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How to Hang Stained Glass Panes

The best way to hang stained glass is determined by the size, weight and edging of any particular panel. Metal hangers are soldered to metal framed panes; wooden frames facilitate screwing hooks into the wood and into the window frame. Perhaps your piece is custom sized; molding and caulking are necessary in this instance. Allow these ideas to serve as a creative catalyst for solving any stained glass hanging issues.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 foot copper or silver wire, dependent on the edging used on your panel
  • Wire cutters
  • Pencil
  • Half round file
  • Soldering gun
  • Flux
  • Brush
  • Solder
  • Ruler
  • 1 finishing nail, 1 1/2 inch
  • Hammer
  • 2 screw hooks, 3/4 inch
  • 2 screw eyes, 3/4 inch
  • Silicone caulk
  • Glazing points
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/4 round trim
  • 1 inch finishing nails
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Instructions

  1. Metal-Edged Panes

    • 1

      Examine the fabrication of the stained glass panes to ascertain what type of metal is used as the outer binding holding the piece together. Edging is most often made of brass, zinc or copper.

    • 2

      Cut a three-inch section of wire with wire-cutters. Choose wire that corresponds in color to the edging on the pane.

    • 3

      Wrap the wire around a pencil to obtain a round ring. For heavier panels, twist three strands of wire together first and then create the ring.

    • 4

      Twist the loose ends together to form a bottom tab that will insert into the frame. Trim excess wire to a quarter of an inch.

    • 5

      Remove the ring from the pencil.

    • 6

      Decide on two locations, at either side on the panel top, for the ring placement.

    • 7

      Use the half round file to make a grooved opening at these spots.

    • 8

      Slide the tab of the rings into the holes.

    • 9

      Flux and solder. These can be purchased from craft supply houses. Flux is applied with a brush and a soldering gun is used to melt solder.

    Wood-Framed Panes

    • 10

      Measure and make a pencil mark one inch down from the top, on the side of the panel framing.

    • 11

      Tap a small hole at this location by gently hammering the tip of a finishing nail into the wood. This will serve as a guide hole for the screw and prevent possible splitting of the wood.

    • 12

      Place the screw eye into this guide hole and using manual pressure, screw it into the frame until only the eye is protruding.

    • 13

      Hold the panel in its final placement location and make pencil marks to indicate where the screw hooks will need to be attached so that they come in contact with the eyes already in the panel frame. These marks will be on the architectural framing of your window.

    • 14

      Use the finishing nail and hammer to make a small guide hole at these locations.

    • 15

      Screw the hooks into the holes until all the threads are embedded into the window frame. The hook needs to be facing up so that the eye on the stained glass panel can be inserted over it and create a secure hanger.

    Custom-Sized Panes

    • 16

      Apply a small bead of silicone caulk to the edges of the spot destined for the stained glass pane.

    • 17

      Place the pane in this spot.

    • 18

      Push glazing points into the frame with the flat edge of a screw driver. Use two points on each edge of the pane.

    • 19

      Cut molding to fit the dimensions of the space.

    • 20

      Attach molding with finishing nails.

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