Glass is a fragile substance that can be easily damaged in many ways. Apart from chipping and cracking, stained glass is also prone to damage from chemical dissolution of the elements and exposure to sun, moisture, wind, and frost. This fragility necessitates the restoration of old stained glass work. The processes involved in the restoration of stained glass are similar to those required for creating one. However, there are a few essential differences to be kept in mind. In restoration work, both the style of the original work and the techniques used have to be taken into consideration. Secondly, restoration work should begin with an accurate estimate of the damage and what needs to be done. Thirdly, in restoration work, you will have to preserve the undamaged part and just fit in, repair, or replace the damaged portion. This has to be done with more care than a fresh work. A lot more precision will be needed to fit in the replacing new piece into the original framework. Above all, in a fresh project, theres nothing to lose other than what you have created. In a restoration project, you run the risk of damaging or even destroying an existing piece; the extent of the resulting loss depends on the antiquity and value of the item concerned. The actual procedure and steps involved in restoration work will depend a lot on the item that you are restoring, the nature and extent of damage, and the age of the damaged piece. However, there are a few things common to all restoration work. The first step in any restoration attempt is to clean the item carefully and remove the damaged portions. Usually, these are broken or chipped, and it is helpful to reassemble them to obtain an idea of the original piece. This could also be your template for making a new piece. After you have prepared the new piece, you will have to check for size and fit and make adjustments. Once the new piece is ready in all respects, solder it in place and clean the entire item. If the original piece was painted, you may have to paint the new piece in tandem with the original. |
