40+" Glass Clock Face

[JB Garrett]

A client has brought in 2 clock faces that are approximately 40 1/8" in diameter that are historical to our town. She owns them. They are painted on glass that is 5/16" thick (broken in 2-3 pieces) and are currently shrink wrapped to heavy pieces of USB (combined weight is at least 40 pounds). As the face is cracked, I will need to adhere the pieces to a backing board. I have a plan but I'm researching materials to use for the first step of the plan which is securing the various pieces of glass to a backer. (This does not have to be reversible)

What suggestions would you have for:
A) a heavy-duty (but not as heavy as 1/4" USB) material that can withstand the weight of glass and can be used to adhere the glass to (if such a thing exists)
B) what kind of adhesives for glass to the new material? (The glass is a fairly opaque white but I would still need a clear adhesive).

I have looks in the archives but was hoping to see if there are any new or updated products that any of you might have.

 

[alacrity8]

First question: What is USB?
My first thought is you mean OSB.
My second thought is t is impossible to look up USB without finding computer cables.

Question number two:
Is the attempt to hide the breaks, or to let them be seen?
If you do want to show off the damage, I might suggest the Kintsugi approach.

Questions without number: Will the glass be reinstalled in a clock tower?

If you wanted a reversable method, I might suggest sandwiching the glass between a piece of glass or plexiglass, and a backer of some type.

 

[wpfay]

Search on thistothat.com for an appropriate adhesive.

My wife does a craft that involves gluing glass to glass and uses E6000 for that.

But there are still a lot of variables that need to be discussed, like, is the piece going to go into a controlled environment after you effect repair?
Is it going to be put in a frame or some other sort of supports mechanism?

I would also look at ACM (DiBond) panel for the rigid backing.

Check on AIC's website for an "objects" conservator and consult with them. There was one that used to frequent the G named Paul Storch.

 

[JB Garrett]

Oops, repetitive typo . OSB, not USB.

No attempts to hide any signs of aging - including cracks. We just don't want the pieces falling out of the frame which will most likely be a circle welded metal frame. I will be attaching the arms later and there will be NO glazing.

I was toying with the idea of adhering the glass to a piece of acrylic which would then be adhered to the metal or a wood brace. I was also contemplating DiBond.

One of the framed faces will be hung by the owner and the second may be a donation to someplace in town that would be able to display it.

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

 

[Rick Granick]

My wife does a craft that involves gluing glass to glass and uses E6000 for that.

I'm preparing to frame a beautiful glass mosaic that my customer created with that same technique, also using E6000. This also incorporates a number of gem stones that her mother had collected for eventual incorporation into jewelry. This will hang in front of a window.
Rick