Can Loctite Epoxy Be Used To Glue Bails On Dichroic Glass Cabochons?

I have been doing some research lately on the usage of Loctite epoxy to glue bails on dichroic glass cabochons.

I had a custom piece made with a bail that broke off when the owner tried to put it on, and they were wondering if they could use this to fix the bail. This is what I found.

Can Loctite epoxy glue be used to glue bails on dichroic glass cabochons? This is a question I’ve heard too many times. 

Yes, Loctite epoxy can glue bails on dichroic glass cabochons because Loctite epoxy is a high-strength, two-part adhesive that can glue most surfaces, including glass, metal, and plastic.

The product comes in small tubes or bottles, which makes it easy to use. It also dries clear, making it possible to see what you’re doing while working on your project.

What Is Loctite Epoxy?

Loctite is a type of epoxy, which is a two-part adhesive. The two parts are a two-component system made up of an epoxy resin and a hardener. Which are mixed in equal amounts and then applied to the object being glued together, where it cures into an extremely strong bond. 

When mixed and allowed to dry, they create a very strong bond that can withstand high temperatures for several hours before it begins to melt. Using epoxy for jewelry is a great way to make sure that your work stays in place. You can use epoxy to glue bails onto dichroic glass cabochons, as well as other types of cabochons and gemstones.

What Is Dichroic Glass Cabochons?

Dichroic glass is a special type of glass that has the property of reflecting light from different angles. This means that the color you see in the object depends on where you are looking at it from.

It can also create images and patterns when used on any object. The glass has been infused with metallic oxides. The addition of these oxides causes the glass to have a colored surface and reflective interior.

This dichroic effect makes dichroic glass cabochons an excellent choice for jewelry designers who want to add color, texture, and dimension to their work. The most popular colors of dichroic glass are black, blue, brown, and green. Each of these colors has unique properties that can create beautiful works of art.

How Does The Gluing Happen?

The Loctite epoxy glue is used to create a permanent bond between two pieces of glass. The epoxy is applied to both sides of the dichroic cabochon, and then the two pieces are pressed together.

The epoxy bonds instantly when it comes in contact with the glass material. It begins to harden immediately, but takes 24 hours to fully cure. The only way to remove an epoxy-bonded dichroic cabochon would be to break it apart, which would damage the piece beyond repair.

Loctite epoxy doesn’t shrink when curing, so you don’t have to worry about the adhesive pulling away from your project as it dries. The bond created by this adhesive is extremely strong, making it ideal for holding large pieces together without fear of breakage during rigorous use or travel.

Loctite epoxy bonds well with most materials and should not cause any damage if accidentally getting onto other objects such as skin or clothing. 

How To Glue Bails On Dichroic Glass Cabochons With Loctite Epoxy

This is a simple tutorial on how to glue bails on dichroic glass cabochons with Loctite epoxy. The process can be used for any type of cabochon:

1. Lay cardboard or newspaper down on a table where you want to apply the glue. This is to ensure any drop of glue doesn’t drop on your tabletop. Use something you can easily throw away after gluing. 
2. Cut your cabochon into two halves so that you have two flat surfaces for gluing. This makes it easier to work with the epoxy and also helps you align the bail perfectly.
3. Apply some glue to one side of your cabochon, then apply some glue to the top of your bail. Make sure that they align properly both pieces before applying any pressure or weight to them. You will want to use something like a rubber mallet or small hammer to apply pressure on top of the glue when pressing them together because they are both very hard materials and might break if you try using your hands (although they should hold up fine).
4. Once they are pressed together, let them sit overnight so that everything can dry completely before moving on. Make sure there is no excess glue anywhere around the edges as this could cause problems later on down the line when cutting or polishing.

Will The Glue Last Long? 

It depends on what you are using it for. If you are just gluing a cabochon to an earring, or a pendant to a chain, then it should last for years and years. However, if you are using it to glue two pieces of dichroic glass together and make them one piece, then the bond will last as long as how well you glue it. If you are concerned about this, there are some things you can do to increase the longevity of your bond:

• Make sure that both surfaces are clean and free from oils or other foreign matter that might prevent a good bond. If they are not clean enough, use acetone to clean them up first.
• Use glue with a longer open time that allows more time for positioning and repositioning before it sets up completely (this also gives you more time to get everything aligned.). The Loctite Epoxy Glue for Bails On Dichroic Glass Cabochons has an open time of 30 minutes at room temperature which makes it ideal for this purpose.

Reasons Loctite Glue Is Suitable For Dichroic Glass Cabochons

There are a few reasons Loctite epoxy can glue bails on dichroic glass cabochons.

1. Loctite epoxy can withstand the high temperatures that dichroic glass cabochons are subjected to during firing.
2. Loctite epoxy is waterproof and resists moisture, which is important when gluing a bail on a dichroic glass cabochon.
3. Loctite epoxy is designed for use with metals, making it an excellent choice for gluing a bail onto a dichroic glass cabochon made out of metal or other materials that can be glued with Loctite epoxy.

Tips For Using Loctite Epoxy On Dichroic Glass Cabochons

Loctite Epoxy is one of the best products on the market for attaching dichroic glass cabochons to jewelry. It’s strong, fast-curing, and relatively easy to use. But it does require a few tips for success. Here are some of them:

1. Make sure your cabochon is clean and free of dirt and oils. If there’s any residue on the surface, Loctite will not adhere well. You can use alcohol or acetone to wipe it off or you can polish the cabochon with a Pro Polish pad from Swarovski (available at Fire Mountain Gems & Beads).
2. Make sure your surface is clean and free of dirt, oil, and residue as well. A clean metal surface will allow Loctite to adhere better than a dirty one will.
3. Ensure you lay something down on your tabletop before gluing. 
4. Strictly follow the manufacturer’s directions. 

Final Note

As it turns out, Loctite Epoxy may be a viable option for creating a secure bond between the dichroic glass and a bail. You do have to work in stages to ensure the epoxy cures correctly, but with some care and preparation, you should be able to create a long-lasting bond between the materials.