It is important to clean and polish your stained glass to remove any tarnish or residue from the solder seams and capture the deep luster stained glass should have. For proper cleaning and polishing you will need finishing compound and polish. Finishing compound will remove tarnish and residue from solder seams. Polish is used to compliment the finishing compound. It provides a protective film and a shine that begs to be noticed.
Steps for Applying Finishing Compound
1. Pour finishing compound on your stained glass project. The project must be completely dry before applying finishing compound. Use enough finishing compound to lightly cover glass, solder seams and frame.
2. Use a clean cloth to spread the finishing compound over the stained glass piece.
3. Once the finishing compound dries and turns to a white film, use a soft scrub brush or cloth to buff off the compound.
4. Turn the piece over and repeat this process.
Steps for Applying Polish
1. Apply a small amount of polish to solder seams and frame.
2. Allow the polish to dry, then buff to a brilliant luster with a clean soft cloth.
3. Repeat this process for the backside of the panel.
Tips and techniques for Cleaning and Polishing Stained Glass
• To remove white crusty areas on stained glass, use baking soda and water to remove white crust, then rinse, dry and re-apply finishing compound.
• The frequency of cleaning stained glass can vary depending on the location of the stained glass piece, but a good general rule is to clean stained glass pieces yearly. This cleaning can be done with a clean damp cloth or with finishing compound. Do not use commercial window cleaners as they can damage the stained glass panel.
In general, it is important to note that learning how to make stained glass can be one of the most rewarding things you can discover about yourself. What I mean is, many of us had no idea that we could be artistically creative. I know my husband sure didn’t. He makes stained glass just as I do. He enjoys it and there is frequently competition between us, too. Many times he seems to “rush” his project because he is anxious to see the finished result. I know I take longer because I am a perfectionist. I just can’t help it. I want all my creativity juices to flow to their max and I try to include this talent into each and every piece that I create. I truly want anyone who ever views my work to honestly see a true one-of-a-kind creation. Just knowing that nowhere else in the entire world can you find this exact piece of stained glass artwork means much to me.
You too will be creating similar results if you get aboard and take the steps which will show you a whole new side to yourself that you probably never really knew was there. Making stained glass will give your mind a rest too. You can really get involved and loose yourself, at least for a little while. Enjoy!
Author's Bio
I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my home, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on making or buying stained glass, to find a free pattern or to sign up for my newsletter, go to www.creativity-in-glass.com
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