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Frequently Asked Questions aka FAQs
Questions, thoughts, and misconceptions
- Where can we see samples of stained glass?
- What about privacy glasses?
- How do I measure my opening?
- What framing do you use?
- How do I install your panels?
- Do you provide insulated leaded glass windows?
- How do I place an order?
- How long with it take to fabricate?
- Will you send me a catalog?
- How much does stained glass cost?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- What about shipping?
- You said all work is custom!
- What are the components of a leaded glass window?
- What is lead?
- What is a bevel?
- What is a bevel cluster or bevel set?
- What is a jewel?
- What is gluechip?
- What is a gluechip bevel?
- What is Flemish?
- What is Waterglass?
- What is Antique?
- What is Baroque glass?
- What about brass caming?
- What about protecting my children and/or dogs?
- The guy said his doors are mahogany.
- Won’t someone just break the glass and walk right in?
- I don’t think that I like the bars going across the door window.
- My door looks like a butcher block with several small pieces of wood glued together. Will they split apart?
- Will I save money with the laminated or veneered doors?
What is Gluechip?  Gluechip is a colorless textured glass which affords a moderate amount of privacy. Any colors you see are whatever the camera saw; i.e., the sky and trees behind the glass. |
 Double Chip Gluechip. More privacy without the frosted effect. |
 Flemish, Double Chip Gluechip, and a pencil bevel. Back to Top |
What is a bevel?
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What is a Gluechip Bevel?A Gluechip Bevel is one which is cut from a piece of gluechip glass, had its edge ground to a slant and then polished back to clear. A grouping of several bevels is referred to as a Bevel Set or Bevel Cluster which makes a design that is commonly the focus of the window. Pictured here is a Gluechip Bevel Set. The colors you see are whatever the camera saw; i.e., the sky and trees behind the glass. Back to Top |
What is "Waterglass"?Waterglass affords some privacy and adds a beautiful texture to your window. Waterglass comes in many colors; however, the glass shown here is clear. The colors you see are whatever the camera saw behind the glass. Back to Top |
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What is . . .Glue chip – Brown arrowClear Bevel – Blue arrow Frosted/Glue chip Bevel – Green arrow Flemish – Red arrow Flemish is a texture commonly found on glass blocks. We use it primarily for the borders of our windows. A Bevel Set or Bevel Cluster is a grouping of several bevels to make a design which is usually the focus of the window. Pictured here are two bevel sets, one glue chip and one clear. Back to Top |
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What is Baroque?Baroque swirls. Here it is pictured with a border of clear bevels. Baroque comes with clear swirls in clear glass (pictured here) and with color swirled in clear. Back to Top |
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What is Antique?Antique has gentle lines in the glass, giving it a subtle elegance. It is available in clear and many colors. Back to Top |
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| We call these JEWELS. They come in different colors and sizes; also shapes. Back to Top |
How do I place an order?All orders are taken over the phone. We see no need in an expensive "shopping cart" system, because we will need to consult with you regarding your order. Please DO NOT send us your credit card information in an e–mail. We do not accept credit cards directly, but we will send you an invoice to be paid via PayPal or check. Our terms are one half when we begin the order and the balance just prior to shipping. Since we must pay for your door up front, we cannot cancel any order for a door. Back to Top |
How long will my order take?It depends on what we have lined up before you. We can usually ship within 6 to 8 weeks. Add 2 weeks for insulated panels. Back to Top |
ANATOMY OF A LEADED GLASS WINDOWAll windows begin with a metal frame – shown here as  – is
normally ½” wide (which accounts for 1” of your window
dimensions). You may see a photo by scrolling down to the
next section.A border of a different color or clear texture – shown here as  ––
normally 1”, 1 ½”, or 2”, depending on the size of your window. Waterglass
or Flemish are good choices for borders. You may see both on
this page.The field or background glass – shown here as  .
You might have noticed the size varies here for demonstration
purposes.We make the bevel set fit by adjusting this area of your window. See some options like gluechip and waterglass by scrolling up to the previous sections on this page. Bevel set/bevel cluster – center design shown here in white. You could replace the bevel set – or any of the other parts of the window – with colored glass if you wish. Bevels can be viewed by scrolling up to the previous sections on this page. Back to Top |
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What is “Lead”?Lead is the skeletal structure of your leaded glass panel.Glass is cut by hand to the desired shape and fitted into a piece of metal called “came” of various shapes and sizes. This is a picture of “H“ came (looks like an I– beam) which accepts glass in the slots on either side. For most applications, the face of the outer frame is ½” . Inner lead can be 3/16”, ¼”, or 3/8” on the face. |
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For measurements, we suggest you measure the actual opening and
then subtract ¼” off the width and 1/8” off the height to arrive
at the actual “build size.” Back to Top |
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How should I measure the opening? |
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| The brown represents the finished opening that you
will set our glass window into. The blue represents the LEADED GLASS WINDOW Measure the height and width in several places. Measure the diagonals to verify that the opening is square. You now know the dimensions of the Actual Opening. Deduct one–quarter” off the width and one–eighth” off the height and you have our ”Build Size.” |
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How can I install your panels?You can do this several ways. |
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The first picture shows how a leaded glass window
might be installed in an interior opening. The brown “F” is the sill itself. The tan “G” is the interior molding which holds the panel in place. The gray “C” is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every panel we fabricate. The blue “D” is the leaded glass. |
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| The second picture shows how a leaded glass panel
might be installed on the interior ledge of an existing insulated double or triple pane glass. The cream "G" is the sill/ledge. The brown "F" is the interior molding which holds the leaded glass panel in place. The gray "C" is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass panel we fabricate. The blue "D" is the leaded glass. The pale blue "J" is the exterior insulated double or triple pane glass. This has several advantages over an insulated leaded glass panel: When the seal fails (yes, it is just a matter of time), (example) the insulating glass can be replaced without affecting the leaded glass panel. If the outer insulating glass is cracked or broken, hopefully the damage will not travel through both pieces of insulating glass to break the leaded glass. There is no glare on the inside view of the leaded glass panel that you would have if it were sealed between 2 pieces of glass. Most residential plate glass companies can provide and install the insulated glass before the leaded glass arrives. |
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The third picture shows how a leaded glass window
might be installed on the interior side of a single pane of glass. The brown “F” is the sill itself. The tan “G” is the interior molding which holds the leaded glass panel in place. The gray “C” is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass window we fabricate. The blue “D” is the LEADED GLASS WINDOW The pale blue “J” is the exterior glass. |
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| The fourth picture shows how a leaded glass window
might be installed in an exterior situation. The brown “F” is the sill itself. The tan “G” is the interior molding which holds the leaded glass panel in place. The gray “C” is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass window we fabricate. The blue “D” is the leaded glass. The yellow “A” represents a silicon bead to keep the weather out and cushion the LEADED GLASS WINDOW Feel free to run it under the panel, also. The “H” is the exterior molding on your sill or, in some instances, a putty bead. |
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| The fifth picture shows installation of an
insulated panel. The brown ”F” is the sill itself. The tan ”G” is the interior molding which holds leaded glass the panel in place. The blue ”E” is the tempered glass on both sides of the leaded glass window. The Green ”I” is the gap before the insulating seal. The Red ”B” represents the black seal for the insulated unit. The gray ”C” is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass window we fabricate. The blue ”D” is the leaded glass. The yellow ”A” represents a silicon bead to keep the weather out and cushion the LEADED GLASS WINDOW Feel free to run it under the panel, also. The ”H” is the exterior molding on your sill or, in some instances, a putty bead. |
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Do you provide insulated leaded glass windows?We can insulate almost any size window using 1/8” tempered glass on both sides of the ¼” thick leaded glass window with an inset black butyl seal.ADVANTAGES: More energy efficient. Easier to clean. Improved security. Helps protect leaded glass from possible breakage. Stabilizes leaded glass window without the use of traditional rebars which could interfere with the design. Prevents oxidation and aging of leaded unit, keeping it in its original pristine condition until the seal fails. Eliminates leakage associated with single glazed leaded glass. DISADVANTAGES: We recommend that you have 2 separate items: Our leaded glass panel set against 2 pieces of tempered glass that are sealed as a unit which many residential glass companies can provide for you. Example:
The cream "G" is the sill/ledge. The brown "F" is the interior molding which holds the leaded glass panel in place. The gray "C" is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass panel we fabricate. The blue "D" is the leaded glass. The pale blue "J" is the exterior insulated double or triple pane glass. This has several advantages over an insulated leaded glass panel: When the seal fails (yes, it is just a matter of time), (example) the insulating glass can be replaced without affecting the leaded glass panel. If the outer insulating glass is cracked or broken, hopefully the damage will not travel through both pieces of insulating glass to break the leaded glass. There is no glare on the inside view of the leaded glass panel that you would have if it were sealed between 2 pieces of glass. Most residential plate glass companies can provide and install the insulated glass before the leaded glass arrives. APPLICATIONS: New leaded glass windows turned into triple glazed insulated units. Existing single glazed units turned into insulated units, eliminating leakage and structural problems. Fragile antique windows turned into functional exterior units. Decorative windows for wine cellars, shower stalls, etc. Etched and glass–on–glass units permanently protected. Repairs of existing insulated units. 
 From the edge inward you will see some clear glass, the black butyl strip which forms the insulating seal, and our metal, totaling approximately 1”. This should be covered, all or in part, by the moulding you will use to secure the panel into its opening.    You will notice a glare on the insulating glass. The photographer shows up clearly in this shot. This is an insulated panel looking dead on. You can see the edge of the clear glass and the black butyl seal on the outside of our metal frame. Back to Top |
Do you accept credit cards?We do not accept credit cards directly, but we will send you an invoice to be paid via PayPal or check.You do not need an account with PayPal to use their service. Our terms are one half when we begin the order and the balance just prior to shipping. Back to Top |
What about shipping?We ship to anywhere within the USA. We normally use ABF and FedEx, so if they go to your town/country, we can probably ship to you.If you have a carrier you want us to use, please advise when you place your order. Back to Top |
What about brass caming?Brass came can be solid or "brass capped" over lead. There are several problems with this product. Solid brass is like zinc came in that it is not flexible, which causes the solder joints to be the weakest links in the panel. They break! Another problem is that there is no brass solder; therefore, the solder joints either remain silver or are painted gold. To make matters worse, brass tarnishes, but the painted solder joints do not, so they stay bright gold while the rest of the came darkens. Insulating your window will protect it from tarnishing until the seal fails. Back to Top |
How much does stained glass cost?Because all panels are built custom to your specifications, we do not know prices until we know what you want. The size and complexity of the work dictate the price. Our work averages $205 per square foot not insulated and $245 per square foot insulated, if you need a ball park estimate. The more intricate the design, the higher the price. NOTE: If the design is by Jack McCoy, you can assume it will be priced higher than the norm. Width times Height, divided by 144 equals SQUARE FOOTAGE. We will charge you for the expense of building the box plus our actual freight costs, which we will not know until time of shipment. As you view the pictures, remember: you choose your own colors and sizes for your panel. We can use your design or adapt ours for your window, but each panel is created to fit your size specifications and colors. To inquire about pricing, we need to know which design you like and the dimensions of the panel you need. We cannot quote pricing without dimensions! To inquire about a design, note its name, category, and thumbnail number and email your inquiry to us. We will be happy to work with you to make the design fit your needs. Back to Top |
Where can we see samples of stained glass?You may view samples of the entire line of Spectrum Glass here >>> Spectrum Glass.
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| Same window; same day; different times. From
morning to evening, the colors and appearance of your stained glass
panel will change. Trying to find the exact shade of a color
is futile. Can you live with muntins behind your stained glass? Only you can decide. You might elect to change out the existing glass with a sheet of plate glass without muntins. In this instance, that is a sliding window behind the stained glass, which casts a larger shadow than most muntins. Back to Top |
What about Privacy?We have a page with some pictures: TEXTURESYou may view more samples of obscure glass here: Hollander Glass >>> VIEW IT! Please use your BACK button to return to this page. Back to Top |
We can help:
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Will you send me a catalog?This Web site IS our catalog. Since every glass window we build is custom designed to someone’s specifications, this makes a catalog an impossible task. The costs involved in printing a color brochure are quite high, and which pictures would we include? We have well over 1000 pictures here online for you to view. To inquire about a design, note its name or number and e– mail your inquiry to us. We will be happy to work with you to make the design fit your needs. Back to Top |
You indicate that all work is custom!The panels pictured on this site have been sold. All work is custom. You will receive a new panel built to your sizes and colors.Our doors and glass windows are handcrafted in Texas to your specifications. Any glass window can be insulated. Choose your own colors and sizes. Most designs can be enlarged, but few can be reduced by more than 10 per cent without design changes. Please do not ask us to replicate a door window in a 10" x 20" window! In many instances, we list the size of the bevel sets or the panel itself to give you an idea of the proportions of what you are viewing. Back to Top |
I am not sure I like those bars going across the door panels.We put them on all door windows and on larger windows that are not insulated. Rebars will add years to the life of your panel. Ask anyone who repairs them! Some shops don’t use them and/or charge you extra for them, but we want to give your window every chance for a long life. Some people absolutely refuse to have them put on their panels. So be it, but we advised you against it! |
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| Rebar attached to panel adds strength. Rebars are affixed at horizontal intervals on panels over 22”. The size of this rebar is 1/8” x ¼”, with the narrow edge facing the viewer. |
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| This is a view of a rebar looking directly at its
edge. We don’t want it to interfere with the beauty of your
window any more than necessary. Back to Top |
I don’t want my dog to jump on the leaded glass and hurt himself or break the glass window. |
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| For these large sidelights, we set a piece of ¼”
thick tempered glass on the interior ledge of the leaded glass
panels, but only as high as the dogs might be able to reach.
Now nose prints are easy to clean, the delivery guys are safe, the
leaded glass is safe, and so are the dogs. You have to look closely to even notice the odd piece of glass. We tweeked the second picture so you could see the glass better. For children, insulating the entire panel with tempered glassis your best solution. |
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Won’t someone just break the glass and walk right in? |
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| This glass window took quite a beating. The broken
glass is held in place by the original putty cement; the metal
structure is still in place. There is an easier way into your
home than through a LEADED GLASS WINDOW. Check out your
window panes which are held in place with a little strip of plastic
moulding. Like any glass window, if someone wants to throw
himself through it, he will probably wind up inside, bleeding all
over your floor. Back to Top |
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My new glass window has an ugly scratch on it.Some suppliers maintain "Industry Standard" dictates that if you cannot see a scratch from 3 feet away, it is acceptable. Some folks will use any gimmick as an excuse for poor quality. We believe that the beveling in a window provides all the glitter needed to be gorgeous; scratches only interfere; therefore, we insist on the very best products for our customers and expect you to accept nothing less!Back to Top |
My door looks like a butcher block with several small pieces of wood glued together. Will they split apart?It happens. That would be the weakest link. Our doors are neither laminated (some door manufacturers will cut costs by gluing together smaller pieces) nor veneered (thin sheets of wood glued over a cheaper core). They will not peel and do not have all those glued joints of the laminated together doors. We value our reputation too much to sell anything less than the best. |
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I’ll save money with the laminated or veneered doors.No way! Do not lose sight of the fact that the cost of the door is actually a fraction of the total installed price; and the cost of hardware, installation, and finishing is the same for a cheap door as it is for a door of quality. A cheap door will cost much more in the long run. If you are fixing up a house to unload it, you can go cheap if your conscience will let you, but if you plan to live in this house for more than a couple of years, don’t skimp here.Back to Top |
The guy said his doors are mahogany.Mahogany comes from South America and Africa. The softer woods coming in from the orient can claim mahogany all they like, but if you care about quality in a solid hardwood door, mahogany is superior to other woods, finishes beautifully and holds up better to the ravages of the weather.We are using mahogany from Africa but will use whatever your want. This is a picture of one of our mahogany doors that had unusually dramatic grain. Back to Top |
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