Stained Glass Care and Cleaning Tips
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If you have a stained glass hanging or glass jewelry, I have a few tips on taking care of your glass and keep it lookin’ fresh! 👌
• Caranuba wax, a high quality car wax, or Clarity Compound helps restore the shine or provide a seal on the soldering. The finish may appear dull-looking over time and this wax helps bring the shine back! I try my best to thoroughly clean each piece to prevent oxidization on the soldering over time, but it still happens. The wax/polish helps remove oxidization and creates a seal as well! Any pressed stained glass pieces will oxidize faster since they can’t be submerged in water during the cleaning process.
• For stained glass pieces that have a copper patina finish: Copper patina darkens in color and takes on a weathered appearance if not polished periodically. Any wire details on a stained glass piece that have been treated with patina will also vary in appearance. I’ve noticed parts of the wire won’t take on the patina color and some do, I feel like it’s a patina roulette when working with these types of chemicals! Polishing the wire will help seal and prevent any chipping that may occur to the finish.
• If your piece needs cleaning, a non-ammonia glass cleaner sprayed on a soft cloth works great. Ammonia glass cleaners, like Windex, can ruin the soldering.
• Avoid the use of abrasive brushes or cleaning cloths since these can scratch or remove the patina finish. If it requires, use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove any oxidation buildup.
• Glass hangings are made with lead solder. Hand washing is strongly recommended after handling to be on the safe side! All jewelry is made with lead-free solder and chains and hardware are nickel-free.
Products I like to use to clean glass, restore shine, and to polish the soldering.
Left to right: Clarity Compound, Sprayway Glass Cleaner, Turtle Wax Paste Car Wax
If you have pressed floral artwork or jewelry:
• Avoid moisture - water or any other liquids may still be able to seep between the glass, potentially ruining the pressed specimen inside! Not good! 😖 Florals and greenery aren't sealed with resin, they are 100% natural and pressed between two pieces of glass.
• The pressed florals and greenery's colors will fade over time since they're natural and not treated. Hanging in direct sunlight will speed up the fading process but specimens will still remain beautiful! Hanging in indirect sunlight is best but not required.
Following these tips will ensure many years of enjoying your beautiful stained glass artwork or jewelry!
