Stained glass windows enhance the beauty of old churches and chapels and great care has to be taken when it comes to stained glass restoration. Church renovations are almost incomplete if services for stained glass repair are not availed. However, some church caretakers who want to cut renovation costs prefer to do stained glass restoration themselves. If you are looking for some tips on stained glass repair, then this blog is a godsend for you.
What You Must Know About Stained Glass Windows
A variety of glass enamels are used in the painting of stained glass windows. Usually the enamels are of reddish brown color but the colors can also be black, blue, green or red depending upon the picture painted. Metal oxides and dry glass powder are mixed with binders like gum, water, sugar and vinegar to make the enamel. A compound is also used for waterproofing and sealing the glass and lead together.
Signs That Indicate Need For Stained Glass Repair
Here are some of the signs that will help you determine whether the stained glass windows need restoration or not.
· Faded outlines of glass painting
· Loosely tied copper wires
· Condensation in between glazed layers
· Cracked lead or glass
Cleaning Stained Glass Windows
Dirt, soot and dust can make the stained glass look foggy and therefore regular cleaning is required. Some stained glass windows have also accumulated a lot of carbon due to the frequent burning of incense sticks and candles. When cleaning stained glass windows, great care must be taken. Only soft cotton cloth should be used while cleaning the stained surface. Circular motions should be practiced when cleaning the glass.
Most of the times, stained glass can be cleaned with soft cotton cloth and water only while sometimes only mild cleaners like non ionized detergent can be used. Caustic chemicals and acidic cleaners should never be used to clean glass windows as they can strip off the color of the glass.
Stained Glass Repairs
If the stained glass windows need minor repairs, then DIY methods like ‘open lead method’ can be used. This method involves cutting of the broken piece of glass using a hack saw in case a zinc came is used. Then the new piece of glass is measured, restored, and soldered at the joints. Even though small pieces of new glasses can be used in the stained glass restoration process, it is best to retain the original glass as much as possible to maintain the aged look of the windows.
If the stained glass is cracked, there are three possible options for repairing it; silicon edge gluing, epoxy edge gluing and copper foil. The best method out of the three is epoxy edge gluing because with it, the cracks are filled in flawlessly. Copper foil has been used for centuries in carrying out stained glass repair and it is still popular. The silicon edge gluing method is regarded as a temporary fixing measure and it is not recommended.
Egan Church Furnishings provides the best stained glass restoration services at reasonable rates along with selling a wide range of superior quality church furniture.
This Best article writing service is provided by Gdweblab
What You Must Know About Stained Glass Windows
A variety of glass enamels are used in the painting of stained glass windows. Usually the enamels are of reddish brown color but the colors can also be black, blue, green or red depending upon the picture painted. Metal oxides and dry glass powder are mixed with binders like gum, water, sugar and vinegar to make the enamel. A compound is also used for waterproofing and sealing the glass and lead together.
Signs That Indicate Need For Stained Glass Repair
Here are some of the signs that will help you determine whether the stained glass windows need restoration or not.
· Faded outlines of glass painting
· Loosely tied copper wires
· Condensation in between glazed layers
· Cracked lead or glass
Cleaning Stained Glass Windows
Dirt, soot and dust can make the stained glass look foggy and therefore regular cleaning is required. Some stained glass windows have also accumulated a lot of carbon due to the frequent burning of incense sticks and candles. When cleaning stained glass windows, great care must be taken. Only soft cotton cloth should be used while cleaning the stained surface. Circular motions should be practiced when cleaning the glass.
Most of the times, stained glass can be cleaned with soft cotton cloth and water only while sometimes only mild cleaners like non ionized detergent can be used. Caustic chemicals and acidic cleaners should never be used to clean glass windows as they can strip off the color of the glass.
Stained Glass Repairs
If the stained glass windows need minor repairs, then DIY methods like ‘open lead method’ can be used. This method involves cutting of the broken piece of glass using a hack saw in case a zinc came is used. Then the new piece of glass is measured, restored, and soldered at the joints. Even though small pieces of new glasses can be used in the stained glass restoration process, it is best to retain the original glass as much as possible to maintain the aged look of the windows.
If the stained glass is cracked, there are three possible options for repairing it; silicon edge gluing, epoxy edge gluing and copper foil. The best method out of the three is epoxy edge gluing because with it, the cracks are filled in flawlessly. Copper foil has been used for centuries in carrying out stained glass repair and it is still popular. The silicon edge gluing method is regarded as a temporary fixing measure and it is not recommended.
Egan Church Furnishings provides the best stained glass restoration services at reasonable rates along with selling a wide range of superior quality church furniture.
This Best article writing service is provided by Gdweblab