptures of enormous dimensions, which were unthinkable until recently.

Furthermore, the introduction of this new possibility necessitated the development of new specialized skills. As always, thanks to the meticulousness and commitment of our Murano artisans, very high standards have been achieved even in this assembly technique.

 

Which Glues to Use?

 

For those entering the world of glass bonding, it is essential to know that not all glues are created equal, especially when dealing with art objects.

Essentially, two types of glue are used today, depending on the glass’s transparency and the precision of the join:

1. Two-Component Glue (or Epoxy): Ideal for filling small gaps or when the glass is not perfectly transparent.

2. UV Polymer Glue: Requires activation using ultraviolet light, ensuring a crystal-clear and virtually invisible bond.

If you need to repair your treasures, make sure you choose the right type to avoid compromising the object's aesthetics and structural integrity!