Stained glass is a surprisingly durable and long-lasting medium when properly cared for. Here are some tips for maintaining your piece:
Explore Care TipsWhile suction cup hooks, fishing lines, and ribbon are extremely tempting ways to exhibit your stained glass piece in a window, they will all eventually fail. A much better option is to install a cup hook(s) above the window and use a chain rated to the weight of your piece to display the beautiful colors and textures of your stained glass.
Plan to have one anchor point directly above each hanging point on the piece. This ensures that gravity is pulling straight down on the anchor instead of the piece having to deal with lateral forces pulling on it as well.
Pro Tip: The ONLY time I had a piece fail was when I hung something with 2 anchors from one point.
Finished stained glass pieces will naturally oxidize over time. This can be delayed by waxing the piece using regular ol' car wax. Gentle glass polish and a soft rag can be used to periodically clean your piece and will help return it to its original shine. (This is often done in the final cleaning processes before a piece is delivered.) Keep your piece inside, away from the elements, especially water, to extend the life of the piece.
Stained glass works contain lead (unless explicitly labeled as “lead-free”). Finished lead works are perfectly safe to have in your home and will not off-gas or affect the air of your home in any way. However, out of an abundance of caution, please wash your hands after handling your piece and keep stained glass works out of reach of children.
Contact UsAs always, if you have any questions about caring for your stained glass piece, please reach out!
As always, if you have any questions about caring for your stained glass piece, please reach out!
Contact UsUse properly secured hooks and chain rated for the piece’s weight. TLC recommends one anchor directly above each hanging point to avoid pulling the artwork sideways. Ask for guidance if you are unsure how to support your piece.
TLC advises against suction cups, fishing line, and ribbon because they can fail. Choose a secure hanging arrangement appropriate to the artwork’s weight and attachment points.
TLC recommends gentle glass polish and a soft cloth. Ask for piece-specific advice before cleaning an antique, painted, damaged, or unfamiliar piece.
TLC’s general care advice is to keep finished pieces indoors and away from water and weather. If you are buying artwork intended for a garden, confirm that particular piece’s placement and care requirements.
TLC advises treating its stained glass as containing lead unless it is explicitly labeled lead-free. Wash your hands after handling it and keep pieces out of children’s reach. Making or repairing lead-containing glass also requires appropriate workshop precautions.
