Yes, you can often repair a small chip in a glass tabletop yourself using a UV-curing resin repair kit, and the results can be surprisingly good. However, success depends on the size and type of chip, the type of glass, and your patience. Larger cracks, deep gouges, or damage to toughened (tempered) or laminated safety glass are a different story — those usually need professional attention.
Understanding the Type of Glass First
Before reaching for a repair kit, it pays to know what kind of glass your tabletop is made from.
- Annealed (standard) glass — the most common type in older tabletops. Small chips can often be repaired with resin.
- Toughened (tempered) safety glass — required by the NZ Building Code for many applications. Once chipped or cracked, toughened glass is compromised and can shatter unexpectedly. Do not attempt to repair toughened glass — replace it.
- Laminated glass — has a plastic interlayer. Minor surface chips may be repairable, but delamination or deeper damage needs a glazier.
If you're unsure what type of glass you have, check with the manufacturer or a qualified glazier. MBIE Building Performance provides guidance on glass safety requirements under the NZ Building Code.
What You'll Need
For a DIY chip repair on standard annealed glass, you'll need:
Step-by-Step: Repairing a Small Chip
1. Clean the Area Thoroughly
Wipe the chipped area with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Remove any loose glass fragments carefully — wear cut-resistant gloves during this step. Even small glass chips can cause nasty cuts.
2. Prepare the Chip
If the chip has a sharp raised edge, some kits include a small drill bit to open the chip slightly for better resin penetration. Follow your kit's instructions carefully.
3. Apply the Resin
Place the adhesive pedestal (included in most kits) over the chip. Inject the resin into the chip using the syringe provided. Work slowly to avoid air bubbles — these will show up as white spots once cured.
4. Cure the Resin
Expose the resin to UV light — either a UV lamp or direct sunlight for the time specified in your kit (typically 5–10 minutes). Avoid moving the glass during curing.
5. Remove Excess and Polish
Once cured, use a razor blade held flat against the glass to carefully scrape off any excess resin. Polish the area with a clean cloth. Many kits include a polishing compound for a clearer finish.
How Good Will the Repair Look?
Honestly, results vary. A well-executed repair on a small chip (under 10mm) in clear glass can be nearly invisible. Larger chips, star-shaped cracks, or chips in tinted or patterned glass are harder to disguise. Think of it like a windscreen repair — the chip becomes much less noticeable, but may not disappear entirely.
| Chip Size | DIY Repair Likely? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10mm, surface only | Yes | Best results with resin kit |
| 10–25mm | Possibly | Results less predictable |
| Over 25mm or deep crack | No | Call a glazier |
| Any damage to toughened glass | No | Replace the glass |
Safety First
Glass edges and chips are extremely sharp. Always:
- Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling chipped glass
- Wear safety glasses when scraping cured resin
- Keep children and pets away from the work area
- Dispose of glass fragments safely — wrap in newspaper before placing in the bin
WorkSafe NZ has general guidance on handling hazardous materials safely at home.
Preventing Future Chips
Consider adding a glass table protector or felt pads under objects placed on the tabletop. Avoid placing very hot items directly on glass, as thermal shock can cause cracking.
When to Call a Professional
Call a qualified glazier if:
- The chip is larger than about 25mm
- There are cracks radiating from the chip
- The glass is toughened, laminated, or a special type (frosted, tinted, low-iron)
- The tabletop glass is structural or load-bearing
- You're not confident in the result and the table is valuable
A professional glazier can assess whether repair or full replacement is the better option. Replacing a tabletop with correctly specified safety glass may be required under the NZ Building Code depending on the table's use and location — your glazier will know. You can find qualified local glaziers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
For rental properties, landlords should also be aware of their obligations under the Healthy Homes standards, which include maintaining safe glazing.
Window & Glass Association
