Leaded Glass and Stained Glass
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lead in leaded glass does not refer to the glass or to lead crystal. It refers to the material used in the cames, which are the grooved metal rods that hold the panes of glass together. Some cames are made of copper or zinc, but it's skill called leaded glass because lead got there first, historically speaking.
Stained glass is associated mostly with churches, but leaded and stained glass windows were stylish in homes, instiutions, and transom windows in commercial buildings from about 1895 to 1925. Of course, there are also recent examples, and craftspeople make a wide variety of ornaments out of leaded and stained glass. The following directions for windows can also be applied to less hefty objects, such as lamp shades, boxes, light (or sun) catchers, and more.
WATCH OUT
If the glass has painting on it, don't clean it at all. Even water might damage or remove fragile paint. Painted parts of a window are usually recognizable as something like a bird or a face applied onto the glass, rather than an integral part of it. House numbers are also sometimes painted on.
Taking the Long View
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leaded and stained glass windows can last for centuries, as countless European churches show. But overtime, they are subject to such ills as
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The lead in leaded glass does not refer to the glass or to lead crystal. It refers to the material used in the cames, which are the grooved metal rods that hold the panes of glass together. Some cames are made of copper or zinc, but it's skill called leaded glass because lead got there first, historically speaking.
Stained glass is associated mostly with churches, but leaded and stained glass windows were stylish in homes, instiutions, and transom windows in commercial buildings from about 1895 to 1925. Of course, there are also recent examples, and craftspeople make a wide variety of ornaments out of leaded and stained glass. The following directions for windows can also be applied to less hefty objects, such as lamp shades, boxes, light (or sun) catchers, and more.
WATCH OUT
If the glass has painting on it, don't clean it at all. Even water might damage or remove fragile paint. Painted parts of a window are usually recognizable as something like a bird or a face applied onto the glass, rather than an integral part of it. House numbers are also sometimes painted on.
Taking the Long View
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leaded and stained glass windows can last for centuries, as countless European churches show. But overtime, they are subject to such ills as
- broken or cracked glass, loosened lead around the glass,
- broken or missing lead or solder joints,
- deterioraion of putty, glass paint, or the fame that holds the window.
If you have a window that is more than 50 years old, it's a good idea to have a condition study done. Julie, L. Solan, a stained glass conservation consultant in North Adams, Massachusetts, says such a study will identify and problems and can be the focus of a restoration plan.
If you belong to a church with stained glass windows and want to participate in their preservation, you might organize a group to commission such a study. To find a consultant, seek advice from museums or large churches that have used such services. The next step would probably be to raise money, because window restoration is a time-consuming and expensive project demanding professional help.
If you belong to a church with stained glass windows and want to participate in their preservation, you might organize a group to commission such a study. To find a consultant, seek advice from museums or large churches that have used such services. The next step would probably be to raise money, because window restoration is a time-consuming and expensive project demanding professional help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To clean leaded or stained glass, use plain, warm water. Wash each pane individually with a clean cloth dampened in the water. If necessary, use a cotton swab to get into corners. Don't use a spray bottle, because the water will drool into the cames. Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth or chamois cloth. Never apply much force when washing such windows, because you can actually bend them, especially if the cames are lead, which is a very soft metal. Use only the damp cloth for cleaning the cames.
For more cleaning power, use 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol in 1 quart of warm water and follow the same procedure outlined above. If dirt or some kind of old finish remains, leave it alone. Never use common household glass cleaners, vinegar, lemon, ammonia, or any kind of abrasive cleaner.
Leather
To clean leaded or stained glass, use plain, warm water. Wash each pane individually with a clean cloth dampened in the water. If necessary, use a cotton swab to get into corners. Don't use a spray bottle, because the water will drool into the cames. Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth or chamois cloth. Never apply much force when washing such windows, because you can actually bend them, especially if the cames are lead, which is a very soft metal. Use only the damp cloth for cleaning the cames.
For more cleaning power, use 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol in 1 quart of warm water and follow the same procedure outlined above. If dirt or some kind of old finish remains, leave it alone. Never use common household glass cleaners, vinegar, lemon, ammonia, or any kind of abrasive cleaner.
Leather
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leather means any skin or hide that has been tanned, but after that the similarities end and the differences begin. Two main categories of leather require different cleaning techniques.
Leather means any skin or hide that has been tanned, but after that the similarities end and the differences begin. Two main categories of leather require different cleaning techniques.
- Natural leather has little surface protection and is highly susceptible to staining. It is not dyed with pigments, has no finish coat of polyurethane, and is recognizable by its rustic, natural appearance. Even water or treatments suitable for other kinds of leather, such as saddle soap, may mar its surface.
- Coated leather has a pigment-dyed surface treated with a polyurethane coating. Most-but not all-leather garments, upholstery, purses, and shoes are coated leather.
A few guidelines apply to both kinds:
- If you have direction from the manufacturer, follow them.
- Test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area before using it generally.
- For any valuable leather article or serious cleaning problem, consult a professional, such as a dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning leather.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and even excessive water, which can leave stains and remove dye and lubricants.
- Never dry wet leather near a heat source.
To clean natural leather, rely on frequent dusting with a soft cloth. You could try removing dirt with an art gum eraser, available at stationery and art supply store, but even that might leave a smudge. There is little more you can do without making a problem worse.(
See also Suede.)
To clean coated feathers dust regularly with a cloth, occasionally with a dampened cloth. Wash every six months or so with saddle soap, which is available at tack shops, sporting good stores, some shoe stores, and hardware stores. Here's how:
See also Suede.)
To clean coated feathers dust regularly with a cloth, occasionally with a dampened cloth. Wash every six months or so with saddle soap, which is available at tack shops, sporting good stores, some shoe stores, and hardware stores. Here's how:
- Remove loose dirt with a stiff brush or damp cloth.
- Rub a damp cloth on saddle soap and work up a lather.
- Rub the soapy cloth on the leather using a circular motion. Wipe away the excess with another damp cloth. Let air-dry.
- Buff with a clean, soft cloth.
- Finish with a protective leather cream recommended by the manufacture or a general purpose one sold by leather-retailers.
To treat spots on coated leathers, try these methods-but don't forget to test first:
- Apply cornstarch to greasy spots and let it absorb the grease. Wipe off with a cloth.
- Rub with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Make a paste of equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar, work it into the spot (including scuff marks with a cloth, let it sit for an hour or so, and wipe clean.
- Treat those ugly white stains on shoes and boots caused by water and road salt with a 50-50 mixture of water and white vinegar. Dip a cloth into the solution and blot.
- On mildew, use a 50-50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water on a cloth. Saddle soap also may work.
See also Shoes.
Light Fixtures
Light Fixtures
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How do they manage it, those bugs? How do they sneak into a ceiling light fixture that has no visible gaps? whatever their secret, now and then you will want to remove their dried-out little bodies--and clean the fixture too.
To clean a wall or ceiling fixture, first turn off the switch and plant a sturdy stepladder nearby. Remove any grilles, shades, shields, globes, light bulbs, or light tubes. This would be a good time to be one of those many-armed gods, as you may have to hold onto a globe while you remove screws and balance yourself to keep from falling.
To wash the removable parts, fill the sink with hot water and add a little dishwashing detergent. Lay a towel or rubber mat on the bottom of the sink to prevent damage. Immerse the pieces- except for the light bulbs or tubes--and clean with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry well with a soft cloth. Wipe the light bulbs or light tubes with a damp cloth, avoiding the ends that go into the sockets.
To wash the fixed parts, use a cloth or sponge dipped into the same cleaning solution and squeezed until it's barely damp. Wipe the fixture, being careful not to get any moisture in the socket or on the wiring. Rinse the sponge or cloth in clean water and wipe the fixture with it again. Wipe everything dry with another cloth, reassemble the fixture, and stand by with the flyswatter.
How do they manage it, those bugs? How do they sneak into a ceiling light fixture that has no visible gaps? whatever their secret, now and then you will want to remove their dried-out little bodies--and clean the fixture too.
To clean a wall or ceiling fixture, first turn off the switch and plant a sturdy stepladder nearby. Remove any grilles, shades, shields, globes, light bulbs, or light tubes. This would be a good time to be one of those many-armed gods, as you may have to hold onto a globe while you remove screws and balance yourself to keep from falling.
To wash the removable parts, fill the sink with hot water and add a little dishwashing detergent. Lay a towel or rubber mat on the bottom of the sink to prevent damage. Immerse the pieces- except for the light bulbs or tubes--and clean with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry well with a soft cloth. Wipe the light bulbs or light tubes with a damp cloth, avoiding the ends that go into the sockets.
To wash the fixed parts, use a cloth or sponge dipped into the same cleaning solution and squeezed until it's barely damp. Wipe the fixture, being careful not to get any moisture in the socket or on the wiring. Rinse the sponge or cloth in clean water and wipe the fixture with it again. Wipe everything dry with another cloth, reassemble the fixture, and stand by with the flyswatter.
No comments:
Post a Comment