DIY Network

I have an antique mahogony vanity that someone glued a piece of glass to the top of. I want to remove the glass so I can refinish the wood. Any hints how to remove the glass with minimal damage to the woodwork?

Hi Denise Paul,

Removing the glass in one piece is surely not possible. You have a variety of options. I'd use a hand held torch used for sweating copper plumbing joints, a bucket of water and an old cloth. Soak the cloth in water wring it out yet let it hold a fair amount of moisture. Heat the glass in the center for 15 to 30 seconds (be careful not to scorch the wood) then lay the damp cloth on that area. Be sure to wear goggles and work gloves. Once you place the damp cloth on the glass it should fracture. Move to other areas of the glass repeating the process. This should allow you to remove many sections of the glass. Then use a wide blade metal putty knife between the glass and the wood surface. You may wish to have a piece of cardboard on top of the glass and try prying up holding the glass in place with the cardboard. You might even rap the glass with a hammer while prying up, though watch for flying glass. This should allow you to free up some more areas. Those areas that remain may require the use of heat and water or the use of the putty knife working it in freeing the bond between the glass and wood. You could resort to using a hammer and rapping the glass firming but this may damage the surface of the wood depending on how hard you rap the glass.

I'd recommend working in an area where you have open space to easy cleanup of any glass falling or flying, be properly clothed and wear gear to protect against injury.

Others may have additional ideas.

Good Luck!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Simply Me,

i myself would use a hair dryer, and try and
heat the glue by heating the glass.
start on a corner, place a putty knife under
the glass while heating the glass and work inwards. if it breaks thats ok. just keep the
heat moving. so that the glue will turn it loose