How to Create a Faux Leaded Glass Window

Creating a faux or fake leaded glass window is a simple easy project that anyone can do. This technique can be used on a regular window in your home, or on a cabinet door that is fronted with plain glass.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Ruler
• Poster board cut to the size of the window
• Tape
• 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch self adhesive lead strips
• Scissors
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. 

   Assemble all of your supplies. Cut your poster board to fit the size of the glass you will be working on. Using a pencil and a ruler, draw a design on the poster board, using straight lines in your design will enable you to use the lead strip more easily. It does not bend well in curves or circles. Once you have traced your design, tape it to the back of the window, so that the design is facing toward the front of the glass, and the area which you will be working on.

2. 

   Working from the top of the window to the bottom, cut off more of the lead strip than you will need for a single line. There is a backing paper on the back of the lead strip that you will remove, do this while you are pressing the lead strip onto the first line at the top of your design. Press firmly enough so the lead strip adheres well to your glass.

3. 

   Repeat this process on all of the other lines working from the top to bottom. Then work from one side to the other, however you feel most comfortable. As your work proceeds, and there are overlapping lines of lead strip, make sure you press these down cleanly, so that they attach well to the glass.

4. 

   Use your utility knife to cut off any excess lead strip you may have at the edges of the glass. Now you can enjoy your newly created faux leaded glass window.

Tips & Warnings

• You can clean your faux leaded glass window just like any other window, with your favorite cleaning solution of Windex, or vinegar. Be careful around the leaded strips, but they really hold up well, and present no problem.

Resources

• Black and Decker Complete Guide to Windows and EntryWays