How to Fix a Crack in a Plastic Lampshade
Many lampshades have a plastic backing that adds stability and shaping to the shade. Some lampshades are made entirely of plastic. The plastic used for lampshades is thin, and easily cracks. If your lampshade cracks or breaks, there is no need to replace it. You can repair the damage with clear epoxy glue.
This repair will still show visible cracks when the lampshade is on, but if you cover them with fabric, the cracks will be less visible.
Things You Will Need
- Clear epoxy glue
- Spatula
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Soft cloth
- Scrap fabric
- Scissors
- Fabric glue
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Remove the lampshade from the lamp. Clean the surface of the lampshade with a degreasing cleaner and a soft cloth. Clean the top and back side of the shade.
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Glue any trim pieces back onto the lampshade using clear epoxy glue. Apply the glue with a spatula and smooth it into place. Hold the trim piece onto the rest of the shade with your fingers for about one minute until the glue sets.
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Align any parts of the shade that are cracked. Spread a layer of epoxy glue along both sides of the crack, on both the top and bottom sides of the shade. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
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Sand the glue with fine-grit sandpaper to blend it into the original shade. Wipe away the glue dust with a soft cloth.
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Cover the entire shade with fabric or patches of fabric over the cracked areas if you do not like the appearance of the lampshade when the light is turned on. Use fabric glue or clear epoxy glue to attach the fabric to the shade.
The Drip Cap
- Many lampshades have a plastic backing that adds stability and shaping to the shade.
- The plastic used for lampshades is thin, and easily cracks.
- This repair will still show visible cracks when the lampshade is on, but if you cover them with fabric, the cracks will be less visible.
- Apply the glue with a spatula and smooth it into place.
References
- Real Simple: Plastic
- “Creating Elegant Lamps & Shades for Fun and Profit;” Nadine Redfield; 2003
Writer Bio
Brenda Priddy has more than 10 years of crafting and design experience, as well as more than six years of professional writing experience. Her work appears in online publications such as Donna Rae at Home, Five Minutes for Going Green and Daily Mayo. Priddy also writes for Archstone Business Solutions and holds an Associate of Arts in English from McLennan Community College.
Photo Credits
- Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
- Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
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