Restoration

Time leaves its footprints on stained glass in the form of the decay, scratches,  broken glass and faded paint.  It destroys the beauty that was created centuries ago and the history along with it.  Therefore restoration is very important process that gives old stained glass another birth. Restoration involves the following process:

· Removal of the window in its component panels
· Light brushing to remove dirt and dust 
· Creation of the diagram representing the original layout of all glass pieces
· Soaking in a special solution 
· Dismantling of the stained glass panel
· Restoration of lost or faded paining on the glass
· Assembly or the stained glass according to the diagram layout
· Proofing 
· Framing
· Installation

Painting on the glass 

Painting of the glass is typically done to emphasize on the details of the picture and in order to bring the picture closer to the reality.  The artist applies a special paint to the glass using different techniques in order to reach the desired effect or texture. Then the glass is heated in the kiln, in order for the paint to fuse with the surface.  Details of heads and hands, folds of garments are some of the examples where the painting on the glass is applied.  The effect can be very dramatic or subtle but at the end the resulting subject of the stained glass will come alive. 
Painting on the glass is a very delicate process and involves different techniques. The effect possible with the glass paint range from a heavy line, such as was used in the 12th century, to the subtle modeling typical of 15th century faces and details, to today's free brushwork and textures.

Firing

The glass is fired in a kiln after it is being painted. In the process of heating in the kiln the glass and the paint are smoothly and securely fused together. The glass must be gradually heated to a specific temperature and kept at this temperature for a certain period of time, depending on the thickness and the type of the glass. After that, it is slowly cooled. This process is very important -  if the temperature in the kiln is raised too high or the glass is heated for too long it will begin to distort and melt.