Technical Information
Believe it or not, there is a lot to know about stained glass if you are at all curious. For instance...
- Should you protect your art from the elements, or can it hang outside like in old churches?
- Does hanging a layer of art glass increase my energy rating?
- Will my glass colors fade over time?
- What is the difference between lead and copper foil?
- How dangerous is your art around children and pets?
Hopefully I can provide some helpful information. And as always, please feel free to contact me at kahlilascopestglass@gmail.com with any questions you might have.
-Kahlila Wamback
Q: Should you protect your art from the elements, or can it hang outside like in old churches?
A: Stained glass has been hanging in churches and homes throughout Europe for hundreds of years. However, the sun, rain and snow causes the lead to oxidize over time. That means it begins to deteriorate, turns white and chalky and gets crumbly. Old stained glass windows you see at flea markets most likely aren't all that old, so the damage is not too bad. So, yes, you can hang your art outside, and you can install it in an exterior window without a cover sheet of clear glass to protect it. But it will look like new and keep it's integrity longer if you keep it inside.
Q: Does hanging a layer of art glass increase my energy rating?
A: Hanging art does nothing for your energy rating. Air swirls around it just like a piece of furniture. The only way to increase your heat coefficient is to install insulated glass (IG) units. A stained glass window can be installed into a new IG, creating a triple-glaze or an encapsulated unit. That will help to lower your heating bill. Of course, one window wont do it. Changing all the windows in your home to the more energy efficient kind is the only way to make sure, if your budget can handle it!
Q: Will my glass colors fade over time?
A: No. Glass is made with silica, minerals and a few other things that do not decay or deteriorate over time. The red or soft pink you choose today will be exactly that color when your grandchild hands it down to her grandchild.
Q: What is the difference between lead came and copper foil?
A: Traditional leaded glass is made with thick, flexible lead strips called H-came or cane because of the double channel in the profile. The came is cut to length and then cut glass shapes are fitted into the channel. Solder is applied at the joints and the window is made secure with a cement solution so the glass doesn't rattle in the channel when the wind blows. In the late 19th centure, Louis Comfort Tiffany implemented a new technique using strips of thin copper foil with an adhesive backing which adhered to the edges of each piece of cut glass. This created a puzzle-effect where there was no longer a need to lay out bulky strips of metal because the metal was already attached to the glass. Each seam was soldered and the whole window was polished. No cement, no bulky lead, and thinner lines make this technique desireable to artists and art lovers alike. There are some strength advantages to the lead technique, but for the most part it does not matter which technique is used. Both will last a lifetime!
Q: How dangerous is your art around children and pets?
A: If you're worried about lead poisoning, unless your pets or children are licking the lead lines, I think you're safe. The worry is more for glass breaking than anything else. Dogs jump and children (before the age of about 5) like to bang on things. This is a reason to either hang your glass up high, or create a triple-glaze or encapsulated unit with your art using tempered glass. Tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass and if it does break it is considered "safe". Tempered glass is what is in the side windows of your car. When it breaks it breaks in tiny little pieces that might scratch you, but regular glass breaks in lethal shards. If you are at all worried about the safety of your art and/or your pets/children, consider protecting them all with tempered glass. Note: tempered glass cannot be cut, therefore the stained glass itself cannot be made out of tempered glass.
Q: Should I take stained glass classes if I think I'm pregnant?
A: No. The lead and chemicals used in stained glass are toxic and can lead to birth defects and spontaneous abortion. To be safe, find a non-toxic hobby like sewing or cake decorating until you are through nursing, then you can take that stained glass class. As with anything you think might be unsafe, consult your doctor before undertaking anything you feel uncertain about.