Symbolism Behind Stained Glass Color in Churches

Posted October 19th, 2018 by Martin Faith

The Beautiful Art Form Of Stained Glass In Churches

There is literally no arguing that stained glass is one of the most lovely and aged art forms that we still enjoy today. While it is very popular on homes in the Fort Collins areas, it is also incredibly prolific on churches around the world. These amazing church stained glass windows are bold, bright and brilliant and have a much deeper purpose than you might expect. That’s right, while the amazing colors on church stained glass windows may just appear to be something lovely–there is much more in the way of meaning to these windows than meets the eye!

Religious Stained Glass Restoration Guide

 

 

 

The Deep Meaning In The Colors Of Stained Glass

Stained glass has long been called “the poor man’s bible”. Why? Because during the medieval times when the majority of the world was illiterate and could not afford bibles, the role of stained glass windows was essentially that of a picture book. So the church used the depiction of Biblical events in stained glass windows as a way to teach those who could not read about the events and lessons in the Bible. Simply amazing! What’s more, each color used in the windows was for more than just show–the individual colors had the meaning assigned to them to take the picture lessons that much further. What were those meanings? Read below and find out.

The Meaning Of Stained Glass Colors On Stained Glass

Red: Not surprisingly represents the blood of Christ or the martyrdom of saints. It could also indicate strong emotions such as love or hate.
Blue: Is associated with the color of the sky and therefore symbolizes heaven, hope, sincerity, and piety–like the Virgin Mary.T
Green: Is the color of grass and nature and therefore represents growth and rebirth, life over death.
Violet: A bold color symbolizing love, truth, passion, and suffering.
White: Is a representation of chastity, innocence, and purity is often associated with God.
Black: A very rarely seen color in stained glass on churches it has connotations of both death and regeneration.
Yellow: The color most used in depictions of Judas so it sometimes symbolizes treachery but is also used in the halo of saints, or the Gates of Heaven and to symbolize divinity, power, and glory.
Purple: Since it is thought that Christ wore purple before His crucifixion the color often symbolizes suffering and endurance. Purple is also used to depict royalty or God the Father.
Gray: This color or hue is a symbol of humility and mourning and can also be seen representing the immortality of the spirit.
Brown: Used as a symbol of spiritual death and renunciation of worldly things.
Rainbow: A happy depiction of the union and God’s covenant with humanity.

Now that you know the symbolism behind the colors on church stained glass, take a closer look at the stained glass windows in your local chapel and see if you can pick up on deeper meanings there! For any questions about stained glass, stained glass creation or stained glass restoration, feel free to contact us at Scottish Stained Glass for work on your Fort Collins church!

Beautiful Ways To Incorporate Antique Stained Glass for Houston Outdoor Weddings

Posted October 5th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained Glass And Houston Weddings:  A Perfect Pair

Weddings are a wonderful time to gather family and friends to celebrate your love for your significant other and make a commitment to one another.  They are also a fantastic way to throw the party of your dreams with all the elements you have dreamed of since you were young. Whether it is the ruby red roses in the bouquet, the whimsical white corsages on the groomsmen, the three-tiered buttercream cake with perfectly piped pansies or a lovely scenic Houston backdrop to say your “I dos”, everything for the day is something to carefully plan to make this day one to remember.  One area of weddings that is seeing an uptick in creativity these days is surely the backdrops at the alters brides and grooms take their vows. Focusing on this small area of the event is a way to get fantastic photos of the special moment when you make the commitment and to tie all the design elements and colors of the entire ceremony together in one micro-space. This is why, at Scottish Stained Glass, we find ourselves doing quite a bit of custom stained glass for weddings, namely antique stained glass windows as a wedding ceremony backdrop.  This is an amazing idea no only for aesthetics and pictures during the ceremony but as a lovely place for family and friends to take pictures in front of all day or evening long. What’s more, these stained glass panels are portable so you can take them to the reception hall with you and, most importantly, after your big day is over, you have an absolutely stunning piece of stained glass to hang in your newlywed home to commemorate the occasion for generations to come! In fact, stained glass is so durable you can pass your lovely stained glass wedding panel down to your grandkids and theirs after that.  For some ideas on what these stained glass panels may look like, explore pictures of some of the very best executed stained glass wedding backgrounds below.

Frank Lloyd Wright Style Vintage Stained Glass

 

Art Nouveau Style Vintage Stained Glass

 

Vintage Leaded Stained Glass

 

For more information on custom antique style stained glass for your Houston area wedding, contact us at Scottish Stained Glass on pricing and ideas.

Discovering Utah’s Most Beautiful Stained Glass

Posted October 4th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained Glass On Utah Churches

Stained glass has long been a way for church’s to portray religious iconography in lovely ways.  Some even contend the beautiful storytelling done by these windows is something only these windows are able to do and we tend to agree.  It makes sense then that Utah is a hotbed for stained glass on churches since the state as a whole is home not only to Mormon’s but many other religions that appreciate the impact of stained glass.  Stained glass began appearing here in Utah at least as early as 1866 from there spread consistently through the state–even to this present day. Below we have highlighted some of the most remarkable stained glass in the state of Utah for your viewing pleasure.

LDS Church History Museum

Now housed in the the Latter Day Saints Museum this window was originally commisioned in 1892 and is an absolutely lovely depiction of the “First Vision for the Holy of Holies in the Salt Lake Temple” The creation of this window led to several other “First Vision” windows being commisioned from numerous artists for Latter-day Saint meetinghouses.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

An absolutely breathtaking depiction of the love an humility of Christ this stained glass masterpiece is housed in Provo, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.  According to the church website, it is– “rooted in historical Christianity, particularly as it is expressed in the Anglican tradition of scripture, tradition, and reason,” And while that is true it is also a remarkable piece of church history that still looks magnificent at 100+ years old.

B’nai Israel Temple

This window was originally made in 1891 for a new Congregation B’nai Israel synagogue.  This synagogue saw great growth from that point on and the window truly represents the resilience of the Jewish people both here in Utah and abroad. Much like the Jewish people the steadfast stone facade and intricate stained glass windows have weathered time, elements and human intervention.

Scottish Stained Glass For Utah Church Stained Glass Restoration

At Scottish stained glass, we are committed to preserving religious stained glass both for its symbolic value and the value pertaining to Utah’s long church history.   For almost 3 decades we have repaired a myriad of religious stained glass windows both here in Utah and across the country and as such are the country’s premier stained glass restoration experts.  Contact us today with questions about your church, synagogue or mosque stained glass restoration project and to schedule an inspection of your chapel’s stained glass.

3 Reasons You Should Add Visiting Sainte-Chapelle to Your Paris Bucket List

Posted October 3rd, 2018 by Martin Faith

For those stained glass enthusiasts who are fortunate enough to have a Paris visit coming up, there are so many gorgeous stained glass collections that can be found throughout this historical city. Stained glass is such a unique medium that can be housed in houses of worship and other historic properties. With so much to see in Paris and the surrounding areas, it’s important to plan your visit and prioritize the sites that are on your bucket list. Saint-Chapelle is one of our favorite stained glass collections– we believe that any stained glass enthusiast should prioritize this for any future visit.

Religious Stained Glass Restoration Guide

 

 

 

Benefits of Visiting Sainte-Chapelle’s Renowned Stained Glass

Saint-Chapelle, located in the heart of Paris, features 1,113 stained glass windows that showcase the unique Rayonnant Gothic period. Arranged throughout 15 windows that are each about 50 feet in height, the stained glass original to this church depicts 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. These historical pieces each have a stunning, intricate design with bold colors. In addition to these tall arching stained glass windows is a spectacular kaleidoscope of vibrant stained glass featured within the main sanctuary. It is truly overwhelming standing inside this impressive work of art. With the majority of the structure encased with stained glass, it almost makes you wonder just how it’s capable of being structurally sound.

Taking Inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle for Your Fort Worth Church

Sainte-Chapelle has become one of the largest tourist attractions in France, especially for stained glass enthusiasts. Their one-of-a-kind stained glass collection has even made it possible for them to charge for tickets for visitors to explore their stained glass. Fort Worth churches can take note from these pieces of art and create their own custom religious stained glass pieces with a little inspiration.

For more information regarding custom stained glass for your Fort Worth church, please contact us!

Stained Glass We Love: La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Posted October 3rd, 2018 by Martin Faith

Here at Scottish Stained Glass, we’re definitely very passionate about stained glass and the entire industry devoted to this beautiful art medium. We always enjoy the discovery of different stained glass pieces from around the world. It’s amazing seeing what other stained glass artisans accomplish and are commissioned to create. With so many inspiring, beautiful pieces from around the world, we love taking ideas that we’ve seen and incorporating these styles into the custom stained glass pieces that we’re commissioned to do. One of our favorite collections of stained glass has to be housed within La Sagrada Familia located in Barcelona.

Religious Stained Glass Restoration Guide

 

 

 

Noteworthy Stained Glass Masterpieces Housed in La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a gorgeous historical temple that was built in 1866 in Barcelona, Spain. This beautiful church makes great use of natural sunlight with the usage of several stained glass windows that are featured throughout the house of worship. The rising sun lights up the Nativity facade while the daily sunlight shines through vibrantly colored, abstract stained glass windows. With a full-color palette, the purpose of the spectrum of colors is used for symbolizing the expression of life. Colors are also found throughout the enameled ceramic that decorates the exterior of the temple forming designs and symbols of religion.

Taking Inspiration from La Sagrada Familia for Your Fort Collins Custom Stained Glass Project

Fort Collins churches, residences, and businesses can all share the love of art. Taking inspiration from La Sagrada Familia is a wonderful idea for your custom stained glass project. Even though these works of art feature historical stained glass, the designs are quite modern and beautiful in color. Churches, homes, and businesses can all take advantage of creating a custom stained glass investment based on the noteworthy collection.

For more information on custom stained glass for your Fort Collins property, please contact us!

 

Exploring Beautiful Stained Glass Churches in Singapore

Posted October 3rd, 2018 by Martin Faith

Singapore is a very unique country that was recently established. As one of the most competitive, business commerce that features a global hub for various industries, Singapore is one-of-a-kind. Another unique feature of Singapore is its beautiful church stained glass windows. Unlike many other churches found around the world that can house original stained glass dating back to the 14th century, the stained glass found throughout the churches in Singapore are modern. There are even 21 notable Singapore churches that feature gorgeous, contemporary religious stained glass.

Gorgeous Religious Stained Glass Examples Throughout Singapore Churches

The Church of Saint Francis Xavier features beautifully unique stained glass windows. Built in 1959, the modern portrayal of biblical scenes paired with contemporary scenic stained glass windows creates such a stunning service for anyone who’s lucky enough to experience it. The Saint Joseph’s Church houses a Neo-Gothic style with gorgeous lancet arches and one of the largest stained glass collections found in Singapore. With clear, leaded glass windows that have pops of color and biblical figures as the focal point, these stained glass windows are a definite must-see. Built in 1888, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is one of the oldest churches found within Singapore. A unique eight-petalled rose window and beautiful stained glass windows custom built from France are all housed within this historical church.

Taking Inspiration from Singapore Churches for Your Colorado Springs Custom Stained Glass

The religious stained glass found within Singapore churches features unique, modern usage of stained glass. These beautiful, artsy pieces can provide any Colorado Springs resident with inspiration for their own custom stained glass piece. Scottish Stained Glass is happy to help you create the custom stained glass window of your dreams! Custom stained glass is a great investment for any Colorado Springs church, home, or business.

For more information regarding our custom church stained glass services, please contact us!

Exploring the History and Purpose of Church Stained Glass

Posted October 3rd, 2018 by Martin Faith

The history behind stained glass is truly fascinating. We believe that stained glass originated in the Middle East as a way to allow an abundance of natural light but still be able to keep their buildings completely closed off. Mastery of stained glass began in Egypt and Rome stemming into how historical churches would utilize this medium. Churches began commissioning windows that featured religious figures from the bible. With such a rich history, exploring the historical background alongside the purpose of church stained glass can be very enriching.

Historical Background and Purpose of Religious Stained Glass

As stained glass evolved over the centuries, more and more colors were discovered. Whenever new metals were found, stained glass artisans were able to create new color palettes for their stained glass pieces. Stained glass was always a very expensive medium especially when glass was such a high commodity. Buildings would have to take the risk of having their stained glass windows rendered useless since there was always the chance that another property would be built directly in front of it. Stained glass was originally a very functional item that slowly evolved into a form of art. During the medieval period, churches realized they could use stained glass as a way to educate the illiterate about the bible. The light also symbolized God and was a great way to showcase important messages from the bible.

 Taking Inspiration from Stained Glass History and Purpose for Your Salt Lake City Property

Stained glass has always been used as a means for allowing abundant natural light into your property while keeping the building completely closed and private. Salt Lake City churches can still use this powerful medium for portraying important biblical figures and messages.

For more information regarding our custom stained glass services for your Salt Lake City property, please contact us!

Exploring Beautiful Stained Glass Churches in The South

Posted October 2nd, 2018 by Martin Faith

Here in the United States many of our most notable churches, chapels, and cathedrals can be found within the southern states. Exploring these southern houses of worship can provide the inspiration you’re looking for within your own church or home. These beautiful stained glass pieces are truly unique, interesting pieces that draw on creativity and biblical inspiration. When deciding to start your own stained glass project, creating beautiful religious stained glass can really heighten to worship experience and provide even more reasons for your congregation to gather.

Noteworthy Southern Religious Stained Glass Pieces

The Chapel of Thanksgiving located in Dallas, Texas features a beautiful seashell-like spiral of stained glass that’s housed within their main sanctuary providing gorgeous prisms of inspiring light whenever natural lighting hits it. This unique stained glass piece was custom built and is part of the original structure. The Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel at Callaway Resort and Gardens has a very large stained glass feature that actually portrays abstract art of the Southern pines and other native trees found in the area. The amazing contrast between the abstract art and the natural surroundings is truly unique. We love seeing a stained glass piece that mimics nature, which is such a departure from other religious stained glass pieces that are biblically inspired.

Taking Inspiration for Your Custom Stained Glass in Dallas

Dallas churches can definitely take inspiration from all these noteworthy southern religious stained glass pieces. Creating eye-catching stained glass can improve the worshipping process, attract new congregation members, and even draw in tourists. If your church is located in a beautiful, scenic location, creating a gorgeous stained glass piece that imitates the natural surroundings can also heighten your overall service experience.

For more information regarding noteworthy southern religious stained glass or in regard to our custom stained glass services, please contact us!

Exploring Modern Examples of Stained Glass Around the World

Posted October 1st, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained glass has been around for centuries offering a versatile medium for artists to showcase unique pieces of art. Recent stained glass pieces feature a more modern usage of this diverse medium often complimenting the architecture it’s found in. Pieces of colored glass can be incorporated in the most unique ways to create colorful prisms throughout properties. Exploring different, modern creations with stained glass around the world can be truly inspiring and offer some creative opportunities.

Modern Stained Glass Pieces from Around the Globe

Colorful stained glass pieces can be strategically placed throughout a building in order to illuminate certain areas of your home or business. This adds pops of color that can brighten your property up from the outside while breaking up the white space inside. Colorful stained glass creates beautiful prisms whenever natural or manmade light hits it, offering an array of colors that bounce throughout the walls and floors of your property. These colorful glass pieces can also be used for entire facades of a building or for any patio or outdoor feature. The textured nature of stained glass obscures unwanted views in while still maintaining significant light transmissions. Stained glass can be used in several ways to complement your decor or as a centerpiece for the entire property.

Custom Stained Glass Services for Your Home or Business

Scottish Stained Glass is the industry leader in custom stained glass providing beautiful, modern features for homes and businesses across the nation! We’ve been inspired by the trend of modern stained glass throughout the globe as well and would love the opportunity to create such stunning, unique pieces for your property. Whether you’re interested in a smaller stained glass piece or a large, eye-catching centerpiece, we’ve got you covered.

For more information regarding modern stained glass ideas for your property, please contact us!

Learning How to Interpret Church Stained Glass Biblical Messages

Posted October 1st, 2018 by Martin Faith

Religious stained glass has been a popular tradition for centuries and can be found in various houses of worship throughout the world. With such powerful imagery and symbolism, religious stained glass is meant to inspire congregations. Congregation members treasure these beautiful pieces and find their own meanings behind these images. While many of these messages may seem straightforward with depictions of biblical scenes, quotes, and figures, did you know that the colors of your church’s stained glass also represent important values? Here’s a guide to helping you interpret all the colors found within your church’s stained glass.

What Church Stained Glass Colors Symbolize

Have you noticed all the different colors featured throughout your church’s stained glass? This traditional approach incorporates several different colors that actually symbolize a unique message with each individual color. Red typically symbolizes the blood of Christ in order to serve as a reminder of Jesus’ suffering. Red also conveys strong feelings of love or hate. Blue symbolizes serenity, heaven, piety, and hope. Blue is often associated with the Virgin Mary and is incorporated into scenes that feature her. Since green is the color of nature, this color symbolizes growth and rebirth. White typically is associated with purity and innocence that’s associated with God. Jesus wore purple prior to his crucifixion, making this color associated with suffering and endurance.

Benefits of Custom Religious Stained Glass for Your Church

Custom religious stained glass offers your church an opportunity to convey what’s important specifically to your congregation. Custom stained glass can reflect any biblical message or portray any biblical figure. You can even decide on all the colors you’d like to incorporate for your stained glass, individualizing all the meaning.

For more information regarding what church stained glass colors symbolize or in regards to our custom religious stained glass services, please contact us!

Creative Ways to Incorporate Antique Stained Glass for Outdoor Colorado Weddings

Posted October 1st, 2018 by Martin Faith

Are you planning a gorgeous outdoor Colorado wedding? Wedding planning can be so overwhelming with so many little details to think of! Outdoor weddings give you such a wonderful opportunity to find unique features that can be incorporated into the landscape. Have you considered what antique stained glass can do for your outdoor wedding? This popular trend sports some very creative, stunning ways to add historical and aesthetic touches you wouldn’t be able to find with any other medium.

Stunning Antique Stained Glass Ideas for Your Outdoor Colorado Wedding

When planning for an outdoor wedding, finding ways to accentuate the gorgeous Colorado landscape in the background is always key. Moderation is important in order to not overpower or take away from the scenic background. Antique stained glass can be incorporated in so many creative ways that actually complement the landscape. Stained glass can be used as the centerpiece or backdrop at the altar. With unique ways of presenting stained glass, wedding planners can use these antique pieces as the framework for a truly stunning wedding. Antique stained glass photographs incredibly well especially with the contrast with nature. Finding the right stained glass can give your wedding that lovely rustic feel or even a more contemporary feel– with so many different styles and designs available, you can really make your outdoor wedding your own.

Scottish Stained Glass Denver: Art Deco from Stained Glass Denver – Sub on Vimeo.

Benefits of Antique Stained Glass for Outdoor Colorado Weddings

Antique stained glass is one-of-a-kind offering stunning works of art that can make your outdoor Colorado wedding that much more memorable. Scottish Stained Glass has thousands of unique antique stained glass pieces that have been imported here from Scotland. We’re happy to help you find the perfect piece that complements the altar and other backdrops or features you may be considering for your outdoor wedding.

For more information regarding our antique stained glass for your outdoor Colorado wedding, please contact us!

The Importance of Maintaining & Restoring Stained Glass in Historic Waukegan Churches and Chapels

Posted September 29th, 2018 by Martin Faith

With so many of the historic, antique religious stained glass featured throughout churches and chapels in Waukegan, Illinois reaching the age range of 75 years to 100 years old, regular maintenance and timely restoration is key to guaranteeing the longevity of these important pieces. With regular upkeep, your stained glass can remain in better condition until it is due for restoration as well as minimizing the risk of permanent damage occurring. Timely restoration done by an experienced stained glass studio can also extend your religious stained glass’s life for another 100 years or more.

Benefits of Regular Upkeep and Restoration for Your Historic Waukegan Church or Chapel’s Stained Glass

Historic Waukegan churches and chapels can maintain their significant stained glass windows by attending to them with regular upkeep. This includes proper cleaning of the stained glass, restoring the wood framework housing the windows, and repairing any minor damages ie cracks, scratches, etc. before they get worse. Restoration is an inevitable process that all antique stained glass has to undergo in order to keep these antiques available for your congregation for generations to come. Restoration needs to be conducted immediately once signs of deterioration are evident or you may risk needing replacement and lose your stained glass to permanent, unfortunate damage. The restoration process is vital for preserving the antique and sentimental value of your stained glass as well.

Religious Stained Glass Restoration for Historic Waukegan Church and Chapel Stained Glass

It’s vital to find the right stained glass studio in order to get successful results without jeopardizing the antique value of your stained glass. Stained glass studios should provide an on-site assessment that analyzes the causes of deterioration in addition to an individualized restoration plan, project timeline, and estimated project cost.

For more information regarding religious stained glass restoration for your Waukegan church or chapel, please contact us!

 

Taking the First Steps Toward Stained Glass Restoration for Bolingbrook Churches

Posted September 27th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Bolingbrook churches have always had some of the most beautiful, unique religious stained glass features in their churches and other houses of worship. These historical pieces of art showcase powerful imagery of biblical scenes, important quotes, and much more. While you may think that there’s no way to keep your stained glass in good condition, stained glass restoration is actually available for comprehensive preservation of antique value and aesthetics. Taking the right first steps towards restoration is significant in order to ensure that the end results are optimal.

Tips on How to Find the Right Stained Glass Studio for Restoration for Your Bolingbrook Church

Discovering damage and deterioration of your antique religious stained glass windows is always stressful. These one-of-a-kind stained glass features are such a fundamental part of any church, making it even more important to take the proper steps in finding a reliable, experienced stained glass studio for repairs and restoration. We always recommend doing your own research of each stained glass studio you contact– take a look at their reviews, portfolio, and how many years of experience they have in stained glass restoration. This can make all the difference in the final results! Having a stained glass studio without experience can actually decrease the antique value and the amount of time your stained glass remains in good condition.

Religious Stained Glass Restoration Assessment for Bolingbrook Churches

Stained glass repair studios should always provide you with an in-depth assessment of your restoration project. This is always completed in person at your church so that a comprehensive report detailing damage, causes, project timeline, expenses, and cost-benefit analysis are all available at your disposal. This assessment should help you decide which stained glass studio to move forward with as well.

For more information regarding religious stained glass restoration for your Bolingbrook church, please contact us!

Beautiful Examples of Church Glass for Your Columbus Church

Posted September 27th, 2018 by Martin Faith

For centuries churches have been utilizing stained glass as a staple in decor, art, and showcasing important values for their congregations and communities. This trend is still prevalent throughout Columbus churches, allowing worshippers to incorporate these pieces of art into their services and lives. Custom religious stained glass can be added at any time and offer a multitude of benefits that can’t be found with any other medium.

Benefits of Custom Religious Stained Glass for Columbus Churches

Custom religious stained glass enables countless benefits for your Columbus church. By investing in custom stained glass, your church can feature the most important values, favorite biblical quotes, and more to your community. Religious stained glass is often embraced by congregations and become a vital part of the worshipping process. Congregation members associate these beautiful pieces of art with historical value, personal perceptions of inspiration, and as something to share with their loved ones. Stained glass can have such powerful imagery and symbolism that’s personalized and hand-tailored to your church, bonding your community and adding consistency to your services. Our custom stained glass studio is able to execute anything your church would like to display– from hand-painted portraits of significant biblical figures to contemporary leaded designs. Stained glass can also provide the privacy your congregation deserves during service without obstructing natural light.

Design Process for Custom Religious Stained Glass in Columbus Churches

Scottish Stained Glass is the leading custom stained glass studio serving Columbus churches. We begin the design process with a consultation to better understand your project requirements, goals, and challenges. One of our stained glass artisans then hand-sketches all of your ideas, bringing your designs to life. Our clients always review their design at least eight to ten times prior to assembly.

For more information regarding custom religious stained glass for your Columbus church, please contact us!

Taking the First Steps Toward Stained Glass Restoration for Muskogee Churches

Posted September 27th, 2018 by Martin Faith

As numerous antique religious stained glass windows begin to showcase signs of deterioration among Muskogee churches, it’s pertinent in taking the right steps towards restoration in order to gain successful results. Whether your church’s stained glass recently fell victim to a natural disaster, vandalism, or just old age, finding the right stained glass repair studio with the relevant experience can make all the difference in your restoration.

Tips for Starting a Proper Restoration for Your Muskogee Church’s Stained Glass

Once you’ve discovered that your religious antique stained glass is in need of repairs or restoration, the next steps you take are vital for successful results. The first step you should take is researching and contacting stained glass repair studios. These stained glass studios should require conducting an on-site assessment of your stained glass in order to provide you with a comprehensive project timeline, project estimates, cost-benefit analysis, as well as the determination of deterioration causes and an individually-tailored course of action. Any stained glass studio that offers any further information without an on-site visit should immediately be disqualified from potential contractors. Once you’ve received all of your assessments, make sure you do background research on each studio to validify experience and see other restorations they’ve accomplished. A well-experienced studio should have a portfolio with example work to show you as well.

Fundraising Efforts for Restoration of Muskogee Church Stained Glass

Restoration can be a costly and time-consuming process, especially when seeking the right studio that’ll preserve your antique value. Fundraising has always been an effective solution for fulfilling the funds required for restoration. Scottish Stained Glass has helped many churches with their fundraising efforts and is happy to help provide you with all the information you may need.

For more information regarding the first steps towards religious stained glass restoration for your Muskogee church, please contact us!

Three Signs Your Broken Arrow Church Stained Glass Needs Repairs

Posted September 27th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Did you know that the majority of religious antique stained glass that’s housed in Broken Arrow churches is beginning to reach the age range that requires restoration? When stained glass is between 75 years and 100 years old, this is typically the time when stained glass starts to deteriorate requiring a complete restoration in order to keep these antiques intact. Broken Arrow churches that understand the historical significance and antique value of these religious stained glass pieces should begin considering restoration especially if they begin to notice these tell-tale signs of deterioration.

Signs of Deterioration that Indicate Required Restoration in Your Broken Arrow Church

Deterioration can manifest in a multitude of different ways in your religious antique stained glass. When observing your stained glass, it’s vital to examine all components including the glass itself, the lead came which frames and supports the stained glass, as well as the exterior wood framing. When examining the glass, if you notice any concave or convex pieces, warped glass, discoloration, missing pieces, and/or cracks and scratches, your stained glass is in need of restoration. If the lead came is disintegrating, warped, or creating a white film on the stained glass, these are also indicators that your stained glass requires restoration. If there’s noticeable damage to the exterior framework of your stained glass, the frames may need restoration as well.

Starting the Restoration Process for Broken Arrow Religious Stained Glass

When you find these signs of deterioration it’s vital to begin looking into the restoration process in order to lower costs and prevent any permanent damage that could make your stained glass ineligible for restoration. Finding the right stained glass studio with in-depth experience makes all the difference as well.

For more information regarding religious stained glass repair for your Broken Arrow church, please contact us or call: 1-866-846-5758

Stained Glass Ideas For Springfield, Missouri

Posted September 25th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained Glass For Your Springfield Home

Springfield is a lovely city and with so many beautiful homes of all different shapes and styles here, one home improvement that is a good fit for almost any home here is stained glass.

It will complement and enhance the beauty while still functioning beautifully and letting in natural light. They are great because when it comes to adding privacy, textured and leaded stained glass will give you as little or as much coverage as you need. At Scottish Stained Glass, each piece is custom made, which means we can accommodate any size or shape that you need to make your window fit just right into its frame and better yet–into the decor or your home.

Popular stained glass locations include:

  • Stained Glass In French Doors
  • Stained Glass In Bathrooms
  • Stained Glass In Kitchens
  • Stained Glass In Basement Windows
  • Transom Stained Glass
  • Stained Glass In Bedroom Windows

Style For Stained Glass In Springfield Homes

All these places allow you to get the full benefits of stained glass windows in both form and function. You can create your own funky stained glass design to go with your creative Springfield style of have us design something inspired by the masters in styles like:

  • Art Nouveau
  • Mackintosh
  • Art Deco
  • Prairie Style
  • Mission

Scottish Stained Glass Springfield

Scottish Stained Glass is a countrywide operation built from a single location over the last 25 years. We have decades of experience doing what we love–creating stained glass windows for classic and modern American homes. We take great pride in every window we create and would love to create something special for your Springfield home or church too. Contact us today for more information on stained glass pricing and projects in Springfield, Missouri!

Where to Start? Renovating Your Sheridan Church Stained Glass

Posted September 24th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Sheridan has numerous churches that feature a multitude of gorgeous religious stained glass windows. These unique pieces of art implement each church’s personal narrative of important religious messages and ideas. Many underestimate the power of stained glass when it comes to the worship process– congregation and clergy members really embrace these features due to their inspirational and empowering messages. When it comes to proper preservation, it’s important to know when to start renovating your Sheridan church’s stained glass.

Beginning the Renovation Process for Your Sheridan Church’s Stained Glass

Scottish Stained Glass is the industry leader in religious stained glass restoration. Understanding where to start is vital for any proper restoration, making it significant to conduct research prior to any renovations. Religious stained glass windows that are candidates for restoration typically are between 75 to 100 years old when they begin to showcase symptoms of deterioration. These symptoms can include deteriorating lead came, warped glass, missing pieces, white film that appears on the glass, discoloration, and much more. Identifying these signs of deterioration is the first step in starting the renovation process. Once you’ve determined that your stained glass is in need of restoration, finding the right stained glass studio is prevalent. In order to properly add another century to your stained glass’ lifespan, having an experienced stained glass artisan conduct the restoration is key. When contacting stained glass studios, they should follow up with an on-site assessment to really determine all the details of your project.

Restoration Process for Sheridan Churches Religious Stained Glass

Our in-depth restoration process can take up to a month for a single stained glass window. Our stained glass artisans are dedicated to restoring your stained glass the right way.

For more information regarding religious stained glass restoration for your Sheridan church, please contact us or give us a call:

Stained Glass Style That Work For Your Chicago Neighborhood

Posted September 24th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained glass a home improvement that most homeowner would love to make but put off or hesitate on because they simply don’t know what kind of stained glass to get. Rather than deal with what style stained glass will go with their home or if they should use colors and which ones, they stay with the status quo. Call it a lack of knowledge or just a dire need for inspiration but people often aren’t aware of how many varieties of stained glass designs available to them through prolific stained glass companies, like Scottish Stained Glass and how easily it is installed. Here in our studios, we have an abundance of colors, textures and designs styles to suit every single home here in Chicago and expert installers to get the job done in as little as one day. So, if stained glass is something you just love and have been considering for a long time but putting off, we have provided some stained glass ideas for we think would go well in your home based on neighborhoods like yours in Chicago.

Stained Glass In Chicago Neighborhoods

Modern Stained Glass: Hyde Park– must we say more? This is not only a famous Chicago neighborhood but also a sophisticated one, boasting such inhabitants as Obama and institutions like the University of Chicago. In this chic place hip and modern stained glass is the go-to and for good reason–the sharp lines and minimal color blend perfectly with this already-trendsetting spot. Abstract stained glass goes wonderfully with the Hyde Park aesthetic as well as something more classic like mid-century modern Frank Llyod Wright-inspired stained glass: clean lines with a hint of vintage flair.wonderfully

Vintage Stained Glass: The Wicker Park neighborhood used to be where goats grazed back in the day in Chicago but now it has turned into a marvelous modern neighborhood with old school flair. This is why Vintage stained glass is the perfect fit for Wicker Park/Bucktown homeowners. Stained glass in the style of Greene And Greene and MacIntosh will not only be a lovely accent for Wicker Park homes but the neighborhood at large!

Textured Stained Glass: The Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago is gorgeous and bustling! Oak Street is like a Rodeo Drive right in the heart of the Midwest, boating Hermes, Versace and Gucci clothing stores. This makes it as lovely as it is packed with people any time of year. This means, for homes in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, textured stained glass is perfect for adding a bit of privacy to sidelight windows and bathroom windows so you can enjoy the natural light and ambiance while keeping prying eyes out.

As we said, there is truly an abundance of stained glass styles for any home in the Chicago area and finding one that fits you is only a click away! Contact us at Scottish Stained Glass to find out more about stained glass styles that fit your home today!

Which Style Stained Glass Works For Your Grand Junction Neighborhood

Posted September 24th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained glass a home improvement that almost every homeowner would love to make but often times is one they put off or hesitate on because they just don’t know what kind of stained glass will go well with their home. Call it a lack of knowledge or just a need for inspiration but people often don’t know just how many varieties of stained glass designs available to them through prolific stained glass companies, like Scottish Stained Glass. Here in our expert design studio, we have an abundance of colors, textures and designs styles to suit every single home here in Grand Junction. So, if stained glass is something you have been thinking about for your home here in Grand Junction, check out the stained glass we think would go well in your home based on which neighborhood you live in.

Stained Glass In Grand Junction Neighborhoods

Modern Stained Glass: Urban and sophisticated Redlands is a lovely Grand Junction that is sure to delight. There are both old and new homes in the area but more and more restorations are popping up every day. This makes Redlands the perfect place for stained glass that is modern and/or timeless. This means abstract stained glass will work as well as something classic like mid-century modern Frank Llyod Wright inspired to bring in clean lines with a hint of vintage flair.

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Vintage Stained Glass: Appleton is a wonderful place to raise a family and live a happy quiet life in Grand Junction. While there are many new homes where there are mostly older homes with a ton of charming character. Vintage stained glass is the perfect fit for Appleton and homeowners here would do well to choose from styles like Greene And Greene and MacIntosh.

 

Textured Stained Glass:  City Center, is the downtown area of Grand Junction and although it is quiet and safe–it is right in the middle of town meaning. For homes in the City Center neighborhood, textured stained glass is perfect for adding a bit of privacy to sidelight windows and bathroom windows. These keep prying eyes out but still let in an abundance of natural light.

As we said, there is truly an abundance of stained glass styles for any home in the Grand Junction area and finding one that fits you is only a click away! Contact us at Scottish Stained Glass to find out more about stained glass styles that fit your home today!

Stained Glass Style That Work For Your Springfield, Missouri Neighborhood

Posted September 24th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Stained glass in one of those home improvements that everyone would like to make but often times one that people hesitate to make because they just don’t know what kind of stained glass will work on their home. What’s more, people often don’t know the huge variety of stained glass designs available to them through seasoned stained glass professionals like Scottish Stained Glass. Here in our design house, we have a huge array of colors, textures and designs styles to literally suit every single homeowner’s preference here in Springfield. So, if stained glass is something you have been eyeing for your home here in Springfield, check out our suggestions below as to which type may fit in nicely with the types of home in your neighborhood.

Stained Glass For Springfield Neighborhoods

Modern Stained Glass: Highlands Springs is a gorgeous neighborhood surrounded on one side by a golf course and has all the modern amenities a homeowner could need to be content. The homes range from old to very new making this place perfect for stained glass that is modern or timeless too. For homes in this area, abstract stained glass is perfect or mid-century modern to bring in clean lines with a hint of vintage flair.

 

Vintage Stained Glass: The neighborhoods surrounding C Street in Midtown, most of which are restored historical gems. These neighborhoods are booming with character like large front porches, original hardwoods, and even plantation shudders. If you’re looking for stained glass for these neighborhoods, vintage styles are exactly what you need: Greene And Greene and MacIntosh front-runner styles for sure.

 

Textured Stained Glass: Rountree is a lovely downtown neighborhood in Springfield, Missouri where you will find. You’ll find homes built shortly after the Second World War and newly built beauties packed into its boisterous streets. For homes like these, right in the thick of the city action, textured stained glass is perfect for adding a bit of privacy to sidelight windows and bathroom windows. These keep prying eyes out but still let in an abundance of natural light.

As we said, there is truly an abundance of stained glass styles for any home in the Springfield, Missouri area and finding one that fits you is only a click away! Contact us at Scottish Stained Glass to find out more about stained glass styles that fit your home today!

How To Bring New Life And Beauty To Your Enid church with Stained Glass Restoration

Posted September 19th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Historical Church Stained Glass Restoration  In Enid

Here in Enid, we are lucky enough to have many old churches with simply lovely stained glass windows.  Like many stained glass windows in churches and homes across America, these windows are reaching a point at which they need to be restored.  The reason for this is because, most stained glass church windows were installed in the early 1900’s, and stained glass typically needs to be restored ever 80-100 years– making this decade and the next, the most common era for restoration.  There are many reasons why a church in Enid would want to restore their stained glass–from aesthetics to monetary gain. Read below to find out the most common reasons for historical church stained glass restoration and whether or not it might be a fit for your church.

Reasons For Stained Glass Restoration On Enid Church’s

Increased Beauty After Stained Glass Restoration

  Stained glass, as you likely know, is very beautiful.  However, if the only stained glass you are used to seeing is very old, you ain’t seen nothing yet.  Throughout the year’s environmental stresses and pollutants take a toll of the luster of stained glass windows, making them cloudy and dull.  After most churches get their stained glass window thoroughly cleaned, they are almost always amazed at the depth and stunning colors they now see.

Pro-Longed Life For Historical Preservation

Stained glass windows that are older than 80 years and have not been thoroughly restored are in desperate need of it–even if the glass looks ok.  The reason for this is structural. The leading and wood or masonry frames are likely bowing or sagging at this point and even if they are not the steel armature and anchors within need to be replaced by now.  If you want to preserve the historical integrity of your church’s stained glass, the earlier you make repairs to the leading, caming, anchors and seals, the more likely it is you will be able to keep it close to the historical accuracy.

Increased Value Of Church Stained Glass After Restoration

There are many different types of value of stained glass.  There is the historical value–preserving pieces of church history in Enid, Oklahoma for instance.  There is also the sentimental value of the stained glass to your church. Finally, there is the monetary value.  The first two will definitely increase when you restore your Enid church’s stained glass. However, the actual value of your stained glass will only increase if your glass was of value in the first place (made by a well-known maker or studio)  and must still be intact and good repair. There is no guarantee that stained glass in a church is highly valuable in monetary terms–but there is almost always historical or sentimental value.

For more information on stained glass restoration for your Enid, Oklahoma church, contact Scottish Stained Glass today.  We have studios across the country and can give you advice and pricing on your church stained glass repair project!

Reasons To Restore Historic Church Stained Glass In Council Bluffs

Posted September 19th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Historical Church Stained Glass Restoration  In Council Bluffs

Here in Council Bluffs, we are lucky enough to have a ton of local old churches with stunning stained glass windows. As it happens many stained glass windows in churches and homes across America are reaching the age that they need to be restored.  This is because most stained glass church windows were installed in the early 1900’s and has a life of about 80-100 years before needing restoration. This makes our current decade and the next, the most likely eras for restoration. There are many reasons why a church in Council Bluffs would want or need to restore their stained glass windows–from aesthetics to monetary gain.  To find out the most common reasons for historical church stained glass restoration read below and to know whether or not it might be time for your church to have it done.

Reasons For Stained Glass Restoration On Council Bluffs Churches

Increased Beauty Stained Glass Beauty With Restoration

Stained glass, is an absolutely gorgeous art form.    And while you can probably appreciate your old stained glass windows, if they haven’t been cleaned in awhile — there is so much more to them than you can see. This is because, Throughout the years, environmental stresses and pollutants take a massive toll on the luster of stained glass windows, causing them to be cloudy and dull.  After most churches get their stained glass window restored and cleaned, they are almost always blown away at the depth and array of new colors they are now able to see.

Pro-Longed Life For Historical Preservation

Stained glass windows that are older than 80 years and have not been repaired in a while are in definite need of restoration–even if the glass looks ok.  The reason for this is almost always structural. The leading and wood on masonry frames are probably bowing or sagging to some extent and even if they are not,  the steel armature and anchors within likely need to be replaced by now. If you want to preserve the historical integrity of your church’s stained glass, and they are over 80 years old– you absolutely must have the leading, caming, anchors and seals restored.  The earlier you do it, the more likely it is you will be able to keep it closest to their original look and authenticity.

Increased Value Of Church Stained Glass After Restoration

There are many different types of values of stained glass windows:

Historical Value:  This is preserving pieces of your church history in Council Bluffs, IA and American churches for that matter

Sentimental Value:  This is the value your lovely windows have to your congregation, who has had many major life moments beneath them (weddings, funerals, and christenings)

Monetary Value:  Some church windows are worth money because they were made by a famous craftsman or studio–but most were not.  The best way to value your windows is to have an expert look at them and come up with a value.

While first two types of value will definitely increase when you restore your Council Bluffs church’s stained glass, the monetary value will only increase if your glass was valuable, to begin with, and this increase depends greatly on a proper restoration and staying true to original material etc.

For more information on stained glass restoration for your Council Bluffs, IA church, contact Scottish Stained Glass today.  We have studios across the country and can give you advice and pricing on your church stained glass repair project!

Stained Glass Window Repair  In Historical Chicago Churches

Posted September 19th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Historical Church Stained Glass Restoration  In Chicago

Here in Chicago, we have so many beautiful, old churches with stunning stained glass windows and as it happens, most of them need are in need of restoration This is because most stained glass church windows were installed in the early 1900’s and have about  80-100 years before needing restoration. For this reason the current decade and the next, the most common eras for restoration to date in the US. There are many reasons why a church in Chicago would want or need to restore their stained glass windows but read below to find out the most popular reasons for historical church stained glass restoration.

Reasons For Stained Glass Restoration On Chicago Church’s

Increased Beauty Stained Glass Beauty With Restoration

Stained glass, is a lovely and aged art form.    While you probably appreciate your old stained glass windows, if they haven’t been cleaned in awhile — there is so much more to them than meets the eye. Why?  Because, throughout the years, environmental stresses and pollutants have taken a massive toll on the appearance of stained glass windows, causing them to be cloudy and dull.  After most churches get their stained glass window restored and cleaned, they are amazed at lown the new depth and luster of array of their once mundane windows.

Pro-Longed Life For Historical Preservation

Stained glass windows that are older than 80 years are definitely needed of restoration–even if the glass looks alright.  The reason for this is almost always structural. The leading and wood of the masonry frames may ge bowing or sagging to some extent and even if they are not,  the steel armature and anchors within these frames likely need to be replaced as time has taken its toll.  If you want to preserve the historical integrity of your church’s stained glass, it is imperative that you have the leading, caming, anchors and seals restored properly.  Also the earlier you do it, the more likely it is you will be able to keep it closest to their original look and authenticity.

Increased Value Of Church Stained Glass After Restoration

There are a variety of different types of values for stained glass windows on a church:  

Historical Value: The value of church stained glass is very high when it comes to history.  Preserving both the history here in Chicago and the US are both a result of restoring your church stained glass windows.  Once these windows are gone, so too is an insightful look into history!

Sentimental Value:  This is the value your beautiful old windows have to your congregation.  They have had many major life moments beneath these relics like weddings, funerals, and christenings, which makes them an important part of the church as a whole.

Monetary Value:  Some church windows are worth money because they were made by a famous craftsman or studio–but most were not.  The best way to value your windows is to have an expert look at them and come up with a value.

While first two types of value will definitely increase when you restore your Chicago church’s stained glass, the monetary value will only increase if your glass was valuable, to begin with, and this increase depends greatly on a proper restoration and staying true to original material etc.

For more information on stained glass restoration for your Chicago, IL church, contact Scottish Stained Glass today.  We have studios across the country and can give you advice and pricing on your church stained glass repair project!

 

When It Is Time To Restore The Stained Glass Windows In Your Historic Ada Church

Posted September 19th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Historic Stained Glass Church Restoration In Ada

It is becoming more and more common that stained glass windows on churches these days are historic relics. Since many are now antiques, the value of these windows is not simply measured in monetary value but the sentimental value and historical value too.  This is why, even if your church windows are not valued at a large amount of money, they still are likely to have a fair amount of historical significance and probably a place in the hearts of your parishioners as well. This is why keeping up with the maintenance of your Ada church’s stained glass windows is always a good idea for your church, should you want to please your congregation and preserve a piece of history.  However, did you know– the glass of your church’s stained glass windows is actually very durable and the part you really need to keep an eye on is actually the supporting frame and caming structures? That’s right–this is where we see the most failures and irreparable damage. Read below to find out a little bit on the maintenance needed on structural supports

Maintenance Of Stained Glass Frames On Your Ada Church

The maintenance on the frame and leading of stained glass is needed to prevent more serious problems like total failure and loss of the valuable stained glass panels in the windows.  The frame is the most critical part of any stained glass window to keep maintained regardless of what it is made out of. Sometimes this simply means regular painting and caulking, and an occasional replacement of the glazing compound.   Any competent church handyman can keep wood frames and masonry frames painted and caulked to prevent moisture from corroding the steel armature and anchors that may be within. However, any repair work should be done by a professional like Scottish Stained Glass.  Read below to find out when you should call one.

When It Is Time To Get Professional Maintenance On Your Ada Church Stained Glass Frames

If your Ada church’s stained glass windows are leaking water, are draughty, or even rattle this could indicate that the waterproofing cement (“waterproofing”) and sealants have deteriorated.  This is when professional maintenance or restoration is needed. The process involves glazing and sealants (e.g., putties, caulks) used to seal the leaded panel and any open joints around the window frame.  But, since leaded glass cannot be correctly waterproofed in place, you will need to call in a professional, like Scottish Stained Glass to remove the affected windows and do the needed maintenance on the surrounding windows to secure and reinforce.  We will also thoroughly clean your windows and you will probably be shocked at how vibrant they look after this is done. Keep in mind that, doing frame and came maintenance early is much less expensive than waiting for the leading to fall apart and then need to be re-leaded.  The releading process is timely and costly–so it is better avoided with prevention. So, if there is any question in your mind, it is best to have a stained glass window inspection on your Florrisant church and act quickly and fully on the needed repairs.

 

At Scottish Stained Glass, we are the experts in stained glass window repairs and restorations across the United States.  We have offices from coast to coast and would be happy to consult with your on your historic church stained glass. For more information or to get pricing on much-needed repairs to your antique church glass, contact us today!

Repairs To Cracked Or Broken Stained Glass On Your Springfield Church

Posted September 18th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Minor Repairs To  Broken Church Stained Glass and Small Cracks

Cracks in stained glass are fairly common, especially on older glass that has gracefully stood the test of time.  In fact, you have probably seen chips, cracks, and even broken glass here and there on the stained glass in your Springfield church when you inspect it from time to time.  As it were, minor repairs, like replacing a few pieces of broken glass here and there, can be performed while the glass is in place in its frame; for major repairs to stained glass windows, the entire window absolutely must be removed and the stained glass repaired in a professional studio.  However, small repairs are just fine as the window stands and are called drop-in work. We do both types of restoration expertly but drop-in stained glass repairs are something we, at Scottish Stained Glass, do quite frequently. It is a process that 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 Springfield Church Stained Glass

Replacement is sometimes the only option for badly cracked stained glass.  In this case, the church stained glass window is best restored by removing it and replacing the glass.  Other times, small cracks can be fixed without replacing any part of the glass and while it is in place.  It all depends on where the glass is within the frame and how badly it is cracked. However, since cracks in stained glass will enlarge over time (as the edges grind against one another)  it is important to have cracks repaired as soon as you see them.t

Stained glass options for repair include:

Copper Foiling: One of the longest-running ways to repair stained glass cracks on church glass,  is usually the best option when a piece of glass has only one or two cracks. In this method a thin copper foil is applied along each side of the break, trimmed and soldered. Since the foil is so very thin, this has a minimal aesthetic impact on your Springfield church’s stained glass

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

Epoxy Edge-Gluing: This technique results in a virtually invisible line and is, for this reason, often used on painted glass.  Epoxy is tinted to match the glass and it can also be infused into 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 should be used when a flexible joint is needed.  Silicone repairs are easily removed, so they are really good for a quick fix but will do nothing for the long-term strength of your glass.  Additionally, they are unattractive and really useless long for the preservation of valuable church stained glass.

Although Scottish Stained Glass is based out of Kansas City, we have done many church stained glass repairs and restorations in Springfield and all over Kansas so, please, contact us today for more information and pricing on repairing and restoring the stained glass in your Springfield church!

Why Repairs Need To Be Made Right Away To Broken Stained Glass On Your Chicago Church

Posted September 18th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Minor Repairs To  Broken Chicago Church Stained Glass

Cracks in stained glass are fairly common and something you will start to see as glass ages.  The good news is–your glass has withstood the test of time thus far. Crack and broken glass can be a big deal if you look at your Chicago church’s stained glass and see chips, cracks, and even broken glass– you are not alone and it could be a simple fix.  Minor repairs, like replacing a few pieces of broken glass here are fairly easy to repair in the frame but major repairs are not. How do you tell which is which? By having a professional, like Scottish, inspect your church’s stained glass. We can tell you if we need to do small repairs called drop-in work which 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 or if a  larger restoration is needed. Regardless 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 Chicago Church Stained Glass

For very badly cracked stained glass–replacement is really your only choice.  In these cases, your Chicago church’s stained glass windows are best restored by removing them and replacing the glass piece by piece. However, at other times,  small cracks can be fixed without replacing the glass as it stands. It all depends on where the affected glass is located and the breadth of the cracks. It is important to note: cracks in stained glass will enlarge over time (as the edges grind against one another)  which is why it is important to have cracks looked at and repaired as soon as you see them.

Stained glass crack repair options 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 very little aesthetic impact on your Chicago church’s stained glass

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

Epoxy Edge-Gluing: This technique has an end result of 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 Scottish Stained Glass is a company out of Colorado, we have affiliate companies in the Chicago area to do church stained glass repairs and restorations here in Chicago and all over the Mid-West.  Contact us today for more information and pricing on repairing and restoring the stained glass in your Chicago church!

Beautiful Examples of Stained Glass for You Grand Junction Church

Posted September 18th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Choosing A Stained Glass Style For Your Grand Junction

Whether you Grand Junction Church already has stained glass that you are looking to restore or is thinking about adding stained glass to its chapel, you likely know little about the subject as of yet and what types of stained glass options are available for you since, stained glass for churches is a topic not many ordinary people know a lot about.  However, here at Scottish Stained Glass, it is our business to know all about our lovely artform and we would love to share some of our ideas and options available to you. Below we have listed some of the popular and pleasing stained glass examples to grace your Grand Junction church and please parishioners for years to come.

 

Types Of Stained Glass For Chapels And Churches In Grand Junction

 

Opalescent Glass

Opalescent glass is a piece of glass that in which anywhere from two to five colors are mixed together giving the glass depth and you a variety of color combinations. It contains a white opaqueness so that the glass is not see through it and it perfect for cathedrals and entryways.

 

Cathedral Glass

This type of stained glass is transparent and usually is singularly colored. As the name denotes this glass is often used in cathedral windows but is wonderful for pictorial scenes, symbols, and memorial plates too!

 

Hand-Stained Glass

Hand-stained glass is like the name implies stained/painted by hand.   It is typically reddish-brown or black. However, it is incredibly beautiful and lifelike because after an artist applies a layer of stain to a piece, they then carefully tap or brush in highlights–giving the piece great depth.  This glass works wonderfully with pictorial scenes depicting natural symbols or humans because of the amazing detail one is able to achieve.

 

Faceted Glass

Different from leaded glass, faceted glass has its own unique aesthetic.  This is because it is a thick glass where the surface is faceted or chipped.  Faceted glass is held together with epoxy which allows the spaces between the glass to vary if desired–allowing light to dance and play on the surface and giving it a very distinct look.

 

Scottish Stained Glass For Church Stained Glass In Grand Junction

 

All of these types of glass treatments are ones we use at Scottish Stained Glass, not only to create new church windows but in restoring windows to their former glory.  Reach out to us today for information and pricing on stained glass creation, installation or restoration on your Grand Junction church.

Maintaining And Repairing Your Taos Church Stained Glass

Posted September 17th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Taos Church Stained Glass Maintenance To Do Yourself Or Leave To A Professional

Stained glass windows in churches here in Taos are not only gorgeous but a significant piece of US history as well. Here in Taos, we some amazing stained glass on the churches and at Scottish Stained Glass we are happy to be a part of preserving it. Although it is true that having your stained glass repaired and replaced by a professional is something that every church should be prepared to do and begin saving funds right now, there are definitely some minor maintenance duties congregations can do to prolong the life of their Taos church’s stained glass not to mention help keep it keep its luster too.

Taos Stained Glass Maintenance On Churches You Can Do Yourself

Most church stained glass repairs should be done by a vetted professional with a lot of experience. However, you should always be well-acquainted with your Taos church’s stained glass so you are aware of any changes. Also, there are a couple things your church maintenance person can do to keep your glass looking lovely for your parishioners to enjoy.

  1. Light Cleaning Of Your Stained Glass: Although weekly cleaning of your Taos church stained glass is not necessary, when it does become dirty or dusty you should carefully clean the glass with distilled water and a soft cloth. *If the glass is painted, make sure to find out whether or not the glass has been fired or you could damage the finish.
  2. Maintain wood frames around the Stained Glass: The wood frames on your Taos church’s stained glass windows play a huge part in its stability and durability. For this reason, moisture sealant and/or paint should be used on the wood portions to ensure the frame stays intact. These sealants should be applied according to their individual directions, but be sure to let your maintenance person know to avoid getting these finishes on the glass since they could affect the clarity and luster of the stained glass and potentially remove paint on unfired pieces.
  3. Replace missing or loose putty as needed: This is an aesthetic repair done to keep your stained glass looking good but not in lieu of structural repairs. Should you notice cracking or flaking putty on the outer edges of the window, you can quickly replace the putty and paint over it. However, this is just a light fix, if you see larger cracks or missing chunks as it could indicate that there is greater structural damage and a professional should be called.

Keep in mind that the care above is for competent church groundskeepers or handymen. The best idea is always to call in a trained professional like Scottish Stained Glass if you don’t feel completely confident. Of course, no major repairs or replacements should ever be done by anyone besides a stained glass professional. Contact us at Scottish Stained Glass for more details on maintenance or for restoration pricing. We serve many of New Mexico’s major areas including Taos and would love to work with you!

Springfield Church Stained Glass Maintenance To Do Yourself Or Leave To A Professional

Posted September 17th, 2018 by Martin Faith

Benefits of Maintaining and Repairing Your Springfield Church Stained Glass

Stained glass in churches is not only beautiful but represent the beautiful church history in the United States as well. Here in Springfield, we are lucky to have a good amount of gorgeous stained glass on the churches in the area and the preservation of this glass is something we are proud to be a part of. While having your stained glass repaired and replaced when needed is something that every church should be prepared to do and begin saving funds for, there are things that congregation members can do themselves to extend the life of their Springfield church’s stained glass. The small things below will not only extend the life of your stained glass but also keep it looking lovely and vibrant too!

Church Stained Glass Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

Most church stained glass repairs should be done by a well-vetted stained glass professional. However, there are a handful of things you or your church groundskeeper can do to maintain your glass and keep it looking its best for your parishioners to enjoy.

1.Light Cleaning Of Your Stained Glass: Although you Springfield church stained glass does not need to be routinely cleaned like a regular window, if the stained glass becomes dirty or dusty you can carefully clean the glass with distilled water and a soft cloth. *If the glass is painted, be sure to verify that the stained glass window has been fired or you could damage the finish.

2. Maintain wood frames around the Stained Glass: The wood frames on your Springfield church’s stained glass windows are an incredibly important element that stabilizes the whole piece. Moisture sealant and paint should be used to ensure the long life of the entire piece. These sealants should be applied according to their directions, however, great care should be used to avoid getting these materials on the glass, where they can affect the look of the glass and potentially remove paint on unfired panels.

3 Replace missing or loose putty when needed: This is purely aesthetic repair for when you notice cracking or flaking putty on the outer edges of the window. While you can quickly replace the putty and paint over it to keep your church stained glass looking good, a professional should be called for larger cracks or missing chunks as it could be a sign of deeper structural damage.

Keep in mind that all of the ideas above are for competent church groundskeepers. If you would like your Springfield church maintenance person to do some of these light maintenance duties, it is essential to call in a trained professional like Scottish Stained Glass, to come in and consult with your church handyman to give instruction on light maintenance duties and materials. No major repairs or replacements should ever be done by anyone besides a stained glass expert. As always, we suggest a yearly check-up by a professional, especially on older stained glass. Contact us at Scottish for more details about which maintenance your church can do itself and which ones we can do for you. We serve all of the Kansas City area including Springfield, Missouri.

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