Stained glass restoration project at a church by Cavallini

Leaded Stained Glass

Leaded stained glass windows have shaped the character of churches, historic properties and civic buildings for centuries, combining vibrant artwork with enduring craftsmanship. Traditional leaded glass is built from individual pieces of glass joined with lead came and supported with reinforcing bars when needed. Many leaded glass windows are stained glass windows, with multiple colors depicting images or designs.

Cavallini is a family-owned, third-generation team of stained-glass artisans who have been designing, fabricating, installing, repairing and restoring leaded-glass windows in the San Antonio area and Southwest Texas for over 70 years.

When Leaded Glass Windows May Be Right for Your Project

Leaded glass may be the right choice if your stained glass project calls for large or detailed artwork, historic character or a lasting architectural feature. Our team works with stained glass, leaded glass, etched glass, faceted glass and mosaics and can recommend an approach that fits your architecture, goals and preservation needs.

Close up of stained glass window that needs professional restoration

Our Process

Leaded glass windows require careful planning because poor design or installation can lead to buckling, glass breakage, water intrusion and frame damage. Our design and fabrication process is based on our decades of experience and is designed to create artwork that reflects your vision:

  • Consultation: Our design team reviews your goals, building conditions, visual preferences and any existing stained glass that should inform the new work. From there, we develop a clear plan, timeline and project expectations.
  • Fabrication: In our studio, Cavallini artisans cut, shape and assemble each piece of glass to create leaded stained glass that reflects the approved design.
  • Installation: Cavallini’s in-house team carefully sets the approved leaded stained glass windows, reinforces them for durability and can add glazing for added protection. Our installation team works to minimize disruptions and can offer support after installation to keep your windows maintained.

Our Restoration and Repair Services for Leaded Stained Glass Windows

While leaded stained glass windows can last for hundreds of years with careful maintenance, sometimes environmental damage or vandalism may require restoration sooner. You may notice the following signs:

  • Sagging or buckling
  • Window drafts or leaks
  • Discoloration of the glass or lead cames
  • Loose panes or a rattling sound on windy days
  • Cracked or warped glass, lead cames or framing

Restoration can protect your stained glass windows from further deterioration while renewing the color, stability and detail that make them meaningful. When you work with Cavallini on your restoration project, we meet with you for an on-site assessment of any damage. We present a detailed proposal outlining our recommendations and will answer any questions you may have.

Cavallini restores lead came stained glass by evaluating the condition of the glass, came, reinforcement and surrounding frame. We remove damaged leaded stained-glass windows and transport them to our studio, where our team preserves each panel, replaces lead came and stained glass as needed, and reinforces the window for durability before reinstallation.

Create a Legacy With Traditional Leaded Glass

Cavallini creates and restores traditional leaded glass for organizations that want meaningful stained glass built with artistry and long-term preservation in mind. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team about your project. We are honored to be part of your story.