Although we are primarily based in Denver, stained glass restoration customers have been contacting us from all across the country. We’ve seen a big surge in business from customers whose stained glass is aging and in need of restoration, particularly church and chapel stained glass.

This is not really surprising, since there was a larger surge in the popularity of church stained glass approximately one hundred years ago, a surge that has continued to this day. And as these stained glass windows head for antique status, some tender loving care is frequently required.

Here at Denver Stained Glass, restoration of antiques is something we are honored to do and to that end, we have developed special processes that allow us to bring these stunning windows back to their original glory. And give them another hundred years of life, at least!

How do you know if your stained glass windows or other panels need minor repair or full on restoration? Usually, repairs are much more minor, for instance, replacing one or two pieces of glass that have cracked somewhere in the window.

Here are some of the signs that your stained glass windows might need restoration:

The window is bowed or sagging in the frame.

The lead strips have become brittle or bent from the weight of the window or the elements over the years, and the pieces of glass have become loose. They might even be falling out.

There are many pieces of shattered, cracked, chipped, or missing glass.

Restoration is a much more involved process. At Denver Stained Glass, restoration starts with an assessment of the windows to see what’s happening to them and what they might need. We will always have to uninstall the windows and have them brought to our studio. The entire window will be soaked in a special solution that can remove one hundred years of accumulated grime, along with anything else that might be stuck to the glass like dried, old cement.

Usually, the lead strips holding the pieces of glass together need to be completely replaced. And for larger windows, we will use dark lead that looks like the antique lead but is reinforced on the inside for extra strength.

Everything involved in a Denver Stained Glass restoration project is designed to not just beautify the panel but strengthen it as well, giving it extra durability and the potential of lasting a very, very long time without further restoration processes. This includes the reinstallation methods we use, which might be very different from how the windows were originally installed.

We recommend having a professional look at your stained glass as soon as you notice there is something wrong. For more information on stained glass restoration, please contact us today.