How to take care of Stained Glass Products: Tips for Maintenance and Cleaning
Stained glass products are exquisite masterpieces, which serve as ornaments for many historic buildings, churches and cathedrals, as well as modern houses. However, as the time flows, these pieces of art can lose their brilliance due to dust and pollutions. Being a handmade artwork, every stained glass product requires a delicate touch and particular cleaning techniques to preserve its integrity while restoring its original vibrancy.
Regular Maintenance Practices of Stained Glass Products
As we have mentioned at the beginning of the article, stained glass art pieces require a special way of maintenance and cleaning. The things you might do on a regular basis to prevent stained glass products from losing their elegant look are pretty simple.
For example:
- dusting and wiping;
- regular inspection;
- no hrsh chemicals.
These rules seem to be so easy to follow, but unfortunately only a few people follow them. As for the first one, which is dusting and wiping. Things here are pretty simple. All you have to do to keep the beauty of your stained glass decoration is to regularly dust it with the help of a soft brush, such as gentle microfiber cloth, which will keep your loveliest stained glass pieces not to be damaged by the surface dirt. You can use distilled water for wiping stained glass suncatchers and windows and pat dry to avoid water stains. The rule of using no harsh chemicals comes together.
Speaking about protective coverings, we can ensure you that this step is not that necessary, though it might prevent stained glass products from being damaged by the sunlight. Using a glass film you can save the vibrant colors of your favorite home decoration.
Last but not least, do not hesitate to make regular inspections of stained glass ornaments. The best way of curing something is preventing it! This simple step will help any emerging issues that require attention.
Cleaning Techniques
Before cleaning stained glass goods it is advised to make an appropriate plan with the steps you will follow later when cleaning the items. We have some steps for you where to start if you decide to clean your stained glass decor yourself.
1. Assessing the Condition
Before starting the cleaning process, it's necessary to assess the condition of the stained glass items. You have to look if there are any cracks or maybe some loose lead came.
2. Choose the Right Tools
Cleaning stained glass products demands the use of appropriate tools to prevent damage of the glass surface. The essential tools include: soft-bristled brushes, lint-free cloths, a gentle glass cleaner (preferably ammonia-free), distilled water, a bucket, and gloves. Avoid using abrasive materials, sharp tools, or harsh chemicals that may harm the glass or make the lead come.
3. Pre-Cleaning Preparations
Begin by gently dusting the stained glass windows or suncatchers with a soft cloth to remove loose dirty leftovers. This step helps prevent scratching the glass during the cleaning process.
4. Cleaning the Glass
To clean the stained glass, pour mild glass cleaner and distilled water in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the glass in small circular motions. Always start from the top and direct down.
5. Cleaning the Lead Came
The lead came, which the metal structure that holds the glass pieces together after soldering, also needs to be cleaned. Use a separate soft-bristled brush to clean the lead came, carefully removing any leftovers. You should avoid applying too much pressure to prevent bending the lead.
6. Rinsing and Drying
After the cleaning process, we advise you to rinse the stained glass surfaces with clean distilled water and remove any remaining cleaning solutions. Pat the glass and lead came dry with a soft cloth.
Handling and Storage Tips of Stained Glass Art Pieces
These are the easiest pieces of advice to follow if you want your stained glass items to please you for many years to come. Stained glass products are sensitive to temperatures and humidity. To maintain their condition, you should avoid placing stained glass pieces near heating or cooling vents. You should better choose a location that is cool, dry, and free from extreme temperature and high humidity levels.
Coming up to the conclusion, we can say that cleaning stained glass products is an art that requires a gentle touch, attention, and the right tools. By following these tips and cleaning techniques, you can preserve the beauty of stained glass masterpieces.
