The stained glass window will be removed from its stone
mullions. Steps are taken to insure the correct location
of each panel or section that make up the window and measurements
are taken for each section.
After the window has been removed the stone mullions are
cleaned to remove old cement, dirt, and dust. Care is taken
to ensure the preservation of the stone mullions.
The stained glass sections are then traced to make a working
pattern for reassembling the window. The window section
are then taken apart. Each piece is labeled and cleaned.
Any broken glass is replaced.
Note: Acid is not used on the glass when
cleaning, it is all done by hand.
This step is most important and requires the greatest amount
of time to accomplish. The section is re-glazed according
to their original patterns. The glass pieces are put back
exactly where they were prior to removal. During the re-glazing,
all new alloy type lead came sections are used.
New alloy type lead cames has shown to be stronger and
last twice as long as the pure lead used years ago. All
lead joints are soldered with 50/50 blowpipe solder, which
is the strongest available.
The re-glazed sections are then cemented using pheonix
lead light cement. This holds its flexibility for expansion
and contraction. Cementing also forms a weatherproof seal
for the glass and lead cames. Once cemented and cleaned
the window is allowed to set.
The sections are re-installed into their stone mullions,
and then cemented. Finally tie wires are attached to the
saddle bars.
Note: This procedure is the same as extracting
from wood surrounds
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