Owner’s Manual for Stained Glass

One of our items have gone to live at your house. Here’s how to take care of a stained glass piece of art.

HANGING A SUNCATCHER:  I recommend that you hang your piece securely from a sturdy hook that has been screwed into a secure material, like a wall stud or wooden window frame – something that isn’t going to fall down and go “boom” once it has a piece of weighty glass hanging from it. I am not a huge fan of suction cup hangers attached to windows unless it’s a very large high quality suction cup hanger with a small piece hanging from it in a no-traffic area.  (after all that work, wouldn’t it be a shame to have the piece fall and smash just because the suction cup used to hang it unstuck)
 
Cleaning: The Stained glass piece you have purchased has been cleaned, then completely protected with a waxy sealer that is applied in its spray liquid form, is left to dry, and is then buffed and polished with a soft, dry rag. Aside from a gentle dusting, your piece may never need to be cleaned. I don’t recommend using window cleaners or other chemical cleaners on any piece of stained glass, since they may damage THe lead, solder, glass and integrity of the piece. 

Mold-like crud: We are relentless in cleaning the piece before it is sealed. However, from time to time, solder or lead will oxidize and leave a whitish substance on its surface. Again, no panic is necessary. Gently wipe with a brush or a non-abrasive plastic pot scrubber to remove the “tarnish”. (Never put abrasive stuff to your glass piece. If you can’t get the “tarnish” off, contact us.)

Twice a year, I recommend You re-seal the piece so that it’s protected from “tarnish”. Glass sealer is available at stained glass supply stores, but it’s expensive. A good quality spray furniture polish or car wax that contains carnauba wax will work just as well. I spray the wax on a soft rag and then polish the metal and glass surfaces followed by a soft dry rag to buff it.

Touching your glass piece:  stained glass pieces are put together with solder that contains lead, and OUR pieces also use lead came in the construction. Even though each piece is sealed when it’s finished, I always suggest that you do what I do and wash your hands with soap and warm water after cleaning/ handling any stained glass piece. Lead is a health issue when inhaled or ingested. washing your hands after handling it is considered sufficient precautions to prevent unwanted exposure. 

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