I've a client coming in to discuss a stained glass panel that he would like framed. As this is a new to me, I'm curious as to if there are any special considerations I need to allow for for such a project.
I've looked at a few videos online, and a couple seem to use channeled frames to hold the glass. I'm hoping this isn't the norm, as I'm not yet a dab hand at routing - unless you can readily buy pre-channeled mouldings.
Framing Stained Glass
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RobM
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Justintime
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Re: Framing Stained Glass
I have done a couple of smallish 300x450 panels.
Things I would look out for:
- is the piece flat?
-is the lead work in good condition, retaining structural integrity?
- how off square is it?
I used a strong oak moulding, with oak spacers behind, flush with the back, allowing it to be hung/stood up in front of a window.
If the panel is sagging at all I'd consider putting it behind glass for additional strength/protection. It's one of those jobs that until it's in your hands you don't really know what you're getting into.
Things I would look out for:
- is the piece flat?
-is the lead work in good condition, retaining structural integrity?
- how off square is it?
I used a strong oak moulding, with oak spacers behind, flush with the back, allowing it to be hung/stood up in front of a window.
If the panel is sagging at all I'd consider putting it behind glass for additional strength/protection. It's one of those jobs that until it's in your hands you don't really know what you're getting into.
Justin George GCF(APF)
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Insta: georgetheframer
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pramsay13
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Re: Framing Stained Glass
It's been discussed in the past on here so if you search for stained glass you should get a few options to read through.
I've done a couple before. One was done as Justin describes with a normal frame with spacers behind to hold it in place. The issue with that is that it doesn't look finished from the other side, so if it's to be displayed in a downstairs window it might not look great.
It is possible to get u-channel moulding although it isn't common. If you do get it the stained glass would sit in place and look finished from both sides, although you then have the issue of fixing it in place as using wedges will be seen from one side.
The other one I made a larger box frame with LED lights around it and the old stained glass window was fixed inside so it gave the impression of being see-through and lit up even though it was on a normal wall.
I've done a couple before. One was done as Justin describes with a normal frame with spacers behind to hold it in place. The issue with that is that it doesn't look finished from the other side, so if it's to be displayed in a downstairs window it might not look great.
It is possible to get u-channel moulding although it isn't common. If you do get it the stained glass would sit in place and look finished from both sides, although you then have the issue of fixing it in place as using wedges will be seen from one side.
The other one I made a larger box frame with LED lights around it and the old stained glass window was fixed inside so it gave the impression of being see-through and lit up even though it was on a normal wall.
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RobM
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Re: Framing Stained Glass
Thanks Justin and Peter for the feedback.
The client came in, and it's just a small, flat panel, roughly 300x200 and so not heavy at all. Plus it's square enough to not cause any concerns. Though I noticed there was no outer lead frame (presumably because it's relatively small?).
We selected an oak moulding, and the plan was just glue/silicone the panel into it; though it was discussed that I could add a spacer, as Justin mentioned, for further stability. The idea of an additional sheet of glass is a useful option, Justin, but I think this one will be okay without.
I appreciate what you're saying, Peter, about the other side appearing unfinished; in this case, the client was fine with this in this instance, but it would be useful to look for more complete solutions for future such pieces. The plan was for it to be mounted with a chain, and so the brackets holding the chain would be mounted on the back anyway.
Peter, if you've got any photos handy, I'd be keen to see that box you did.
The client came in, and it's just a small, flat panel, roughly 300x200 and so not heavy at all. Plus it's square enough to not cause any concerns. Though I noticed there was no outer lead frame (presumably because it's relatively small?).
We selected an oak moulding, and the plan was just glue/silicone the panel into it; though it was discussed that I could add a spacer, as Justin mentioned, for further stability. The idea of an additional sheet of glass is a useful option, Justin, but I think this one will be okay without.
I appreciate what you're saying, Peter, about the other side appearing unfinished; in this case, the client was fine with this in this instance, but it would be useful to look for more complete solutions for future such pieces. The plan was for it to be mounted with a chain, and so the brackets holding the chain would be mounted on the back anyway.
Peter, if you've got any photos handy, I'd be keen to see that box you did.