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Cementing and Cleaning
Cementing and Cleaning
The assembled window is now ready to be cemented. This important process will
stiffen and strengthen the leaded panels, making them weather tight, and adding
an aesthetically pleasing dark "patina" to the lead surface. The
cement or putty is pushed into the space between the flanges of the lead came
and the glass on both sides of the window, then the excess is cleaned off with
a compound called "whiting". The whiting also polishes and cleans the
glass surface. There is division among stained glass professionals on the best
formula for glazing cement. Primarily if a hardener (such as plaster) should be
added to the glazing formula, or if an unaltered commercially produced linseed
oil based glazing putty is best. Our experience is that if a protective
exterior covering is part of the final installation, simple linseed oil putty
without hardener is adequate. However, if no protective covering is to be used,
we have found that a cement containing plaster results in a stiffer, more solid
panel that is less prone to water leakage, especially in wind-driven rain.
You may jump to a previous section of this article through one of the following
links:
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Kris Lambert uses a brush to fill the space between the flange of the lead came
and glass with glazing cement. This process stiffens the stained glass window
and makes it weather tight.
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Left: Some cementing compounds have a black dye component added to enhance the
new "silvery colored" lead with a dark, richly colored patina on the
surface of the came to give it a more mature appearance.
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The excess cement is cleaned off with a compound called "whiting"
which also polishes and cleans the glass surface.
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| When a client wants a new stained glass window, the first and most
important step is to listen carefully to the client's request. Of course, we
must consider the architectural space, adjoining windows, building style, light
source intensity and direction, plus look for any trees, buildings, mountains,
or other obstacles that may block the available light. All these variables must
be taken into account during the process of forming the core concept, but in
the end, it all comes down to fulfilling the client’s desire. - R.B. |
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Proposal rendering showing two of the fourteen Stations of the Cross for The
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.
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Computer rendering for Redland Baptist Church, using a Dove, Cross and Grape
Vine design.
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