care restored church stained glass

Did you recently have your church stained glass windows repaired or restored by a professional? If so, you may be wondering how to properly care for your stained glass now that the work is complete. Below, we’ve provided some information on cleaning, care, and maintenance.

 

How to Preserve the Beauty and Longevity of Your Restored Stained Glass

Preserving the beauty and longevity of your church’s newly restored stained glass windows requires regular maintenance and proper care. Many churches choose to assign maintenance tasks to a particular person or, if there is a church board, have all board members take part in sharing the responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you keep your restored windows in good shape:

 

Regular Cleaning

Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the surface of stained glass windows over time. Regular cleaning using a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner (such as a gentle soap and water) and a soft cloth can help maintain their appearance. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the glass or lead.

 

Gentle Handling

When cleaning your windows, ensure you handle them with care. Avoid applying excessive force or pressure, as this can cause stress on the glass or lead, leading to potential damage.

 

Preventive Measures

Take preventive measures to minimize potential damage. For example, install protective glazing on the exterior side of the windows to shield them from the elements, such as rain, wind, and hail. This can provide an additional layer of protection against weathering and minimize the risk of physical damage.

 

Inspections

Regularly inspect the stained glass windows for any signs of damage, such as cracked or loose glass pieces, weakened lead or solder joints, or signs of water infiltration. Promptly address any issues by contacting a professional stained glass restoration company to prevent further deterioration.

 

Educate and Inform

Raise awareness among church staff, volunteers, and visitors about the fragility of stained glass windows. Encourage respectful behavior and caution to prevent accidental damage, such as leaning on the windows or touching them unnecessarily.

 

Professional Maintenance

Engage the services of a professional stained glass restoration expert for periodic inspections, maintenance, and necessary repairs. They can identify potential issues early on and perform specialized techniques to ensure the long-term preservation of your stained glass windows.

 

Have Questions About Care & Maintenance?

We’re here to help! Call today to speak to a church stained glass restoration expert. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with additional information!

Martin Faith is an expert in the areas of stained glass conservation, preservation, and history. For over thirty years, he has been working as a stained glass artisan and restoration expert. Martin grew up studying stained glass in Glasgow, where he began acquiring and salvaging beautiful collectibles made by Scottish artisans. In Glasgow, he learned the critical skills and traditional techniques required for creating the stunning stained glass windows produced by his company today in the United States, where he now resides with his wife and family. Over the years, Martin has consulted on numerous church stained glass restoration projects throughout the nation, ranging in size and complexity. Martin and his team have successfully repaired hundreds of religious stained glass windows, including those belonging to churches, cathedrals, temples, and synagogues as well as all religious denominations. He has overseen over 50,000 projects in total and is one of the most accomplished professionals in the industry.