UV glue or ultraviolet light curing adhesive as it is meant is popularly used in a number of industrial applications. One of its most effective applications is bonding of glass objects.

Photochemical Reaction Involved in UV Glue Curing

The glue in this instance hardens only on exposure to UV light. The photochemical reaction begins when the glue is subjected to UV light at certain wavelengths in the range of 240 nm (nanometer)-270 nm and also 350nm-380nm. The bond can be strengthened by application of a second layer of the glue.

This mode of curing is more effective and less harmful than other modes like exposure to chemicals or drying. It is fast, consistent and water-proof and offers effective results without any hazardous chemical exposure.

Repairing broken glass objects or stained glass windows or bevel bonding are just a few of the applications where the use of UV glue proves highly useful. It is essential to adhere to the laid down procedure for bonding glass to glass with this glue if you need to get the desired outcome.

Steps Involved in the Bonding Procedure

Soak a clean cloth that is free of lint in good quality glass cleaner and use it to clean pieces of glass involved in the bonding. It is essential that you use an ammonia based glass cleaner for the purpose. On a safer side, you can use rubber gloves if the glass pieces involved are very small in size.

An ultra violet light bulb has to be screwed on to a lamp socket and kept ready for use. The number of lamp sockets or bulbs needed for the job will be determined by the size of the glass that has to be bonded.

Very small quantities of the UV glue need to be used. Put a small drop of the glue on a paintbrush which has synthetic bristles and apply this evenly on the area of the glass substrate.

On completion of the application, the two ends of the glass pieces that have to be mended or bonded should be pressed on one another so that the surplus glue can ooze out.

The UV lamps have to be turned on; subsequently hold the glass pieces within a distance of 2 inches from the bulbs. The glass pieces have to be held in this manner for about five minutes or so. Clamps can be used in this context so as to safeguard against burns which can occur if the glass gets too hot.

On completion of the period the lamps need to be switched off and the glass pieces kept aside to be cooled. It may take an hour or so for the bond to stabilize; however, it is better if the bonded glass pieces are untouched for a period of 24 hours so that the glue is fully dried.

The surplus glue that has oozed out can be cleaned by means of a razor. The above steps have to be repeated till you obtain the desired outcome.

On a Concluding Note

UV glues offer a hassle free and mess free option for bonding several objects including glass to glass. And all at a lesser cost!