You are now the proud owner of a gorgeous, handmade stained glass piece. Congrats! Here’s how to take care of your new stained glass art.

Hanging:  I recommend that you hang your piece securely from a sturdy hook that has been screwed into a secure material, like a wall stud or wooden window frame. I do not recommend suction cup hangers attached to windows. Suction cups are not always reliable, and it would be a shame if the piece fell down and broke because the suction cup came unstuck.
 
Cleaning: The stained glass piece you have purchased has been cleaned, then completely protected with a waxy seal. Aside from a gentle dusting, your piece may never need to be cleaned. I don’t recommend using window cleaners or other chemical cleaners on any piece of stained glass, since they may damage the lead, solder, glass and integrity of the piece. 

Mold-like crud: Even though your piece is cleaned and sealed, the lead can oxidize. Solder or lead will oxidize and leave a whitish substance on its surface. The can be removed by gently wiping with a brush or a non-abrasive plastic pot scrubber.

Keep it shiny: To keep your glass looking shiny, and to prevent oxidation, re-wax/seal your glass once every 4-6 months. Glass sealer is available at stained glass supply stores, but its not cheap. And you already paid a wonderful artist (me!) for this piece. A good quality spray furniture polish or car wax that contains carnauba wax will work. Use the Mr. Miyagi method. “Wax on, wax off.” Put the wax on a soft rag and then polish the metal and glass surfaces followed by a soft dry rag to buff it.