Framing Stained Glass

Front of the Framed Stained Glass

Framing stained glass is similar than normal framing although has some unique aspects which require some forethought.

• The stained glass needs to have minimal movement and well secured;

• The rear of the frame needs to also be properly finished and presentable since they are often viewed from front and back (i.e. in a window);

• Stained glass is typically heavy and requires appropriate corner support.

The initial building of the moulding is similar to really any other handcrafted moulding we make. The measurement of the rabbet just needs to account for approximately 1/4” additional spacing after the glass is in place. This additional spacing will receive a rabbet strip along each inside edge on the back side with will be finished identical to the rest of the frame.

Mini Drill (Arrowmax), Mini Screwdriver Set, Rabbet Foam (Lineco), and Screws

On both insides of the rabbet (front and back), we place some Lineco Volara Rabbet Foam which keeps the stained glass from most movement. This cannot be seen.

Once we cut the small rabbet strips, we then miter them for an exact fit within the back of the frame. Holes are drilled approximately 3” apart which will receive the brass screws (M2*12 size). The holes are drilled carefully to ensure that the top of the rabbet inset is flush to the top of the main frame. Once all the holes are drillled into the insert, we line the piece up to th frame and pre drill into the main frame. The predrilling is required because the strip is so thin and likely to split without the predrilling. Once the holes are drilled into the main frame, we drill a larger holes (slightly larger diameter than the small screws) and then drill a countersink so the screws are flush to the wood when in place.

To do the small drilling, I got the AM Arrowmax Mini Drill off of Amazon...truly awesome quality, metal and price. I think I paid $50 for it but have seen it for $40 on sale occasionally.

Closeup of the Rabbet Insert with Countersunk Screws

Sanding and finish were actually dont before assembly, and voila! I’ll add some eyelets and a hanging chain prior to delivery to customer.

The Back of the Stained Glass Frame