How to Protect Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass should be wiped with a damp, soft cloth.

Stained glass windows are eye-catching accents that are commonly used in churches and sometimes even in homes. These special windows possess various combinations of colors and patterns. Some of these patterns even form pictures that represent various people or stories. In order to preserve stained glass windows and maintain their beauty, you must take special steps to protect them. Protecting your stained glass involves proper cleaning and inspection for defects or flaws.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Distilled water
• Auto wax
• Toothbrush
• Toothpick

Instructions

1. Dampen a soft cloth with distilled water and use it to gently wipe down the windows on the inside and outside periodically to remove dust and dirt.

2. Apply auto wax to a soft, lint-free cloth and use it to wax the windows periodically. Use small, circular strokes to apply the wax.

3. Wax corners and hard to reach surfaces with a toothbrush.

4. Allow the wax to dry for about three to four minutes.

5. Wipe the wax off with a soft, clean lint-free cloth.

6. Remove wax from corners and crevices with a clean toothbrush.

7. Buff the window with a clean cloth to shine it thoroughly.

8. Inspect the window regularly for flaws such as cracks, bubbles, bubbles, bulging, bowing or warping. If you see any signs of these flaws, call a technician who is trained in stained glass repair to handle the situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Most stained glass windows contain lead, which is a toxic substance. This is one reason why you should only have repairs performed by a trained technician.

References

• Creative Ideas in Stained Glass: Care and Cleaning
• Conservation Register: Care and Conservation of Stained Glass

Resources

• Stained Glass Association of America