Leaded stained glass windows have been in
existence since the Middle Ages. They have been used to
inspire and teach. They consist of intricate leaded panels,
often of hand-painted kiln-fired glasses joined together
with lead cames. They are appropriate for a diversity
of design styles from traditional to contemporary. They
can include medallions, detailed figures, and symbols
or the use of line and color in abstract designs.
The process used in production is little
changed from centuries ago. From a final colored design
full-sized drawings and patterns are made. Glass and color
selections are made from a variety of domestic and imported
glass available in thousands of colors and color combinations.
For some projects glass is custom blown to our specifications.
If the glass requires painting or shading it must be done
with special mineral pigments and fired at 1200° to
assure permanency. The pieces of glass are joined together
with lead cames. The lead joints are soldered. To prevent
leakage a waterproofing material is inserted between the
glass and lead came flange. Galvanized steel flat bracing
bars are soldered perpendicular to the surface of the
leaded glass for additional strength and support.
