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Thomas Critchlow Art Glass pieces are handcrafted using traditional techniques and materials. With a few simple care tips, you can maintain the beauty of the glass while helping protect the solder and patina. Whether you own a stained glass suncatcher, ornament, panel, or window panel, the right care helps keep your piece beautiful for years to come.
Displaying Your Stained Glass
Avoid using suction cups to hang your stained glass. They eventually lose their grip, sometimes without warning, causing stained glass to fall and break. Please learn from my mistakes! I recommend the following:
- Use a properly anchored picture hanger or cup hook
- Use hardware appropriate to the weight of your piece
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Use a tabletop easel for smaller panels
- Display ornaments from sturdy ornament hooks or decorative stands.
- Consider displaying larger pieces on a stand
Routine Stained Glass Care
Dust your stained glass with a soft, dry cloth. A small, soft-bristle artist brush can help remove dust from details and textured areas. Really, that's it.
Gentle Techniques for a Deeper Clean
If dusting wasn't enough, there are some extra steps you can take. These are useful for pieces that have missed several routine cleanings, have been in storage, or for vintage pieces you may have in your home.
- Clean with a soft dry cloth and brush, as covered above.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with cool water
- Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and wring it out thoroughly. The cloth should be damp, not wet.
- Wipe the glass gently.
- Wipe again with a clean cloth lightly dampened with cool water to remove any soap residue.
- Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth and rehang.
Avoid soaking stained glass, which can discolor the metal finish over time.
Protecting the Finish
Over time, the patina of your stained glass may naturally deepen. This is part of the character of traditional stained glass and adds to the beauty of the piece. Household cleaning solutions can damage the finish. Please avoid using:
- Ammonia-based cleaners like window cleaners
- Acidic cleaners like vinegar
- Abrasive materials like scouring powders or baking soda
- Paper towels, which can leave lint fibers behind
Storing Your Stained Glass
You can take these steps to store your seasonal stained glass decor:
- Wrap it first in white, acid-free tissue paper
- Add protective padding. Use bubble wrap, honeycomb paper, or extra tissue
- Place it in a sturdy box
- Label the box so you know what piece is inside
I've seen long-term storage in direct contact with plastic alter the finish on numerous ornaments. A layer of acid-free tissue helps protect the patina while still allowing you to use bubble wrap for cushioning.
The box your suncatcher shipped in is perfect for storage.
Shipping Your Stained Glass
If you are mailing a piece, package as above, and choose a box that is 2" larger in each dimension. Add a layer of cushioning to the bottom of the box, center the wrapped piece, then surround it with packing material so it cannot shift during transit. I've had great success using:
- Biodegradable packing pellets
- Honeycomb paper
- Shredded newsprint
- Bubble wrap
Close the box and give it a good shake. If you hear the stained glass shifting, you need more fillers.
Handling Stained Glass
Traditional stained glass techniques may use copper foil, lead came and leaded solder. The finished piece is intended as decorative art, not as a toy or item for children. As a precaution, wash your hands after handling or cleaning your stained glass.
Looking for your next handmade glass piece? Browse our collection of stained glass suncatchers, ornaments, and panels.