Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Glasswood (Uk) Limited
Restoration and replacement of leaded lights
It is important to remember that only specialist conservators should clean or work on stained glass, and some repairs to leaded lights, such as releading, may also benefit from their assistance.
Before de-glazing frames with leaded lights, a useful recommendation is to cover both sides with a 'cling-film'-type plastic; this lightly sticks to the glass and will help prevent the lights from falling apart in the process. However if a light does need remaking, all the original glass should be kept for reuse and labelled, not thrown away.
Inevitably some work will be required following removal - the belief that a leaded light can be reglazed without any repair work and not leak is a myth. Even if the leaded lights do not need re-leading, the perimeter lead will usually need to be replaced. In most instances the lead cement which holds the glass will also need repairing or replacing entirely.
Glass can be cleaned with a mixture of distilled water and methylated spirits, applied with a soft clean cloth, allowed to dry and then polished off with chamois leather. Modern detergents should not be used on lead or glass; commercial window cleaning materials will leave a discoloration on both surfaces. However, neutral soap can be used to remove organic growth.
Where original glass has been lost or broken, new glass which will provide a near match to most originals is available from an increasing number of highly specialised, enthusiastic manufacturers and stockists.
Please contact us to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements.
It is important to remember that only specialist conservators should clean or work on stained glass, and some repairs to leaded lights, such as releading, may also benefit from their assistance.
Before de-glazing frames with leaded lights, a useful recommendation is to cover both sides with a 'cling-film'-type plastic; this lightly sticks to the glass and will help prevent the lights from falling apart in the process. However if a light does need remaking, all the original glass should be kept for reuse and labelled, not thrown away.
Inevitably some work will be required following removal - the belief that a leaded light can be reglazed without any repair work and not leak is a myth. Even if the leaded lights do not need re-leading, the perimeter lead will usually need to be replaced. In most instances the lead cement which holds the glass will also need repairing or replacing entirely.
Glass can be cleaned with a mixture of distilled water and methylated spirits, applied with a soft clean cloth, allowed to dry and then polished off with chamois leather. Modern detergents should not be used on lead or glass; commercial window cleaning materials will leave a discoloration on both surfaces. However, neutral soap can be used to remove organic growth.
Where original glass has been lost or broken, new glass which will provide a near match to most originals is available from an increasing number of highly specialised, enthusiastic manufacturers and stockists.
Please contact us to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements.
