Restoration & Repair

Restoration

Stained glass restoration involves completely restoring damaged or worn leaded glass panels. During restoration, the panel is disassembled, cleaned, repaired with original or matching glass where needed, and re-leaded.

When is restoration needed?

• The lead is damaged or worn
• Multiple glass pieces are broken or damaged
• The panel is bowing or has sagged
• The putty has dried out and come loose

Our restoration process

Every restoration begins with a thorough inspection. We document the original design, the types of glass used, and any special details. Then we carefully disassemble the panel, clean each piece of glass individually, and replace damaged pieces with original or matching glass where possible.

The new leadwork is executed using the same profiles and techniques as the original. After fitting and soldering the lead, the panel is made wind and watertight with stained glass putty. Stained glass that will be incorporated into insulated glazing is not puttied but patinated to give the lead an aged appearance.

Repair

A broken piece in your stained glass? In most cases, this can be repaired. The damaged glass is carefully removed and replaced with similar or matching glass.

What we repair

• Broken or cracked stained glass pieces
• Worn, broken or bent panels
• Damaged stained glass windows

On-site or in the workshop

Minor repairs, such as replacing one or a few pieces of glass, can often be carried out on-site. The panel then remains in the frame. For larger repairs, the stained glass panel can be delivered to the workshop if possible. In the region, panels can also be collected or dismantled on-site.

Matching glass

We have an extensive stock of coloured glass including antique glass, cathedrals, textured and figured glass. This allows us to almost always supply glass that matches the existing window well. However, existing glass also discolours, so even the original may differ. Not all old textures and colours are available.

Characteristics of antique glass

Old and antique glass has characteristic irregularities. These are not defects, but desirable properties that give the glass its authentic appearance:

• Air bubbles – Small bubbles in the glass
• Streaks or veins – Fine lines from blowing or drawing
• Thickness variation – Glass not uniformly thick
• Ripples – Slightly distorted view when looking through
• Uneven surface – Small pits, scratches or matt spots

We do not provide guarantees on these characteristics of old/antique glass.