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About Vic Rothman
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning design,fabrication, repair, restoration,and instillation of stained glass windows. I know about the history and technique of stained glass. Former member of the restoration committee of The Stained Glass Association of America.

Experience
I have over 36 years experience in the stained glass field. I have done craft shows, managed a stained glass retail store, taught classes, was a studio foreman and have had my own studio for over 16 years.Former restoration committee member of the Stained Glass Association of America. Founding member of The American Glass Guild.

Organizations
Stained Glass Association of America
The British Society of Master Glass Painters
New York Landmarks Conservancy
Association for Preservation Technology International
American Institute foe Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
American Glass Guild

You are here: Experts > Hobbies > Stained Glass > Stained Glass > Cleaning fire damaged stained glass

Stained Glass - Cleaning fire damaged stained glass

Expert: Vic Rothman - 10/30/2009

Question
I have access to some portions of stained glass windows which were saved from a church fire. The pieces are essentially in good shape but have a film of smoke and who knows what else on them. The fire occurred in 1965 and these pieces were put in a box and stored since then. They are painted and the paint on the pieces I have to experiment with seems to be properly fused to the glass. I attempted to clean them, using all of the wrong methods, and the paint didn't come off. I don't know the age or the history of the windows the pieces came from but they were old when I was a child in that church in the 50's. They may be from the late 1800's and made in Germany.

I would like to clean them so the church can use them for something, whatever, butI don't know how to go about it. If you could provide some advice I would be most thankful.

Answer
This is a tough one. The safest way that might work is to take a steamer and steam clean a small area at a time and scrub with a soft brush. There are harsher methods, but with seeing the window I would rather not post, as you can do damage to the glass.

What methods have you tried?

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