Do you offer installation? What are my options?

Yes. I am a licensed glass contractor and would be happy to provide installation for the project if needed. There are a variety of installation methods- the glass may be puttied in, stopped in with trim, hung with hooks, or installed as a triple glazed insulated unit. Here are the pros and cons:

Hanging by hooks: The glass is fairly quickly and easily installed and can be moved easily if desired. However, this will not give you a built-in look, and is only appropriate for fairly small, light panels.

Stopped in with trim: This is usually the most aesthetically pleasing option. Depending on the type of window you have, the new leaded glass window can be installed by itself, or stopped up against and existing pane of glass or double glazed unit. If the glass is installed against another piece of glass, a faint atmospheric haze may appear over time between the panels of glass, so the trim may need to be removed, the glass cleaned, and reinstalled. This can be done fairly easily, especially if screws are used to fasten the trim holding the window in. However, this method is NOT appropriate for moist or steamy areas, such as a bathroom- the condensation between the leaded glass and the outer glass will create unsightly drips and may damage the lead and glass. In steamy areas the leaded glass should be installed by itself in the opening, or sealed in an insulated unit.

Sealed inside an insulated unit: This option is the only practical one for certain situations, such as a leaded glass window inside of shower, where water may directly hit the window continuously. For the life of the unit, the leaded glass will be protected from moisture and other damage. However, the seal on these units will fail eventually-causing fogging and damage to the leaded glass inside if not dealt with. Resealing can be a laborious endeavor-the unit must be removed from the frame, cut apart without damaging the glass, cleaned thoroughly, and resealed using an adhesive spacer and special caulking, let cure, and after a week or more, reinstalled in the frame. Most units last from 10 to 30 years, so while this may be a good option in certain situations, know that it will not be maintenance-free in the long term.

In summary, I recommend that whenever possibly the leaded glass panel is installed by itself in your opening: this way you can enjoy the full texture of the art glass on both sides, and it will be fairly maintenance free! If you are unsure, we can discuss the best option for you together!

How does pricing work?

Pricing will be based upon the complexity of the design, glass selected, and size of the window. Leaded glass panels start at $300 per square foot without installation. Each project is unique. If you would like to receive an estimate for a project please email cecily@cecilywestallglass.com. Please include photos or sketches of roughly what you are looking for, estimated dimensions, and your address, so I can estimate time for measuring and/or installation, and design and material consultation. If we proceed to the design phase, I will give you a firm quote after the sketch has been finalized and the glass has been selected.

How does the design process work?

It is helpful to start with one or more photos or drawings. These can be from my gallery, a sketch by a client or designer, or another leaded glass panel that the client has found elsewhere. I do not copy other artist’s designs. It is fine to provide images by other artists/designers as inspiration or a starting point. Once I have the size of the panel needed, I can do a scale drawing for the final design, and have one or more consultations to view glass samples.

How should I care for my leaded glass?

You should always clean your leaded glass with an ammonia-free glass cleaner such as CRL Sprayway (to avoid discoloring the lead came), and a soft cotton rag. Never use abrasive products on your leaded glass, especially painted or etched glass. If house paint, or other solids are stuck to your smooth glass, use a new razor blade to scrape it away (never scrape enameled or etched glass surfaces). Always wash your hands after handling your leaded glass. If you your leaded glass is very old, corroded, or in need of more than just a cleaning please inquire about releading old panels.