Daily Wire Tip Mar. 11: Removing Glue from Dichroic Glass

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
March 11, 2011

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

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

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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7 Comments

1. 

   Cristina - DeCris Creations

   March 11, 2011 at 7:56 am

   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
2. 

   Laurie Baker

   March 11, 2011 at 10:09 am

   Hi Sandy!
   I had a similar problem with a beautiful pendant I found at an Estate sale, I wanted to upcycle the piece but someone had glued the bail onto it. I used lemon juice also to weaken the glue and an exacto knife being ever so cautious! A tiny spot was scratched but I was able to cover it with the wire wrap.
   Anyway, I do recommend the lemon juice!
   Good Luck!
3. 

   Emilie Jefferson

   March 11, 2011 at 2:18 pm

   Hi, I belond to a Lapidary club, & we glue our metal sticks with epoxy glue to the stone, to be able to rotate it better on the wheels, I was told to put it in the freezer, day or so & it’s off.
   I also had to take my Amber off my ring to make my S.silver ring smaller, Put it in the freezer, came off, so hope this hint to remove stones from epoxy, helps someone out there.
   Love your site. Cheers Emilie
4. 

   Deanna Holloway

   March 11, 2011 at 4:04 pm

   I hope I’m not sounding stupid, but what does “dichroic” mean? I’ve never heard this term before.
   • 

     dalecgr

     March 11, 2011 at 6:56 pm

     Of course not Deanna! I believe the most ‘stupid’ question is the one you don’t ask. The easiest way to explain about this lovely art form is to send you to Dichroic Glass. You can also see photo samples by following the link Photos Dichroic Glass. Enjoy!
5. 

   Alice

   March 12, 2011 at 11:15 am

   I’ve used rubbing alcohol and it works for E6000. I put it on a cotton ball or just soak the item in it. Hope it works for you. Worth a try.
6. 

   pendants

   August 3, 2011 at 4:33 pm

   I had the same question as Deanna Holloway, what does dichroic mean? I have heard this term and I feel kinda dumb knodding my head like I understand. The link provided above was so helpful!