How to Repair Leaded Glass
- Assess the Damage. Take stock of what you have to work with. ...
- Prepare the Work Area and Materials. For the work surface, we laid a piece of 3/4 ” plywood on a worktable and attached two furring strips (1 1./4 ...
- Liberate the Glass. ...
- Make a Template. ...
- Begin Repairs. ...
- Cut the Glass. ...
- Cut and Solder the Lead. ...
- Cement the Window. ...
How to solder stained glass using the lead came technique?
be a strong union between the lead came and the solder. To get this make sure that both metals heat up during the stained glass lead soldering process. contain enough solder to join both pieces of lead together successfully. They can be flatter or slightly raised. This is a question of what you prefer.
How do you repair stained glass?
- Cut shallow grooves into a length of board
- Gather your left over bits of solder and spread them near the grooves
- With a hot iron pull the bits into the grooves creating nice long solder sticks. ...
- When cool, just pry them out with a horse shoe nail
How to wash stained glass?
Stained glass requires a delicate touch, so Blyth suggests folding a microfiber towel into quarters to help distribute the pressure from your fingers over the surface area. "If you have a really large surface to clean, say taller than six feet and wider than three feet, consider a boar's hair brush to perform the initial wetting and scrubbing of the window," he says.
How to properly clean satin, frosted or etched glass?
WINDOW FILM
- First, thoroughly wash the surface to be frosted, using glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
- Next, combine water with a couple drops of dish detergent in a spray bottle.
- Then proceed to lightly spritz the glass before applying the window film.
- As you go, remove air bubbles with a squeegee.
How do you fix leaded stained glass?
How to Repair Leaded GlassStep 1: Assess the Damage. Take stock of what you have to work with. ... Step 2: Prepare the Work Area and Materials. ... Step 3: Liberate the Glass. ... Step 4: Make a Template. ... Step 5: Begin Repairs. ... Step 6: Cut the Glass. ... Step 7: Cut and Solder the Lead. ... Step 8: Cement the Window.
How do you solder an old lead?
0:000:36Soldering a Leaded Stained Glass Panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGive it a little swirl and pull off you never want to pull up because you'll get little ridges offMoreGive it a little swirl and pull off you never want to pull up because you'll get little ridges off to the side nice flat seam should be able to pull your fingernail across it and it shouldn't click.
How do you restore lead lights?
Install new glass and camesCut out lead cames. Using side-cutting pliers, snip the lead came at the soldered joints at each end of the section containing the broken glass. ... Take out the glass. ... Clean lead cames. ... Replace glass. ... Polish the metal. ... Solder the joints.
How do you stick lead to glass?
1:216:03Decra Led Tutorial Part One Straight lines - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the first piece of lead and flick the end to remove the backing.MoreTake the first piece of lead and flick the end to remove the backing.
Does solder stick to lead?
0:001:29How to Solder Lead Using MuggyWeld Super Alloy 1 Rod and ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAdd your flux by dipping the rod in the flux container. And paint the flux on the joint. Now broadlyMoreAdd your flux by dipping the rod in the flux container. And paint the flux on the joint. Now broadly heat the parent metal until the flux turns brown. And simply add the rod.
What solder is best for stained glass?
The most used solders in stained glass are 60/40 (60% tin/40% lead) 50/50 and 63/37. “Lead-free” solders have no number designation and are a mix of tin and small amounts of other metals. Also look for “pure” solders–free of impurities.
How do you blacken lead?
For a Blackened Finish: apply 'Black Patina' obtained from any leaded glass supplier ,,, using a 1/2 inch brush. wipe evenly. Or apply graphite based grate finish paste.. allow to dry for short while then polish with a soft cloth.
What can you do with old leaded windows?
20+ Ways To Repurpose Old Windows (Upcycled Window Projects)Turn a window into a corkboard. ... Use windows as a space divider. ... Incorporate a window into a fence design. ... Use windows as doors on a cabinet. ... Build a mini greenhouse. ... Make a chalkboard calendar. ... Create a family command center. ... Create a mini garden house.More items...•
Can stained glass Restain?
Changing the color of stained glass is difficult, but possible with a bit of patience and preparation. The only way to do it and still have true stained glass is to have the piece cut out and replaced with a piece of glass in the new color. That requires a professional and can be costly.
Is Gorilla Glue good for glass?
Gorilla Glue is practically synonymous with quality superglue, and for good reason. This glue bonds well to glass, wood, foam, ceramic, and more. Gorilla Glue says that its formula creates a very strong bond that dries crystal clear.
What type of glue works best on glass?
For most common glass repairs, Loctite Glass Glue is the go-to choice. Loctite Glass Glue is great for use with all clear, colored, stained, and tinted glass types.
Is epoxy glue good for glass?
Epoxy glue is available in the market with the highest tensile strength and is considered the best glue for glass. It can be applied to surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic.
Can you Unsolder something?
0:362:18How to Remove Solder | Soldering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSmall amount of solder flux but it's often helpful to have a little bit more. Clean our tip weMoreSmall amount of solder flux but it's often helpful to have a little bit more. Clean our tip we applied the solder wick between the part that we want to use the iron.
How do you solder lead-free?
What is the best soldering tip temperature for lead-free SAC and SnCu? The temperature of the tip or contact temperature is very important to ease the lead-free hand-soldering operation. When using 63/37 solders temperatures as low as 650ºF have been used but with lead-free 700-800ºF is best.
How do you Desold two wires?
0:5912:17Easy ways how to solder unsolder / desolder parts and wires with fluxYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a great solder iron. Also use a plunger. This is solder sucker or a vacuum. So right hereMoreThere's a great solder iron. Also use a plunger. This is solder sucker or a vacuum. So right here you just push that button and it sucks out the solder.
What is the melting point of lead-free solder?
Soldering Temperature The lead-free solders melt at higher temperatures of about 217°C/422°F compared to 183°C/361°F for the lead-based option.
What to do if stained glass is rattling?
If the panes of your stained glass are rattling, it needs an application of fresh putty.
How long does it take to clean a window with putty?
You’ll need to clean up the window in two stages. First, when the putty mixture is dry enough to be picked up with a rag (about 15 to 20 minutes), clean off the majority of the glass surface [D]; if the putty dries too long, it will be harder to remove.
What to do after you remove putty from cames?
After you’ve removed all of the old putty from the cames, mix the new putty, oil, and lamp black [B] into a stiff liquid that’s easily spreadable —about the consistency of molasses. You can add more black if you’d like to match it more closely to the color of the cames, although the putty won’t be too visible after you’ve cleaned up the window.
How to get a tight fit on a window?
To get an even tighter fit, you can take a wooden stick and gently press down the edges of the lead after you’ve applied the putty.
How to clean a came?
Allow the remaining putty to dry for another few hours until it’s fairly hard, then use the steel wool to clean the glass and lead [E]. The brass brush comes in handy for getting into the crevices along the edges of the cames.
Can you put putty on stained glass?
If you have the time and inclination , you can repeat the process on the opposite side of the window to further stabilize it. The putty mixture does a nice job of cleaning the glass and cames , so you’ll also give your stained glass a nice cleaning in the process .
What cleaner to use to clean solder lines?
When the solder lines were complete, they were a little too shiny to match the original window, so I cleaned it with an ammonia based cleaner which darkened it and then added a dilute black patina to knock the color down.
Why did Jeanne wipe down the window?
When we went back to the clients home for the install, Jeanne wiped the window down for a final cleaning to get rid of any dust and smudges.
Can silicon be used to repair leaded glass?
The silicon will form a good enough bond to hold both the window and the molding in place. This article covered one method of repairing a leaded glass window. A company that shows many of the repairs and restorations they've done is Glass Inspirations. You may want to view some of their work.
Why does leaded glass crack?
Leaded glass in doors, sidelights, and low windows is particularly susceptible to breakage from accidents or vandalism . When set in operable doors or windows, leaded glass can crack or weaken from excessive force, vibration, and eventually even from normal use. Cracks can also result from improperly set nails or points that hold the window in the frame, or more rarely, by structural movement within the building. Leaded glass that is improperly annealed can crack on its own from internal stress. (Annealing is the process by which the heated glass is slowly cooled; the process is akin to tempering metal.) Glass can also disintegrate from chemical instability or the intense heat of a fire. Finally, windows assembled with long, narrow, angular pieces of glass are inherently prone to cracking. Often the cause of the cracks can be determined by the path they travel: cracks from impact typically radiate straight from the source. Stress cracks caused by heat or improper annealing will travel an irregular path and change direction sharply.
What are the dangers of leaded glass?
The greatest and the most common threat to leaded glass is deterioration of the skeletal structure that holds the glass. The structure consists of frame members, and lead or zinc (and occasionally brass or copper) came that secures individual pieces of glass. Frame members include wood sash and muntins that decay, steel t-bars and “saddle bars” that corrode, and terra cotta or stone tracery that can fracture and spall (Figure 12). When frames fail, leaded glass sags and cracks due to insufficient bracing; it may even fall out from wind pressure or vibration.
What are the characteristics of stained glass?
Characteristics include the use of opalescent glass, intricate leading and organic copper foil work, acid-etching, plating (i.e., several layers of glass), and a sense of perspective. Figure 7. Charles J. Connick was another American master of stained glass. He worked in a modernized Neo-Gothic style.
What does stained glass mean?
Photo: Jack E. Boucher, HABS. “Stained glass” can mean colored, painted or enameled glass, or glass tinted with true glass “stains.”. In this Brief the term refers to both colored and painted glass. “Leaded glass” refers generically to all glass assemblies held in place by lead, copper, or zinc cames. Because the construction, protection, and ...
What was the name of the glass that was sandwiched between layers of lead?
Lead-overlay or “silhouette” glass was one novelty that climaxed in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Some designers sandwiched glass between layers of hand-cut sheet lead, while others sandwiched the perforated sheet lead between layers of glass.
Can steel frames corrode?
Steel frames and saddle bars (braces) corrode when not maintained, which accelerates the deterioration of the glazing compound and loosens the glass. Moreover, operable steel ventilators and windows are designed to tight tolerances. Neglect can lead to problems. Eventually, they either fail to close snugly or corrode completely shut. The leaded glass is then frequently reinstalled in aluminum window units, which require wider sections for equal strength and typically results in an inch or more of the glass border being trimmed. Instead of relocating glass in aluminum frames, historic steel frames should be repaired. Often the corrosion is superficial; frames in this condition need prepping, painting with a good zinc-enriched paint, and realigning in the frame.
Can you use acetic acid on glass?
Acetic acid can harm lead , and should never be used on leaded glass. Instead, “neutral cure” sealants should be used. These high-performance construction sealants are not sold in consumer supply stores. The appropriate type of sealant depends on the materials to be bonded and on the desired appearance and longevity.
How to fix a cracked glass came?
We cleaned out the cames with putty knives and box cutters, then tried fitting the loose glass back in the cames. Next, we gently tapped the old lead came and glass back into place using the hammer and the wood handle of the putty knife or a small piece of scrap lead (hitting directly with a hammer can cause the glass to crack) and secured it with German glazing nails. The glazing nails should be lightly tapped into place so you can still move them easily.
How to solder old lead joints?
To effectively solder old lead joints, you must expose fresh lead, either by scraping the joints with a box cutter or by using the rotary tool with a wire brush [J], which tends to go much faster. Whatever the method, always wear a face mask for this work, as it creates a lot of dust and scraps. Clean up afterward with a shop vacuum.
How to stretch lead?
Next, you need to stretch the lead came to make it rigid enough for use. Put one end of the lead came into a vise attached to the worktable and grab the other with pliers or lead stretchers. (Tip: Cut the 6′ lead strip in half so it’s a manageable size.) Keep the came straight, and pull the lead so that it stretches about 1″ to 1 1/2 “. Because lead came is soft and bends easily, support it with two hands when moving it. If the nubs are closed up, use a putty knife or a fid to open them. (Alternatively, you can buy stretched lead from a local supplier, as we did.)
How to break glass?
There are two ways to break scored glass. The first is to use breaker pliers , which I found easier as a beginner. Line the white line on the pliers up on your scored line and press down to snap the glass in a straight line [G]. You also can slide the scored portion off the worktable’s edge and use the rounded head of the glass cutter to tap along the scored line, then grasp the edge with your free hand and press down until the glass snaps in a straight line. Once you’ve created replacement panes, check the fit in the window by either comparing the panes against the template or against the remaining lead panes.
How to solder a glass door?
Place the solder near the joint and melt it with the iron [K]. Don’t use too much solder, and don’t extend it past the joint. In a circular motion, move the iron across the joint, smoothing the solder into and across the joint. Don’t leave the iron on the joint for more than two or three seconds, or you risk melting the came. You may get solder drips on the glass, but they should easily slide or scrape off or with light scraping.
What to do if you have a missing pane of glass?
If you have a missing pane of glass, a template can help create a replacement piece, or it can be laid underneath the window on the worktable as a guide. To make the template, take a piece of paper large enough to cover your window and secure it atop the window with tape.
How to score glass?
For straight scoring, butt the glass cutter against a ruler. Keep the cutter upright, and press firmly but not too hard, moving in a steady motion down the entire sheet. Practice on scrap glass first to perfect your technique. Step 7, part I. Place glazing nails. There are two ways to break scored glass.
Why is the orange and yellow curved piece separated from the purple glass?
This happened because the design didn't create enough strength to hold the weight of the glass on the one point. The client didn't hang the piece by all the rings provided.
How to provide strength to copper re-strip?
To provide strength, I clip off a piece of the copper re-strip that normally fits in between the glass. By putting a piece on each side of the panel , the re-strip should provide a great deal more strength.
Do you need to clean solder lines?
With the solder line in place, you'll need to clean the panel well and re-patina the lead line.
Can you solder copper lead?
With the copper strip and foil tacked in place , we can solder the new lead line. Remember that the heat could crack the glass below, so turn down the heat on the soldering iron and solder a little spot at a time and allow the solder line to cool off between spots. (usually only solder 1/2" at a time)
Why does leaded glass crack?
Leaded glass in doors, sidelights, and low windows is particularly susceptible to breakage from accidents or vandalism . When set in operable doors or windows, leaded glass can crack or weaken from excessive force, vibration, and eventually even from normal use. Cracks can also result from improperly set nails or points that hold the window in the frame, or more rarely, by structural movement within the building. Leaded glass that is improperly annealed can crack on its own from internal stress. (Annealing is the process by which the heated glass is slowly cooled; the process is akin to tempering metal.) Glass can also disintegrate from chemical instability or the intense heat of a fire. Finally, windows assembled with long, narrow, angular pieces of glass are inherently prone to cracking. Often the cause of the cracks can be determined by the path they travel: cracks from impact typically radiate straight from the source. Stress cracks caused by heat or improper annealing will travel an irregular path and change direction sharply.
What restricted the use of stained glass?
Social values as well as high costs also restricted the use of stained and other ornamental glass. This was particularly true with regard to churches. The Puritans, who settled New England, rejected the religious imagery of the Church of England, and built simple, unadorned churches with clear glass windows. Consequently, not much glass remains from the colonial and early national periods. Less than 1% of the Nation’s stained and leaded glass predates 1700. Considering the enormous loss of 17th-, 18th-, and early 19th-century buildings, any window glass surviving from these periods is very significant. Every effort should be made to document and preserve it.
How much of the nation's stained glass was lost in the colonial era?
Consequently, not much glass remains from the colonial and early national periods. Less than 1% of the Nation’s stained and leaded glass predates 1700. Considering the enormous loss of 17th-, 18th-, and early 19th-century buildings, any window glass surviving from these periods is very significant.
When was beveled glass used?
Leaded beveled plate glass was popular in residential architecture after 1890, and was used profusely until the 1920s. The level of documentation warranted depends upon the significance of the window, but it is very important to document repair and restoration projects before, during, and after project work.
Where was glass made?
Glassblowers were among the founders of Jamestown in 1607, and early glass manufacturing was also attempted in 17th-century Boston and Philadelphia. Dutch colonists in the New Netherlands enjoyed painted oval or circular medallions that bore the family’s coat of arms or illustrated Dutch proverbs. German colonists in the mid-Atlantic region also began early glass ventures. Despite the availability of good natural ingredients, each of these early American glassmakers eventually failed due to production and managerial difficulties. As a result, colonists imported most of their glass from England throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
Can stained glass be documented?
Before deciding on any treatment for historic leaded glass, every effort should be made to understand-and to record-its history and composition. Documentation is strongly encouraged for significant windows and other elements. Assigning an accurate date, maker, and style to a stained glass window often requires extensive research and professional help. A documentation and recording project, however, is worth the effort and expense, as insurance against accidents, vandalism, fire and other disasters. The better the information available, the better the restoration can be. The following sources offer some guidelines for dating leaded windows.
Is lead a metal?
Lead Came: Lead is a soft malleable metal (it can be scratched with a fingernail). It naturally produces a protective dark bluish-gray patina. In the mid-19th century, improved smelting processes enabled manufacturers to extract valuable metal impurities from lead, thereby producing 100% pure lead came. The industry reasoned that 100% pure lead came was superior to the less pure variety. Although pure lead came is very workable and contributes to intricate designs, time has proven it to be less durable than medieval came, which contained trace elements of tin, copper, silver, and antimony. Unfortunately, the misconception that pure lead had greater longevity continued throughout the glory years of leaded glass use in America. Most glass conservators use a 100-year rule of thumb for the life expectancy of 19th century came-less for came produced during war times. The demand for lead ammunition and the resulting scarcity of lead required studios to stretch the available lead to its limits, thus resulting in weaker cames. In the 1970s “restoration lead” (ASTM B29-84) was developed based on metallurgic analyses of medieval cames, some of which have lasted for centuries. Restoration lead should always be used when releading historic windows.
Historical Background Return to Top ▲
Dating and Documenting Historic Leaded Glass Return to Top ▲
Deterioration of Stained and Leaded Glass Return to Top ▲
Cleaning, Repair and Protection Return to Top ▲
- You’ll need to clean up the window in two stages. First, when the putty mixture is dry enough to be picked up with a rag (about 15 to 20 minutes), clean off the majority of the glass surface [D]; if the putty dries too long, it will be harder to remove. Start in the middle and wipe the putty mixture toward the lead to further insert it under the ca...
Protective Glazing and Screens Return to Top ▲
Summary and References Return to Top ▲
