How to Pick Stained-Glass Windows

Stained-glass windows add beauty and value to your home. Stained glass can also be used for privacy if opaque or waterglass is chosen as the type of glass used in stained glass. Stained glass can be installed into current window openings, added to doors or hung above a window. Antique or new, stained-glass windows should be chosen carefully.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compare an antique piece of stained glass with a new piece of stained glass. Not all new stained-glass pieces are better. Compare the quality of the glass for nicks or chips. Look at the leading to make sure it is in good condition. Check the soldered seams for "drip throughs" which are places where the soldering iron was left too long in one place. This causes a sort of valley to form or peaks in other areas. If there are peaks that stick out, they should be difficult to find and not pointed or sharp.

2. Verify that the piece of stained glass you are looking at is really stained glass and not an overlay. An overlay is made from vinyl that is semi-transparent and sticky backed. The overlay and the lead are both made from vinyl self sticking materials. Although overlays can be beautiful as well, be sure you aren't paying a stained glass price for vinyl. Vinyl overlays can last up to 15 years but must be replaced when faded. A stained glass window will last more than 100 years and need only the lead repaired after many years.

3. Buy stained-glass windows locally if possible. Although there are many reputable stained-glass artists on the internet, it's much better that you look at the actual stained glass in person if colors or shades are extremely important to you. If you are more concerned with the design, then some online websites offer a good value.

Resources

• The Stained-Glass Windows website can help you pick a perfect stained-glass window.

[michelabboud]

on 12/5/2007 need pictures accompanied with the instruction