You asked, we answered!
Do you buy stained glass windows?
We do occasionally purchase windows, but only if they are antique and unique. You can email us a photo of your window (with a price) and we will respond if it is something we are interested in.
If you are looking to get market value for your window, then it would be best for you to sell your window privately.(ie Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace) Antique dealers, auctions all take a big commission. We are also a business and we need to make a profit on a window to make it worth the purchase.
We also accept donated windows. Any windows donated to The Stonehouse are sold for cash, and all proceeds go to the Burlington Humane Society.
How do I clean an antique stained glass window?
We recommend cleaning with a mild dish detergent with a lint free rag. Paper towel can leave fibre residue on your window. If there’s stubborn dirt in highly textured glass, then use an old toothbrush to scrub it out. Old paint on glass can be scraped off with a paint scraper as long as there is no painting on the glass. Best to leave paint on the lead alone. If you are determined to get rid of it. Scrape it very carefully with a utility knife, but you MUST wear a mask and do this outside or in a garage to avoid inhaling lead dust. Doing this will make the lead shiny. To oxidase the lead back to an antique finish, use and old brush and brush over the spot, quickly and very softly. Again wearing a mask is a must!!
Do you ship windows?
We do prefer if you can arrange pick up of your window. We can put you in contact with a local shipping company to arrange shipping. Be aware of the “sticker shock” of shipping a stained glass window. It can cost between $150-500+ to ship a window.
Do you appraise windows?
Anyone is welcome to visit us to see what we charge for our windows. But no, we do not appraise windows. This is done by professionals who charge for their time and knowledge and it can only be done after examining a window in person. A photo is not sufficient.
Do you do repairs?
We do repairs. Email us photos of your window, with close ups of the repairs needed, along with dimensions. We will give you a rough idea of what repairs are needed and the approximate time involved in a repair but quotes can only be given in person after a window has been examined.
Can I buy glass from you & do you offer classes?
We do not sell glass or supplies. We do not teach stained glass, but we will always help answer questions you have. If you come to visit us, you’ll see we do not have the space to have classes.
Can windows be used as exterior windows?
Most people hang our windows in their existing windows. The advantages are the window doesn’t have to be the exact size and that the window came be moved to another room or another house if you move.
All our windows were used as exterior windows at one time but they are not up to our energy standards today. Many people use our windows in three season studios, or on porches, garages where energy efficiency is not an issue or the windows can be removed and stored away during winter. If you are planning to use them as exterior window then the wood needs to be weather proofed, sealed and the putty checked. Also some people use plexiglass to protect the window. The other option is to take the window out the frame and get it made into a sealed unit with 2 pieces of plain glass on the outside and the stained glass inside. Google or look under the yellow pages for Glass Glaziers in your area.
What sizes of windows do you have?
Our windows range from 8” to 8’!
Can windows be resized?
Most of our windows can be resized, for a fee. Consult with one of our in house restoration artists on the best windows to resized. Some windows are easy to resize, and some will lose too much of the over all art if resized. We can also deframe any windows in their original wood frames and add a zinc or lead frame on them (for use of hanging, or placing in-situ)
Advice on replacing old windows.
We can tell you what customers have done with our windows and the many, many possibilities. We will try and help and answer any questions you have. But we are stained glass artists and we can not offer advice on building in windows. This requires a knowledgeable contractor.
Scott of Bing Home Services has vast experience with our windows (416) 509-2417