Posted by Vic on December 03, 2002 at 18:43:11:
In Reply to: Re: Putty? posted by Gary Dodge on December 01, 2002 at 23:33:09:
: << : I never use patinas on came. If I want the came darker I use a black cement, then in the brushing phase it gives the came a gorgeous black luster. Even without a black patina, a proper brusing will darken lead substantially. : I don't recommend putty though. Use a cement specifically designed for stained glass use. Putty will keep out the weather, but won't do enough to add strength to your panel. I like Miracle Mud best because it is easy to mix (you can control the consistency too) and since you can mix just what you need, you never waste any. : << : Actually, it is called "whiting" and is a calcium carbonate powder that is helpful in absorbing excess oils in your putty to help it set up, as well as acting as an abraisive to give the metal a nice finish and help in cleaning off excess cement from the glass and came. : I have heard of folks using sawdust instead of whiting because there is less danger from inhalation as well as less danger from lead abraision leading to poisioning, but I have never tried it myself. : < : After the flux is washed off, let the panel dry for a while, then begin the cementing process using a bristle brush to force the cement under the cames. Sprinkle whiting over the panel and brush it around some, then let it set for a few minutes, them use a pointed stick to cut away the excess cement in close along the cames. Next add fresh whiting and brush. Repeat on the other side. : GaryD Any putty/cement claims to add alot of strenght and a fast drying time has additives that are NOT good for long term stained glass life. The additives are plaster,potland cement,turps,japan drier and other things. Miracle Mud uses plaster and turps. Plaster is not good because it is hydroscopic, that is, it absorbs mosture and can leach out onto the glass. This can cause the glass to decay over time. Turps dries out the putty/cement too fast. The thing to remember is how long is the window going to last. Stained glass generally needs to be restored around 100 years. If you feel that your window will be restored at some point that use proper putty (linseed oil and whiting), if no one will care to restore your window use what ever product you want. The additives that I spoke of should NEVER be used in quality restoration.