A & A Glassworks LLC

Stained Glass for the 21st Century
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FAQ
Common questions are arranged below in 3 catergories: Buying Process, Glass & Solder Information, and Applications.
 
Buying Process 
  • 1   Do I have to know exactly what I want in a stained glass artwork?
  • 2   What is involved in creating a new piece of glass art?
  • 3   How do I get a custom designed glass piece to my specifications?
  • 4   How much will my stained glass panel cost? 
  • 5   How will you get the stained glass panel to me?
  • 6   How long does it take before my stained glass piece is delivered?
  • 7   What if I don’t like the stained glass artwork after I see it in person?
  • 8   How do I pay, and how can I know it is safe?
  • 9   Why should I have you make this artwork instead of someone else?

About Glass & Solder

Applications

  • 14  Are stained glass artworks suitable for all settings?
  • 15  What are the possible places where I could use stained or beveled glass?
  • 16  What is the best way to display smaller stained glass artwork? 
  • 17  How are stained glass window panels made?
  • 18  How do I measure the correct sizes for my stained glass panel?
  • 19  Do I need to ship my doors to you?
  • 20  Can our windows be repaired without removing them from the window casing?
  • 21  How do I install my window or door insert?
  • 22  How can I tell if my stained glass artwork needs attention?
  • 23  How do I take care of make new stained glass art?
Q1: Do I have to know exactly what I want in a stained glass artwork?
A1:  Talk to us and we can lead you every step of the way. As a starting point you need only know what possible setting the glassworks might be and approximately how much you are willing to spend. A & A Glassworks understands that for most of our clients this purchase is not an everyday event and probably new territory.  Our job includes asking you the right questions to bring out your ideas concerning the artworks design form, fit, and function.

A2: We make the process easy.  We will guide you through all stages of design, budget considerations, selection of glasses, framing, installation, and care of your glass.  Together with you we will involve you from the design stage through shipment. 

Q3: How do I get a custom designed glass piece to my specifications?
A3: Custom glasswork is our specialty.  A & A Glassworks pieces are unique designs for ipersonalized environments.  We can gather all the information we need right from the comfort of your home by email, digital images and the telephone.
Q4: How much will my stained glass panel cost?
A4:  The biggest contributing factor is the time spent on designing and constructing a glasswork.  Time increases as the size increases or cutting becomes more involved or if designing is more elaborate. For panels materials are typical 20 % of the cost and the remainder is time. The materials portion can increase if unusually expensive glasses, lead -free solders, or specialty bevels are used.  After prliminary discussions we will provide a preliminary estimate.

Q7: What if I don’t like the stained glass artwork after I see it in person?
A7:  The real thing is always much better looking than any paper rendition.  If you are not totally satisfied you may return the artwork within 7 days in its original condition and shipping crate for a full refund minus the return shipping.  To date this still has not happened.

Q10: Is your stained glass real or stained glass overlay?
A10:  We only produce the real deal in the original art form originated in the 4th century. Our processing is a hand-worked technique.  Each piece is a hand cut individual piece of glass built into a framework of copper foil joined by lead free solder or lead called came which is then soldered and cemented.  Genuine stained glass is made from silica sand with additions of lime, soda, and metallic oxides that produce the colors.  Textures are the result of different handling treatment during manufacture.  Color mixtures are made by a variety of different methods.

A11: The selection of the correct glass type is influenced by factors such as the anticipated lighting conditions and privacy considerations.  Based on your information we will recommend selections for you.There are literally thousands of stained glass colors and textures with new ones being developed all the time.  However they come in six basic groups – cathedral, opalescent, wispy, waterglass, baroque, and irresdecent.

Catherdral       This is glass that is colored or clear and easily transparent.

Opalescent      The glass is solid or multicolored and cannot be seen through.

Wispy              This is an approximately 50/50 blend of near matching colors of cathedral and opalescent glass

Waterglass      This is clear glass that has had a texture added during manufacturing.  The stretched surfaces are gently rolling like ripples on a lake

Baroque          This type of glass is made of sharply contrasting mismatched glasses that are swirled together during manufacture to produce artistic 3_D swirls

Iridescent        This glass has a thin layer of metallic crystal bonded to the top during manufacture.  This results in colorful shimmering surface effects.

A14: The Tiffany style construction  is not suitable for exposure to outdoor weather elements without protection. The primary reason most clients do install protective glazing is to guard against vandalism in warmer climates but those in colder climates also install glazing for heat efficiency purposes. 
A15: Possible settings are almost infinite.  Common examples include, windows, doors, transoms, room dividers, lampshades, ceilings, fireplace screens, wall-hanging artworks, window hanging artworks, 3 dimensional accent pieces for residences.  Additional examples for commercial environments include signs and logos.
Q16:  What is the best way to display smaller stained glass artwork?
A16: There are two common methods.  If you decide you want to put your piece in a window, DO NOT use suction cups.  No matter what the size of your piece, they will eventually fail and your glass artwork will fall.  Instead, put small eye hooks into the underside of the window frame and then use fishing line or chain links to hang your piece.  Alternately a wide variety of display stands can be used to display works anywhere if you plan ahead and amke the artwork to a standard display stand size.
A17: Our products are made by three methods - the copper foil method invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the fused glass method, and the classic lead came method and a combination of these on a single piece.  Learn more about each process in the references section of our website.
A18:  This will depend on how you want the panel mounted.  There are many options that will will help you work through.
A19: Cabinet panels are usually installed using caulk or clips.  No, do not send us your doors if you have chosen to install your new glass by yourself.  Work with your local contractor to have this done.
A20: Unfortunately very little can be done while the window is in place other than replacing missing putty.  Any other repairs need to be done on a flat table surface to deal with the root cause of the problem.
A21:  We do not do site installations.  Most cities have professional contractors or glaziers capable of doing a good job installing the artwork.  We can offer suggestions to the customer or their general contractor. Installations are typically not very complicated.  The mounting details are worked out during the design stage so there are no last minute surprises on site. 
 
There are numerous options to mount the panels in an opening.  It really depends on what you want to do.  Panels can be mounted using mirror anchors, wooden molding, or wire loops and screws.  Panels may also be hung using chain or cable.  Sometimes they are supported within an opening using L brackets and U screws. 
 
Many people choose to hang a stained glass panel in front of a window just as you would a large hanging plant.  Sturdy eye screws, hook screws, and chain to best suit your installation can be obtained at any hardware store.   Stained glass products weigh as much as 3 pounds per square foot.  DO NOT use suction cups.  Your glasswork will eventually fall from its own weight.
A22:  If your glass piece shows signs of bowing, cracked glass, broken joints, separated joints or wires, glass separating from the lead came, or any other signs of deterioration, you need to contact us for instructions on what remedy needs to be taken.  Depending on the severity of the problem, we will instruct you on the appropriate action.

A23: Stained glass can be treated just as any other glass.  A soft cloth and window cleaner will do a good job of cleaning.
 
If you still have more questions we encourage you to read other sections of the website to get a better understanding and then give us a call with detailed questions.  We are happy to serve you.