Antique stained
glass is found in old homes and centuries-old churches. It is a work of art that adds value and beauty to a dwelling, and some antique stained glass, such as Tiffany, is considered a treasure. If done correctly, restoring antique stained glass will add charm and value to a home for years to come.
Instructions
1. Clean the glass. Some glass may be so covered in pollution and grime that it is not even recognizable when found in an old home. Never clean stained glass with harsh chemicals. Use distilled water and a soft cloth. Dip the cloth into the water, squeezing out the excess. Don't let the water drip onto the frame; stained glass windows often have old wood frames, and water can ruin or warp the wood, risking damage to the stained glass. Rub gently with the damp cloth over the glass.
2. Use gentle cleansers if water alone doesn't work. If the dirt or grime doesn't come off with water alone, use a gentle cleaning solution with no ammonia, vinegar or abrasive chemicals. A good one to use is a PH-neutral cleaner such as a natural dish liquid found in the grocery store cleaning isle. Mix the water and dish liquid together to dilute it, using more dish liquid if necessary.
3. Use cotton swabs to get into those hard to reach crevices within the stained glass design, dipping the tip in the soapy solution and then squeezing the excess from the end with a paper towel.
4. Dry each piece of stained glass with a soft paper towel or clean cloth after cleaning it. If the stained glass does not become clean, then a professional should be called in.
5. Restore the frame. Antique glass frames are often made of wood, and a simple realignment, sanding or paint job to the frame may be all that is necessary. You will need a tarp and a few people to help remove the stained glass from the frame, placing it gently on the tarp, so that the frame itself can be repaired without risk of damage to the sheet of stained glass. A skilled carpenter specializing in stained glass frames and repair may be a better choice with big windows.
6. Restore stained glass panels. If you are skilled and can paint, this is a fun project. If not, a professional stained glass artist will be needed to recreate missing or return faded pieces to original glory. Look in the yellow pages for artists, or online at www.llorensleadedartglass.com/index.html, or http://classicglassstudio.com/, to get an idea of technique and skill involved.
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