A Salvager's Guide to Repairing and Restoring Stained Glass

Whether you are a thrift store junkie, or you've inherited an old home with stained glass, you're going to want to know how to go about restoring stained glass to it's original glory, and this guide will go over the basics of restoring stained glass.

You're at an estate sale and you notice two beautifully crafted stained glass window panes.

You're mesmerized. The rich history of stained glass is alluring for all salvagers and you are no exception.
When you get them home and start inspecting them you realize they need some work.
Restoring stained glass isn't something you know much about, so what do you do?
We're here to help you figure that out!

What to Look For

Stained Glass pieces are made from cut pieces of glass, lead or zinc cames (metal that holds the glass), a putty compound to secure the glass to the metal, and support bars to keep the glass from sagging.
Before deciding to restore or repair stained glass, always evaluate its condition.
If the glass rattles while you glide your hand over it, the putty needs replaced. This is an easy DIY project.
Check the cames to make sure they are wired to the support and in good condition. If you notice a bulge, broken glass, or frame/structure issues take it to a professional.

Assembling A Stained Glass Repair Kit

Replacing the putty is the easiest part of restoring stained glass for any owner.
You can go to almost any hardware store to get your materials:

glazing putty
linseed oil
liquid lamp black
precision knife
large paint brush
old rag
steel wool

The amount of putty materials depends on the size of the project you are doing.

Restoring Stained Glass

After laying out the panes on a flat surface and creating the new putty mix, it's time to get started.
1. Remove the old putty
Using the precision knife, clean out the old putty and brush it away.
2. Brush on the putty mixture
Putty should be the consistency of molasses, stiff but spreadable. Brush it over the entire surface.
Push the brush into grooves of the cames. Using a wooden stick, gently press the putty into the edges.
Let it dry for 15-20 minutes.
3. Clean away the excess putty
Once 15-20 minutes has gone by wipe away the excess with a rag going from the middle and pushing towards the edges.
Once the excess is gone let it dry for a couple more hours.
Finish cleaning with steel wool and wipe away with soft water.
4. Repeat on the other side
Repeat this process on the other side of the panel for more stabilization.

How to Clean Stained Glass

Once a piece is restored or repaired keep up with proper cleaning.

Start with only soft or deionized water
Use non-ionic detergent or soaps
Never use household cleaners

Unpainted glass may yellow or have a film-- acetone, mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol will work best. Always clean with soap and rinse with water after.
Cleaning painted glass requires more care-- especially if the paint is chipping-- using cotton swabs is best. Only ever use soap and water.

Learning More About Stained Glass

Using these techniques will prolong the life of any stained glass piece you own!
If you're interested in learning more about restoring stained glass or finding new pieces to add to your home, contact us here. https://www.stainedglasspanelsplus.com

May sunshine fill your day!

Fascinating and Fundamental Part 9

The Best of the World's Most Famous Stained Glass Windows

If you love stained glass windows as much as you do, then you're going to love this collection of some of the most famous stained glass windows from all over the world. Is your favorite installation on our list? Check out the article and see!

Stained glass windows are among some of the most beautiful man-made items to look upon. The level of craftsmanship and the amount of time and effort that goes into making them only add to the grandeur.

If you feel this way every time you check out stained glass, you are certainly not alone.
However, you know that not all glass is created equal, and that some hold more value than others - even to the point of being famous.
Where are these famously stained glass windows, you ask? We wanted to know, too - and put together a small list of some of the world's most famous stained windows ever created.

The Most Well-known Stained Glass Windows Ever Created

Here are just a few of the most marvelous stained windows in existence today. Check out the list and see what you think.

Sainte-Chapelle

The Saint-Chapelle of Paris has some of the finest and longest standing examples of stained glass done right.
Labeled "The jewel of the Rayonnant Gothic period", the Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th century under the rule of King Louis IX. It was initially intended to house valuables and precious relics but became a relic itself in its design.
It holds a collection of 15 windows measuring almost 50 feet high. Each of the windows depicts a scene from the Bible in bright, gem-like colors and an impressive attention to detail.

The Skylight at the Palau de la Musica Catalana

The Skylight is located in Barcelona, Spain, and is truly a unique work of art and a rare example of telling a story through staining and shape.
It was originally intended to represent the sun and the sky (hence the name) and they did this not only through the staining but also through sculpting, creating a bulbous three-dimensional masterpiece.
The stains themselves depict an array of colors, starting from blue at the very top of the ceiling and flowing down into a yellow-red hue as they reach the tip of the bulb. The

King's College Chapel

There are few places where you will find such a beautiful selection of narrative windows as you would at King's College Chapel.
This chapel was erected during the 15th and 16th centuries at the University of Cambridge's King's College, and boasts many marvels such as numerous sculptures and a painting by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens.
However, the narrative windows steal the limelight. Some of the panes depict scenes from the Gospels, while others depict scenes of royalty. All scenes are delivered in vibrant colors for the word to enjoy.

Share in the Beauty of Stained Windows

Think you've seen all of the best stained glass windows the world has to offer? Well, think again.
Our site is the place to go to learn all about stained windows. We know what it takes to create the various intricate patterns and where to spot the finest examples of work - and we bring the facts straight to you. https://stainedglasspanelsplus.com

Check us out to find out all that we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon.

That's all for now! May sunshine fill your day!