So you are thinking about getting
some stained glass
There are a lot of choices that you will have to make. Please
take the time to read the items that apply to you.
Something you
saw on our page
Most of the pictures have the approximate price shown. The number
in parentheses is the cost per square foot. The shipping cost (and sales
tax if you are in Wisconsin) is not included. If the photo
shows bevels, their cost is included. There is also the assumption
that 'normal' glass is used. There are some specialty glasses and
some colors that are more expensive, but these glasses comprise less than
10% of the available glass.
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Glass you
saw somewhere else
We will make something based on someone else's design, but will not
violate the copyright of their design. If you see something you like
on the web, in a magazine, or elsewhere we can design something similar
for you.
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Stained
glass designed for you
If you can send us images of things you like and/or a general description
of the type of design desired, we will design stained glass for you.
In general we will send you four designs based on your request.
Obviously, the more information you can provide the better. You will
also need to send us the dimensions of the finished item. For the
design, these need to be accurate to about 1/4".
Unfortunately, because of past experiences, we will have to charge you
$25 for this service. This charge will be applied toward the total
cost of the completed stained glass panel.
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Selecting the
glass
There is no way to describe the many variations, colors, and textures
of glass that is available. Glass comes in three main styles, cathedral,
opalescent, and wispy.
Cathedral - colored or clear glass that can easily be seen through.
Opalescent - Solid or multi-colored, cannot be seen through.
Wispy - A blend of cathedral and opalescent glass. Properties
depend upon the relative proportions of the two glasses.
When selecting glass there are several things to consider in regard
to where the panel will be placed and how it will be used.
Clarity - How well can the items behind the glass be seen.
Is the glass for the door on your fine crystal, or is it for a cabinet
where you store your canned goods? Is it a bathroom window or a front
door?
cathedral glasses, especially the light colors and textures are easily
seen through. Opalescent transmits only light. Textures on the cathedrals
will distort the image. The heaviest textures turn the image from
behind the glass into color blobs when viewed from more than a few inches
away.
Light on the glass - If the glass is lit only from the front
most of the cathedral glasses will appear black under low light levels,
while opalescent glass will retain its color.
To select the actual glasses we would recommend that you visit a local
retailer that sells supplies to the stained glass hobbyist. Look
in your Yellow Pages under Glass - Stained and Leaded. Most
of these stores will be helpful and the glass is often labeled with the
the name of the manufacturer and the glass name or number.
Another option is the web. Many of the glass manufactures have
excellent sites with descriptions and pictures of the glass they make.
Among these are the following:
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Selecting
the construction method
There are two methods to assemble a stained glass panel. They
are the copper foil, or Tiffany method and the metal came method.
The foil method involves wrapping each piece of glass with copper foil
and then running a bead of solder on both sides of the glass. The metal
came ( lead, zinc, and brass ) is shaped like the letter 'H' and the glass
is slid into the came and the joints are soldered. The table details
some of the properties of each construction method.
|
foil |
lead |
zinc |
brass |
| weight |
very light |
very heavy |
light |
light |
| strength |
strong |
weakest |
strong |
very strong |
| patinas |
-
natural - will turn gray with time
-
gray
-
black
-
copper - will darken in time
-
dark antique brass
|
-
Natural - will turn gray
-
black
|
-
Natural - will turn gray
-
grayish
-
blackish
|
none |
| type of design |
any |
most |
curves up to 6" radius |
Almost straight lines |
| extra cost |
no |
no |
no |
yes |
| comments |
Ideal for complex designs. Can be reinforced invisibly. |
bold lines. Maybe too heavy for most cabinet doors |
Bold lines |
Looks good when tarnished. VERY bold lines. color often objectionable.
does not bend around curves |
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How long will
it take
Once you have provided sufficient information for us to design your
stained glass you can expect to receive the designs by e-mail in 1-2 weeks.
When you get to the top of the list it will generally take 2-4 weeks
for us to build your panel. We will provide you a delivery date when
you have us start construction.
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Getting it shipped
Small items can be shipped in a cardboard box via UPS for a reasonable
fee, exactly how much depends on where you are. Larger items will
require a wood crate to be built, which adds a lot to the cost. If they
are not huge they can still ship UPS. If they are very large/heavy
then it will have to be shipped by truck ( motor carrier ) which costs
even more.
Examples: small item in box to east coast $15-25(UPS).
40"X12" panel to east coast $100-150(UPS)
In any case we will charge for just the cost of the packing materials
and shipping charges.
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Paying for it
This is always a bit sticky. We are still too small to get into
taking credit cards, the cost of doing this vs the number of sales
just does not make sense.
The best we can come up with that looks after both yours and our interests
(we are open to suggestions) is for you to pay the estimated shipping charges
and one half the cost of the panel(s) when you tell us to start construction,
and the remainder either when the item(s) are ready for shipping or as
COD when the delivery company delivers. There would then be either
a small payment due or refund check for the differences between the estimated
and actual shipping charge.
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Installing
the stained glass
Hanging panel - What ever you do, do not use those
suction cups that go on a window. After a time they will fail.
Put screw hooks into the frame that are rated to hold the weight of your
panel. If the item is small, fishing line can be used, otherwise
use the chain we provided.
Window or door insert - The panel will be constructed 1/8"-3/16"
smaller than the opening to ease the installation. There are two ways of
installing the panel.
Inside the existing opening. Slide the panel into the opening and screw
wood stops around the insert to hold it in place. This is the easiest
method but looks the poorest and reduces the size of the opening.
The preferred way is to remove the molding and existing stop. Slide
the panel into the opening. Trim the old stops to allow for the thickness
of the panel. Replace the stops and molding using screws.
Screws are recommended rather then nails so that then panel can be removed
for cleaning or if you move.
When installing use a small wood shim (1/16"-1/8") at the bottom and
sides of the panel to make it tight with the frame. Do not use shims
the full length or attempt to seal (with caulk) the window into the frame,
the small gaps will prevent moisture problems between the stained glass
and the window.
Cabinets - The panel will be constructed several millimeters
smaller than the provided dimensions to ease the installation. Sometimes
the opening in the back of the cabinet has rounded rather than square corners.
If this is minimal, then you can cut/file the corners off the panel. Otherwise
you will need to square out the cabinet.
There are two ways of installing the panel in the cabinet.
Caulk - a good silicon caulk can be used. Lay a small bead on
the panel and insert it into the cabinet door. Center the panel and then
fill the space between the panel and the door. We do not recommend
this method as it makes the stained glass difficult to remove for proper
cleaning, etc.
Clips - Many kinds of plastic or metal clips can be found at hardware
stores or glass stores. These are screwed into the cabinet door and
press on the panel to hold it in place. Small shims may be required
on your panel, depending upon the depth of the cutout. If we know
that the panel is for a cabinet installation we will provide the clips
and screws needed
If additional details are required or you have a special condition we will
provide you additional instructions.
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