How to Repair a Toy Glass Marble

Many marbles are quite valuable.

Most toy marbles are made of glass, which makes them relatively fragile. Dropping or striking one may cause cracks and breaks, rendering the toy useless. Repairing a glass marble requires an intense process that involves some specific equipment. However, many marbles are rare or hold sentimental value, so this is an excellent way to preserve them. The extreme temperatures used can be quite dangerous, so use caution when performing this repair.

Things You'll Need

• Kiln
• Blowtorch
• Marble mold
• Marble grabbers (or small tongs)
• Clear glass rod (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the kiln to 1100 to 1200 degrees F. Prep your marble for the repair by soaking it in the kiln for at least an hour.

2. Pull the heated marble out of the kiln with the grabbers (tongs). Place it in the marble mold. Turn the damaged area upward.

3. Light the blowtorch. Hold the marble beneath the flame, not directly in it. Melt the glass, and allow the damaged areas and cracks to seal up. Rotate the marble within the mold. If the marble has lost pieces, carefully heat the glass rod under the torch, as well. Allow the glass to melt and fill out the mold, and remove the rod from the heat. Continue rotating the marble.

4. Remove it from the flame's area when it appears to be repaired. Examine the marble to verify that is has retained its round shape.

5. Heat the grabbers up in the flame for a minute. Use them to return the marble to the kiln. Leave the kiln on, and gradually reduce the heat over the next hour to ensure that the marble does not crack during the cooling process.

Tips & Warnings

• When operating a blowtorch, you should always wear protective gear, and work in a well ventilated area.

References

• Glass Repair and Polishing

Resources

• Do-it-Yourself Repair Kits for Marbles