Will UV Light Fade My Stained Glass?

Will UV Light Fade My Stained Glass?

Fading Stained Glass In Your Fort Collins Home

At Fort Collins Stained Glass, we create beautiful works of art with our stained glass windows that if cared for correctly, will last generations. We also do stained glass repair and restoration for homes and churches in both Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. We consider ourselves local stained glass experts and our thousands of satisfied customers would tend to agree. As experts, we often field different questions about proper stained glass care, upkeep, appearance and the like. One inquiry we get a lot is about stained glass fading. Many Fort Collins home owners want stained glass but are concerned that in the high altitude environments like Fort Collins, the extreme UV exposure will fade them. Or, they already have stained glass and worry it may be getting dull. Read on below to find out if stained glass fades and if so, why? Will

Will Stained Glass Fade?

The answer is no, the colors of stained glass windows do not fade over time. But, all stained glass is not the same and there are a number of different “stained glass methods, like glazing, painting and laminating that could react to UV light. “Stained glass” like this, in which the color is not baked in at a very high temperature, could fade from long term exposure to UV light.

If Stained Glass Doesn’t Fade Why Does Mine Look Dull?

Until we actually examine your stained glass we cannot say for sure but assuming you do have actual faceted stained glass, it is likely dulling because of weather conditions, indoor and outdoor man-made pollution, and biological damage caused by pests such as pigeons, bats, and various microorganisms. In which case, your stained glass simply needs to be cleaned in order to restore it to its former sheen.

Why Doesn’t Stained Glass Fade?
When stained glass is made, the glass is sand and other minerals heated to very high temperatures to cause the silica (sand) molecules to incorporate the other minerals into its molecular structure. The color depends on what mineral is present. Once the glass is cooled, the molecular structures are “locked” in and only high heat will unlock it.

When stained glass is made, the glass is sand and other minerals heated to very high temperatures to cause the silica (sand) molecules to incorporate the other minerals into its molecular structure. The color depends on what mineral is present. Once the glass is cooled, the molecular structures are “locked” in and only high heat will unlock it.

Typically, stained glass windows will last over 100 years before needing serious repair like re-leading. Stained glass itself is very durable and will stand the test of time. When windows need to be repaired it is usually the frames and the lead that end up needing it. Even in you have a broken or chipped piece of glass, this can be easily replaced or remedied.

Fort Collin’s Stained Glass Experts

If you have stained glass that looks dull, is sagging or has visible chips in it, contact Fort Collins Stained Glass for a free on-site evaluation of your Fort Collins homes stained glass windows and to schedule a restoration right away. The best way to preserve your lovely stained glass is preventative maintenance and Fort Collins Stained Glass is just the pro for the job!

Martin's work has been spotlighted on HGTV, the DIY Network, CBS, NBC, and numerous media outlets. He is one of the most accomplished stained glass artisans of his time and the proud owner of Fort Collins Stained Glass. He has dedicated his entire life's career to sharing his love of stained glass with others and is an expert on its origin, manufacturing process, and history. In addition to creating custom stained glass for homes and commercial businesses, Martin also acts as a consultant for church restoration projects. Drawing on his own research and ongoing education as well as the skills that he attained while working as a glass artisan in Scotland, Martin helps property owners identify the best styles and options of stained glass for achieving their aesthetic and architectural goals. His company has been in business for over thirty years and has successfully executed over 50,000 projects.

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