Repairs To Cracked Or Broken Stained Glass On Your Grand Junction Church

Minor Repairs To  Broken Church Stained Glass and Small Cracks

Cracks in stained glass are pretty common and definitely something you will start to see on older glass that has stood the test of time.  If you have looked at your Grand Junction church’s stained glass and seen chips, cracks, and even broken glass– you are not alone. As it were, minor repairs, like replacing a few pieces of broken glass here are fairly easy to repair in the frame but for major repairs to stained glass windows, the entire window absolutely must be removed and the stained glass repaired in a professional studio.  Small repairs are called drop-in work and are something we, at Denver Stained Glass, do quite frequently, although we do major restoration work too. Drop in work usually entails cutting the came flange around the broken piece of glass at the solder joints then folding it back to repair or replace the old glass. We try to keep the original glass in the window whenever possible–but if necessary we are quite skilled at creating matching pieces in our studios.

Repairing Cracks In Grand Junction Church Stained Glass

For badly cracked stained glass–replacement is the only options.  In very bad cases like these, the church stained glass window is best restored by removing it and replacing the glass.  But, other times, small cracks can be fixed without replacing the glass and while it is in place. It all depends on where the affected glass is located and how badly it is cracked.  Remember, since cracks in stained glass will enlarge over time (as the edges grind against one another) it is important to have cracks looked at and repaired as soon as you see them.

Stained glass options for repair include:

Copper Foiling: One of the oldest and most common ways to repair stained glass cracks on church glass.  It is usually the best option when a piece of glass has only one or two cracks. In this method a thin copper foil is laid along each side of the break, trimmed and soldered. Since the foil is so incredibly thin, it has little aesthetic impact on your Grand Junction church’s stained glass

* Please note: copper foil repairs should not be used on unstable glass

Epoxy Edge-Gluing: This technique results in an almost invisible line and is, for this reason, often used on painted glass.  The reason why is because epoxy can be tinted to match the glass. This is also a great method for shattered glass or microscopic cracks.  Epoxy produces a very strong repair but deteriorates in sunlight–so it usually requires secondary glazing to protect it from UV degradation.

Silicone Edge-Gluing: This repair method has the lowest strength and is a quick fix used when a flexible joint is needed. However, it will do nothing for the long-term strength of your glass.  Luckily it is easily removed because it is unattractive and essentially useless long for the preservation of valuable church stained glass.

Although Denver Stained Glass is a company that primarily focuses on the front range, we have done numerous church stained glass repairs and restorations in Grand Junction and all over the western slope.  So please Contact us today for more information and pricing on repairing and restoring the stained glass in your Grand Junction church!

Enhance Interior Decor in Your Denver Home with Custom Painted Glass

Denver homeowners are always looking for ways to enhance their interior decor and curb appeal. With so many different design options available, it may seem difficult to find the right investment for your home. Custom painted glass delivers a highly versatile medium that can portray virtually anything you’d like, adding a touch of beauty, artistry, and color to your home. Painted glass can be installed within your home or in one of the exterior windows, improving curb appeal and decor.

Benefits of Custom Painted Glass for Your Denver Home

Painted glass is a type of stained glass feature where one of our advanced artists hand paints whatever design our clients are looking for. These designs and images can be anything, ranging from detailed portraits to landscapes. Painted glass can be a stand-alone piece or it can be incorporated into a larger stained glass panel that frames it. Our stained glass artisans are highly skilled in many different painting techniques and can bring any of your ideas to fruition. We have all colors at our disposal, allowing us to perfectly color match whatever you’d like. Once your design is painted, we bake the glass in our commercial kiln at approximately 1250 to 1400 degrees in order to physically bond the paint to the glass.

Design Process for Custom Painted Glass for Denver Homes

We provide a free in-home consultation in order to better understand the intended space and project goals. From there, one of our stained glass artisans sits down with you to hand sketch your painted glass ideas. Once the sketch is completed, we utilize advanced computer-aided design software for optimal proportions. Through the entire design process, we ensure our client reviews everything at least eight to ten times prior to painting and assembly. You’ll love the stunning, detailed custom art created just for your Denver home!

7 Great Restoration and Preservation Resources in Denver

Denver Stained Glass believes that historical preservation and property restoration is vital in keeping our rich cultural history alive. Finding value within your home, business, neighborhood, or community can happen through a variety of different mediums. It can be difficult finding reliable information regarding home and business restoration– that’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite recommendations for helpful organizations that provide comprehensive knowledge and experience. We hope these local resources deliver a solid foundation for your next restoration project or inspires you to learn more about preserving culturally significant heritage sites.

1. Colorado Arts and Crafts Society

The Colorado Arts and Crafts Society, CACS, is a nonprofit organization that serves in preserving and studying the arts and crafts movement in Colorado as well as the rest of the nation. With an abundance of lectures, tours, and other educational programs, CACS works to enhance awareness regarding our rich cultural heritage depicted through the arts and crafts movement. Preserving local art in homes, businesses, and their personal research library throughout the Denver area is vital to the CACS. Access to CACS’ extensive resources is available for an affordable annual membership through their website. They also feature many volunteer opportunities for those who would like hands-on experience and to give back.

2. History Colorado

History Colorado is a charitable organization that’s also an agency running under the Department of Higher Education. History Colorado delivers comprehensive access to heritage and cultural resources ranging from community museums to educational programs designed for adults and families. Their progressive programs and services promote historic preservation and archaeology. History Colorado also provides access to their large collection of historical photography, artifacts, and archives. This Smithsonian Affiliate has an impactful historic preservation grant program that has awarded over $286 million in grants to all 64 counties across the state of Colorado, resulting in more than $1.5 billion impact on our economy.

3. Colorado Preservation, Inc.

Colorado Preservation, Inc., CPI, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the historic preservation of Colorado by offering extensive advocacy, education, outreach, and preservation services to communities and individuals throughout our state. By collaborating with local government leaders and other nonprofit organizations, CPI is proud to help Coloradans save historic places that are culturally relevant. Restoration and preservation of these significant properties throughout Denver and surrounding areas is the main project work CPI undertakes.

4. Preservation for a Changing Colorado

Preservation for a Changing Colorado is actually a project funded by History Colorado and Colorado Preservation, Inc. This nonprofit organization delivers financial reports regarding historical preservation and the considerable contributions these projects have on our state and local economies. For those interested in the financial aspect of historical preservation and the implications they have on job creation, tourist economy, household income, and tax revenue can have direct access to those figures within this resource.

5. The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, OAHP, is in charge of the State Historical Fund which utilizes limited gaming throughout Colorado communities for funding that is used for historical preservation throughout the state. This government-run agency is also a chapter of the Department of Higher Education. OAHP works hard to engage Coloradans in partnerships to discover, preserve, and take pride in our local architectural, archaeological, and other historic places throughout our state. With a variety of different programs offered, OAHP provides statewide leadership and support to all their partners in historic preservation, restoration, and archaeology.

6. Historic Denver

Historic Denver is a nonprofit organization that began their project work by saving the Molly Brown House Museum from demolition. Historic Denver strives to protect, promote, and restore significant historical properties throughout the Denver metro area. By educating locals about architectural heritage and promoting project awareness, Historic Denver has found effective, functional ways for historical sites to remain intact and restored for modern use. Historic Denver also provides a plethora of resources containing preservation solutions for property owners and neighborhoods.

7. Gathering of the Guilds

Gathering of the Guilds is actually an event hosted by the Colorado Arts and Crafts Society that happens annually at the historic Boettcher Mansion. This wonderful, historical arts event promotes a multitude of different vendors, presentations regarding the arts and crafts movement, and efforts in preserving the rich, local culture. This event is a great place to learn more about restoration and preservation in regards to the arts and crafts movement.

With so many different nonprofit organizations and local events that discuss proper restoration and preservation, finding relevant information has never been so easy. It’s wonderful knowing so many passionate citizens reside in Colorado and are constantly striving for historical preservation of culturally significant properties and past art forms. We always believe that preserving different mediums of art, including stained glass, can really be vital for future generations.

For more information regarding organizations that promote preservation and restoration that serve the state of Colorado, please contact us or call: (720) 509-1919