How to Tumble Glass in a Rock Tumbler

Tumbled glass has a variety of popular uses. Once the glass has become smooth and polished, you can use it for homemade mosaics, as a paperweight or for decoration. You can even use the polished glass in a garden or a fish bowl. The most efficient way to tumble glass is with a rock tumbler. These can be found in online, in craft stores and even at your local superstore.

Things You'll Need

• Glass pieces
• Rock tumbler
• Water
• Dish soap

Instructions

1. Fill the barrels of the rock tumbler half full with the glass pieces.

2. Fill the barrels the rest of the way with water and a single drop of dish soap in each. The soap helps give the glass a more shiny, polished look.

3. Turn the rock tumbler on and let it run for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the glass from the barrels to make sure it meets your standards. If you would like the glass to be more rounded along the edges, let it run in the tumbler for no more than an additional 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use abrasives when tumbling glass. The abrasives will cause the glass to break or shatter.

References

• Dad's Rock Shop: Tumbler FAQ