I’m always hoping I’ll find buried treasure on one of my projects – this is as close as I’ve come thus far:
I’m working on a project where we found two pairs of original leaded glass cabinet doors nicely stored between the first floor joist and the lathe and plaster basement ceiling. I cleaned a lot of dirt and grime off of the doors, took them to our cabinet shop, tweaked a cabinet design a bit, and found a way to incorporate these beautiful old doors into a new cabinet. Amazingly, these doors and the lead/glazing (and the orignal hinges/mortised knobs) are in great shape and aren’t too out of wack for the cabinet maker to work with. We’ll just paint them to match the new cabinetry. The cabinet is being built as we speak.
My question is: How can I clean paint off of the original lead cames without damaging the lead or the seals around the glazing?
I can hardly wait to post some pictures!!!
Replies
Jen
I simply used paint stripper and a soft bristle brush to clean mine. (I bought two out of a church) They match the gothic arched window I've installed at my gable end and carry on the theme into the tower..
Did your process discolor the lead?
The lead will oxidize back to it normal dull gray in a few weeks. Same for the soldier joints.
The "seal" in most leaded glass is gray glazing putty. Some of it may fall out durring the restoration process.
Thin down gray putty with linseed oil and work it back in with your fingers and gental pressure, one side at a time. Stand the door up with the newly glazed edge on the bottom. Let it set that way for a few days untill the putty dries a little, then repeat on each of the other sides if needed.
Don't thin the glazing putty down to much. You want it stiff enough to work fully into the edges, but not so stiff it forces the came or glass to move. To thin and it will sag before it cures.
Depending on the stripper you use you may need to neutralize it after cleaning the lead, or at the vary least rinse it really, really well, so it doesn't damage the anything. Some of that stuff can continue to work for hours after you are finished with the project.
Jen
Dave gave you good directions.. follow them! <smile>
I'll give it a go. Last thing I want to do is ruin the great find!
I did call a local stained glass shop. Unfortunately, I had to leave a message and haven't heard back yet. There's always tomorrow...
"Did your process discolor the lead?"
It doesn't matter. When you make leaded glass, the lead is wiped with a solution that "ages" it. If you scratch the lead, or somehow end up with discoloration, just got to a leaded glass place and pick up some of that solution and wipe it on. Just like new.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Good to know. I suspect I'll be working on cleaning those panes in a few days.
Well, here are a few pictures of the leaded glass cabinetry doors that I posted about. Sorry I'm not a great photographer and the cabinet is in a narrow butler's pantry area.
As I mentioned, we found two pairs of doors. There was only enough width available to utilize one pair and one door from the other pair. Each of the hinges and both of the knobs were were intact, connected to the doors and functioning. The drawers were newly constructed and are extra deep.
Never did hear from the local stained glass shop. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. The lead cams cleaned up very nicely.
Jen