Installing A Stained Glass Window
Many centuries ago stained glass windows were used almost exclusively in grandiose cathedrals. The installation was easily achieved as on opening was made in the stone and concrete structure to the window specifications (or the window was made to the size of the opening) and metal loops and bars were cemented into the window opening during construction specifically to be soldered to the metal bars and loops that are attached to the stained glass window. Stained glass in no longer limited to places of religious worship or even to just the rich and famous, so how does one go about installing a stained glass window in a modern day structure?
You have a several options available to you, assuming that you do not live in a grand cathedral and that your home was not specifically constructed with stained glass windows in mind.
One of the easiest ways to install your stained glass window is over the existing window. Your stained glass window overlay should measure about 1/8" smaller around each edge than the original window. First make sure the existing window and inside window frame is clean and dry, you don't want any dirt or moisture permanently pressed between the pieces of glass. First, check to see that the stained glass panel will fit into your window. You can place 1/8" cardboard or wood spacers around the bottom of the window and run a small bead of caulk around the inside edge of the window frame.
You may use either clear caulk or a colored caulk that matches your window frame. Now, press the stained glass panel into place and fill in carefully with additional caulk. Be sure to smooth the caulk carefully with your fingers, wiping the excess unto clean tissue and discarding immediately. It is important not to get the caulk on the stained glass panel (if you do simply wipe it away with clean fingers and wipe them with clean tissue). Once the window is caulked in place you will need to secure it there for 24 hours to allow the caulk to set properly.
Using wood blocks or stacked pieces of cardboard brace the window in place and tape across the bracing for the next day. At this point, you may consider the job complete or you could add some wood trim around the inside for a more finished look and added stability. Another easy solution would be to use your stained glass panel as a window hanging and simply solder hooks to the rebar on your stained glass panel secure a chain into the window frame and hang the stained glass panel. This option allows you to take your stained glass with you if you move.
The next option may require some professional help. You may want to have your stained glass panel put into a wood, aluminum, or vinyl window frame. The stained glass window can be protected on either side with tempered glass which will provide better insulation to your home as well. At this point the window can be installed in the same way as a normal new or replacement window, by screwing it into the window frame. Whatever method you choose, your new stained glass window is sure to add beauty, value and enjoyment to your home.
More Articles
Mastering Difficult Stained Glass Cuts
Your Stained Glass Hobby Can Become A Fun And Lucrative Job
How To Repair A Stained Glass Window
What You Need To Know To Buy Stained Glass
John La Farge, American Stained Glass Artist
Stained Glass Art For Your Garden
Painting Stained Glass Is Not As Mysterious As It Seems
Supplies For Getting Started In Stained Glass
Products And Downloads
Free Videos
More Articles And News
Your Stained Glass Hobby Can Become A Fun And Lucrative Job
... topped with lattice work and hang them with plastic fishing line. Be sure to weight the frame down if you are outdoors. One gust of wind can destroy all of your work. Make sure you have good strong boxes and plenty of packing material to transport your stained glass projects to and from your craft shows. ...
Supplies For Getting Started In Stained Glass
... most important tools you will use in stained glass making, good glass cuts will make or break your project. These range from very inexpensive carbide steel wheel cutters (you will need to add cutting oil as you go along) to slightly more expensive self-oiling tungsten carbide or pistol grip wheel cutters. ...
Stained Glass Art For Your Garden
... pleasing when they are moved by a gentle breeze. Iron garden stakes frame colorful stained glass designs which are interchangeable. You can change the design to fit any season or special occasion. The stained glass garden stakes can be placed throughout the garden or by your front door. Guests will enjoy ...
... stained with various metal oxides or even sandblasted. Sandblasting is a fascinating way to add texture and interest to your stained glass art project. Rather than adding colored, sandblasting gives a unique frosted or abraded look. This can be used as a decorative "frame" for your stained glass project ...
... to the Vanderbilt's! A beautiful stained glass window over the kitchen sink would certainly make doing dishes more enjoyable. Casual meals in the breakfast nook would seem more extraordinary when surrounded by beautiful stained glass. Dishes in one of the jewel-tones of the stained glass and a contrasting ...
 NYSUT.org | A glass act: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer NYSUT.org Caren Price displays some of her stained glass pink ribbons and angels designed to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and hearts for the American ... |
Make a beveled stained glass suncatcher in Pequot Lakes class The Lake Country Echo Laura and Al Paycer from Wind and Water Stained Glass Studio will teach how to create a beveled stained glass suncatcher from 6 to 9 pm Monday, March 29, ... Driver improvement refresher course offered in Pequot Lakes |
Stained-glass survivor: Surprise! A historic building in Houston remains standing Houston Chronicle The soulful red-brick church has buttresses and pointy stained-glass windows. The National Register of Historic Places lists the church as one of the ... |
Sacred and profound Financial Times Stone soars here with an improbable airiness, and the absence of stained glass in the south windows helps with luminosity. De Yevele's predecessor William ... |
Among acres of diamonds, Temple's real gem: Baptist Temple to reopen as ... Philadelphia Inquirer Most of the building's 140 stained-glass windows can be seen from the theater. The historic Chapel of the Four Chaplains has a new street entrance and has ... Baptist Temple reborn as a venue for performing arts |
Bovard Studio Stained Glass Windows Meet Earthquake Code PR Newswire (press release) LOS ANGELES, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Bovard Studio Inc. created one of the world's largest stained glass windows engineered and approved by the City of Los ... |
Through Stained Glass The Argosy.ca When evolutionary theory and creationism meet at a crossroad, it seems that only one path leads to everlasting life. ... |
 New York Times | Art calendar Toledo Blade Copper Moon Studio: 7154 Front St., Holland; 867-0683; Stacy Wetzel and Amy Wetzel; fused and stained glass, jewelry, photography, and paintings; ... What's happening in Capital Region arts spaces Spring in Your Step? Spring Your Way to Great Art Happenings! |
The Stained-Glass Heart The Jewish Week Our hearts resemble stained-glass windows. You can see where the pieces are joined, the cracks and fissures. But soldered together they let ... |
Moose Lake man creates stained and fused glass FOX 21 Online I had an old desk that I wanted 2 stained glass windows put in and she said, if you want them, take the class and do it yourself, and I did," said Nielsen. ... |