Stained Glass Repair for St. Louis Houses of Worship
In the 19th century, Catholic immigrants fled to the St. Louis area and erected numerous houses of worship. Many of these century-old cathedrals still remain today, helping to keep the city’s story and history alive. Enclosed within their holy doors are some of the most enchanting stained glass windows we’ve ever laid eyes upon. They are true monuments and are as valuable to the religious community as they are to art history.
Unfortunately, many of these stained glass windows are experiencing deterioration. This occurs when the components are exposed to sunlight, dirt, and contaminants for a long period of time. This is a natural process for most works. Through stained glass restoration, this aging can be reversed, and the work itself can be protected from future damage. This is a service that Church Stained Glass Restoration is honored to provide to all St. Louis religious establishments.
Our Process for Restoring Church & Cathedral Stained Glass
The key to preserving valuable stained glass is through restoration. Restorative repairs are a necessary act that must be performed for the greater good of the glass. The process can last for weeks, but once it’s complete, the stained glass is stronger and more beautiful than ever before.
At Church Stained Glass Restoration, we always begin each project with a thorough examination. We’ll visit your St. Louis church to see the stained glass in person and determine what repairs are needed. Then, we’ll compile a document that outlines possible plans of action for preservation. Once you inform us of your decision, we’ll remove the stained glass and take it to our studio for repairs.
Before we even so much as touch the inner workings of the stained glass panel, we will first go through a process of dating and documenting the work. This helps further inform our plans and ensures accuracy. Then, we’ll soak the panel in a tub of cleansing solution so it can be dismantled. Piece by piece, the entire composition is taken apart, cleaned delicately, and numbered.
We operate with a conservative mindset. Unless there are pieces that absolutely must be replaced, we will reuse all of the original materials. Many times, new leading is required, but most of the glass itself can be salvaged. If applicable, we will repaint all of the fine hand-painted details. Then, we will put the panel back together and secure it with cement and metal bracing.
Lastly, the stained glass is installed in its original home. We will ship the completed panel back to your church and install it ourselves. Once this step is complete, you can enjoy your newly restored stained glass windows.