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Stained Glass/Expert Profile

Valerie McCartney

Available

Expertise

Visit our web site at www.churchwindows.net. I can answer questions about restoration and repair of stained glass windows and their surrounds. I can, also, answer technical questions regarding matching old glass, glass painting (kiln-fired), waterproofing panels (cementing), re-inforcing, removal, and installation. I can not answer questions on glass casting, Dalle de Verre, or glass blowing.

Experience in the area

I have owned and operated Full Spectrum Stained Glass, Inc. since 1988. (www.churchwindows.net)

Organizations
The Stained Glass Association of America, The American Glass Guild, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan

Organizations

The Stained Glass Association of America, The American Glass Guild, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan

What do you like about this subject?

What I like about stained glass is the versatility: The changes in appearance as the light changes; The many different styles and techniques; And the fact that every day I am allowed to either help preserve history, through restoration, or, create history with new stained glass windows.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Stained glass, much like life, is a continual learning experience. Each job that our studio works on presents new challenges and situations. I hope to continue to learn new and better techniques and ideas every day. I hope to continually improve the way that our studio functions. I hope I always love my job!

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	P	Comments
Eden	02/12/12	10	10	10	Thank you, Valerie. You helped tremendously.
eva burns	09/17/11	10	10	10	Very much a 10 in all....I .....
gary zelinger	08/25/11	10	10	10	Thanks for your answer.I did not .....
Judy	07/12/11	10	10	10	Thank you so much for your advise!
mildred	03/21/11	10	10	10	Thanks for all your help, I will .....

Recent Answers from Valerie McCartney

2012-02-09 Large trapezoid window:

Dear Eden, My comments and answers follow. * I strive to make reinforcing a part of the design and maybe you would want to consider that for future panels. A general rule of thumb is reinforcing should

2011-09-15 stained glass windows in a church:

Dear Eva, I think the type of window you are describing is 'Dalle de Verre' which is also refered to as 'Slab Glass'. I can not say for sure without seeing a photograph. On the Stained Glass Association

2011-08-31 Cementing a stained glass window:

Dear Gary, Over the years the formula for waterproofing putty has been much argued. Many studios believe that their formula is correct and all others are not. I will not be the judge of that. I can

2011-08-17 venting of protective glazing of stained glass.:

Dear Gary, Since you are working with polycarbonate, the vents can be done simply by drilling 1" holes and sealing a round louvered vent into the holes with a small amount of clear silicone. I would

2011-07-08 support for large windows:

Dear Judy, A leaded glass window that is 38" wide and 74" high should have reinforcing 12 - 14" apart. I would recommend five 1/4" saddle bars verses 3/8" x 1/2" fins which will look heavy and obtrusive

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