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DIY Stained Glass

I’ve been working on a lil’ something, that quite honestly, has been the reason for much of my aggravation the past few days. It’s been trial and error, and let me tell you, I can say with certainty what DID NOT work for me!

Aside from our dining room, our office is the first room you see upon entering our house. The problem? We have French doors and the office is usually a crap mess. There’s just no nice way to say it. The doors are great and allow for lots of light, but between the constant kiddie fingerprints and the junk on my desk, I hated having them. I’d bought a curtain over a year ago and when I tested it, I didn’t care much for the look and I found it really didn’t let enough light in. I used one of those window cling films that you apply with water and a squeegee on our front door sidelights, but the thought of cutting all of those little rectangles out for every pane of glass in the French doors didn’t sound like much fun. As I discovered, the panes were all slightly off on size.

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I’d found this pretty picture of craftsman style windows with lovely little cris crosses all over that I was totally smitten with. I really wanted to try and mimic the look. (Photo courtesy of thehandwerkshop.blogspot.com )
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I wanted to test out mod podge on glass since I had it on hand and figured it wasn’t a commitment. If I hated it, I could just scrape it off. I taped more than half the door and then decided, perhaps rather then continuing, it might be a good idea to test out the mod podge to see how it would look. Ummmm yeah, that’s such a lie. I totally ran out of tape. That was the ONLY reason I took the time to test out how the MP would perform. It’s safe to say, running out of tape was a good thing. Test stuff out before you commit to a project y’all! Mod Podge on my french doors was a flop. It was not cute AT ALL. It lacked the texture I was hoping for. If I’m being totally honest, I actually had a fleeting thought that I might just keep the tape up since I really liked the pattern. That’s when the idea of pin striping hit!
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Still wanting a craftsman style look, I decided I’d try pin striping. Yeah, another fail and and I didn’t even get past the taping before I realized I hated it. At least this mistake didn’t take up too much of my time.
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Completely annoyed, I took a trip to Michael’s in search of the perfect solution. I’d done those painted, stained glass sun catchers as a kid and thought for sure Michael’s would come to the rescue with some sort of solution. DIY stained glass paint shouldn’t be too hard to find right? Well, my local store didn’t have anything, however the woman I chatted with mentioned Gallery Glass.

She said that the Michael’s in a neighboring town might carry it. I ran to the car, called them and sure enough they had it! I drove over, picked out a few bottles along with some self adhesive leading and liquid leading. Now, I didn’t take pictures of this, however I did grab 2 large bottles of what I thought were both crystal clear. Ummmm, no. How you ask, did I discover this?? After 3 hours, my “crystal clear” hadn’t dried…I touched it and it was in fact dry, but after checking the bottle, I found it was a large bottle of Snow White that I’d applied, not crystal clear. Obviously someone put it into the wrong slot at the store. It was super easy to remove and it peeled away in one sheet like a much more durable version of Saran Wrap. Lesson? Check your bottles!
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I decided to fudge my way through this project since I couldn’t really find much info on how to use the stuff. After some trial and error, this is what I found worked best. I squeezed the gallery glass directly to the pane around the perimeter first, avoiding the wood. I swirled it around in the center area. This stuff is drippy y’all, so instead of painting around the sides (which I did at first, but because it needed to be applied pretty thick, it dripped.ALOT!) I got it into the edge by pushing it into the sides which seemed to do the trick and prevented drips.
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The next part looks very much like finger painting and that’s more or less what it was. I tried stippling and used various other tools to get the look I wanted to no avail. I swirled my finger around the perimeter to lose the stippled look that the paint brush left. I was left with a much softer, more circular pattern. I swirled the paint around the middle and then with 3 fingers, I pounced the entire pane to achieve a ripple effect.
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Applied too thinly as shown in the upper left corner of the left hand picture, this feathered look is what happens. Not quite what I wanted, but it would be really pretty for some sort of winter project.
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Here’s a close up of the feathered look I didn’t want on the left and the more fluid, water-like look I was after. See the difference?
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I learned that the key to achieving a rippled effect is applying the gallery glass generously.
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I was originally going to use the leading on every piece of glass, but I was trying to keep costs and the time I spent on this project to a minimum, so I decided to use it on the middle panes only. I used precut self adhesive leading to make a very basic easy inlaid look. Truth be told, I didn’t measure anything for this part. I just went with it. Embracing imperfection yet again!
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Here’s a close up of the self adhesive leading. It was easy to work with. I simply cut it with a straight edge razor.
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After the leading was applied, I applied a small bead of liquid leading at all the joints to give it a more authentic look.
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I’m not sure where I’m going to use the Ruby red yet, so for now I’m living with my faux DIY stained glass as is. Here are my new doors!
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This is a photo of the doors from INSIDE the office, so not the side that the gallery Glass was used on.
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DIY stained glass

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so make sure to leave me a message below. Please feel free to Pin and share too! As always, if you have any questions, let me know! I’m happy to help!

!!!!!UPDATES!!!!!
I’ve gotten a bunch of questions so I thought I’d address them here in case y’all have the same ones.

1. Did you apply the Gallery Glass to the inside or outside of the doors?
I applied mine to the side facing my hallway, so NOT inside the office. I did this in case anyone decided to reach out and touch the “glass”. I wanted the texture to be on the side most people would feel. If I was doing side lights on a front door or a sliding glass door, I would do the interior side, not the side directly exposed to the elements.

2. What’s it look like from the side that doesn’t have the gallery glass on it?
Here’s a close up…
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3. Can I use this on my shower door?
I don’t know that it’s suggested for areas that are really humid. My bathroom doesn’t get tons of moisture so I’m gonna test it out on ours and repost back.

4. How many bottles did you use?
It took me 2 large bottles of crystal clear and one small (that whole trial and error thang!). If I’ve done my job and worked out the kinks, two large bottles and a small bottle of liquid leading should be plenty. For half door or full door side lights, one bottle should work.

5. Can you clean them?
Yes, you can. I did a windex text for y’all and this is what happened. The gallery glass became milky/cloudy in the area where I sprayed the windex. I wiped it away and after after 30 seconds, it reverted back to clear. I’ll stick to wiping them down with water on a microfiber towel as needed.

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Sharing at…
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-176.html

http://diyshowoff.com/2014/09/21/diy-party-24/

http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2014/09/inspire-monday-26.html

http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2014/09/22/project-inspired-week-85/

http://www.houseontheway.com/twirl-take-bow-party-111/

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299 Comments

      1. I have a question. I have a large window 45 wide by 47 length. I am thinking I need to apply in smaller squares as I am doing this project. What are your thoughts?

    1. It was a little intimidating for sure, but I had a few “oops” moments at the beginning when I hadn’t applied enough and got a look I was to crazy about. I scored the perimeter with a razor and it was easy peasy to remove. Don’t tell my kiddos that though, lol! They’ve been pretty curious about it, but haven’t attempted anything yet, Mom 1 : Kids 0! Rockin the Gallery Glass like a boss!

  1. Looks great! Is the red paint the same as the clear? I LOVE red…I’d probably outline the middle windows in red (where you have the ‘lead’) 🙂

    1. I’ve only wiped it once so far and it was with water on a microfiber cloth. No issues at all! It dries to a hard, rubbery consistency. I’ll test it out with windex today and report back though! xo

      1. I was able to snag solid wood doors with full glass inserts. Using them as pocket doors for my laundry, m. bath and m. closet. This looks like a great solution for my laundry/pantry space since I don’t want to fully block out the natural light coming from that space.

    1. I’ve only wiped it once so far and it was with water on a microfiber cloth. No issues at all! It dries to a hard, rubbery consistency. I’ll test it out with windex today and report back though! xo

  2. I have used this many times, you can use the bottle tip also. I used to have trays that had like cut glass shapes. You filled the trays let dry. I put that in a front door used the frost and blue with shapes came out looking like an antique door. I love gallery glass. Also, if you have a hard time getting it off, use a hair dryer to warm it up, and it will come off easy.

    1. Oooh Pat, thanks for those tips! I may actually remove the clingy film from our sidelights and use the gallery glass instead to tie thee doors together. I hadn’t though about the hair dryer either!! Hope it’s stays as is for a long time though 🙂

  3. I have used this many times, you can use the bottle tip also. I used to have trays that had like cut glass shapes. You filled the trays let dry. I put that in a front door used the frost and blue with shapes came out looking like an antique door. I love gallery glass. Also, if you have a hard time getting it off, use a hair dryer to warm it up, and it will come off easy.

    1. Oooh Pat, thanks for those tips! I may actually remove the clingy film from our sidelights and use the gallery glass instead to tie thee doors together. I hadn’t though about the hair dryer either!! Hope it’s stays as is for a long time though 🙂

  4. Your doors turned out beautiful. I would like to try it on a west facing window but fear the material may not be able to handle the real hot sunsets and crumble or fall off. Do you know if it’s for interior projects ONLY? And how many 2 oz bottles of liquid did you need to complete the whole project?
    Love your work, thanks for posting!

    1. Thanks!! It took me two large bottles of crystal clear and a small bottle of liquid leading. I also use about half of a package of self adhesive leading. I would say inside only, but I’m honestly not certain. I would apply it to the interior panes of whatever project you’re working on. My thinking is if it’s a consistently hot area, it might do ok. Another reader commented below that it didn’t do well with extreme temp changes on her garage door windows. It’s pretty inexpensive ($3 for a small bottle. I’d test it out for a few weeks and see how it does!) Please make sure you come back and share your findings! Thanks again! xo

  5. Your doors turned out beautiful. I would like to try it on a west facing window but fear the material may not be able to handle the real hot sunsets and crumble or fall off. Do you know if it’s for interior projects ONLY? And how many 2 oz bottles of liquid did you need to complete the whole project?
    Love your work, thanks for posting!

    1. Thanks!! It took me two large bottles of crystal clear and a small bottle of liquid leading. I also use about half of a package of self adhesive leading. I would say inside only, but I’m honestly not certain. I would apply it to the interior panes of whatever project you’re working on. My thinking is if it’s a consistently hot area, it might do ok. Another reader commented below that it didn’t do well with extreme temp changes on her garage door windows. It’s pretty inexpensive ($3 for a small bottle. I’d test it out for a few weeks and see how it does!) Please make sure you come back and share your findings! Thanks again! xo

  6. I sprayed privacy frost paint on a bathroom window which looks over a deck. But I’m not too happy with it. I wonder if I used this technique over the privacy frost to give it a softer look? What do you think?

    1. I used the frosting spray paint a few months ago (on this project actually!). My suggestion would be to remove it prior to using the gallery glass. It should remove with little effort. I’d spray a household window cleaner on it first and then scrape it off with a straight edge razor. Make sure you have something underneath to catch the excess. Let me know how it turns out too 🙂

  7. I sprayed privacy frost paint on a bathroom window which looks over a deck. But I’m not too happy with it. I wonder if I used this technique over the privacy frost to give it a softer look? What do you think?

    1. I used the frosting spray paint a few months ago (on this project actually!). My suggestion would be to remove it prior to using the gallery glass. It should remove with little effort. I’d spray a household window cleaner on it first and then scrape it off with a straight edge razor. Make sure you have something underneath to catch the excess. Let me know how it turns out too 🙂

  8. Thank you for the info. I’m in the middle of new construction so it may be about 1 month or so before I’m able to get to it. I will post the results whenever I get them.

  9. Thank you for the info. I’m in the middle of new construction so it may be about 1 month or so before I’m able to get to it. I will post the results whenever I get them.

  10. I love this and may use it on my bathroom window to offer some diffusion…dont want the neighbors to see what I am up to! LOL Do you suppose it will hold up to the humidity of a bathroom? You did a great job! Your door looks awesome!

  11. I love this and may use it on my bathroom window to offer some diffusion…dont want the neighbors to see what I am up to! LOL Do you suppose it will hold up to the humidity of a bathroom? You did a great job! Your door looks awesome!

    1. Thanks so much!! I’m going to try it out on my actually shower so I’ll let you know. I think if it’s in direct proximity to the moisture, it might not work well. My bathroom does accumulate much moisture at all, so I’m not too worried. I say try it out!

  12. I’ve done a few projects with Gallery Glass, and I’ve done a lot of research on the products. First, it’s not recommended for outside doors and windows, because of the temp fluctuations. You could make a little trial decal on a small piece of glass and attach it to the window and see how it holds up (it sticks on it’s own). It’s also not recommended for use in bathrooms because of the humidity. And if you want to fill a large vertical area like a door you should start at the bottom and work up because of the drips. Hope this answers the questions.

  13. I’ve done a few projects with Gallery Glass, and I’ve done a lot of research on the products. First, it’s not recommended for outside doors and windows, because of the temp fluctuations. You could make a little trial decal on a small piece of glass and attach it to the window and see how it holds up (it sticks on it’s own). It’s also not recommended for use in bathrooms because of the humidity. And if you want to fill a large vertical area like a door you should start at the bottom and work up because of the drips. Hope this answers the questions.

  14. This looks great! Although it would look even better with the leading on all panes. Apparently you put the leading on first, then applied the gallery glass? Were you able to fix the pane that you didn’t like at first or did you leave it that way? It’s hard to tell once it dries, I guess.

  15. This looks great! Although it would look even better with the leading on all panes. Apparently you put the leading on first, then applied the gallery glass? Were you able to fix the pane that you didn’t like at first or did you leave it that way? It’s hard to tell once it dries, I guess.

  16. I never used Gallery Glass on a window to cover the entire pane but I have considered it . . . . many years ago actually 1992 I used gallery glaqss to do flowers for a stained glass effect on windows . . . . . never really covered the entire glass just placed flowers where i wanted in the middle of the square . . . . it worked great. . . it last forever . . . I am in the process of moving and peeled them off the glass. . . . with the time that has passed some of the red faded but it was in direct sunlight but the other colors didn’t fade. . . . it is really good stuff . . . . PS really like the doors

  17. I never used Gallery Glass on a window to cover the entire pane but I have considered it . . . . many years ago actually 1992 I used gallery glaqss to do flowers for a stained glass effect on windows . . . . . never really covered the entire glass just placed flowers where i wanted in the middle of the square . . . . it worked great. . . it last forever . . . I am in the process of moving and peeled them off the glass. . . . with the time that has passed some of the red faded but it was in direct sunlight but the other colors didn’t fade. . . . it is really good stuff . . . . PS really like the doors

    1. Thank you! I applied it on the outside of the doors, so the side facing my entry hall 🙂 I updated the post with a pic of what it looks like close up from the other side.

  18. Does the white give more of a frosted look? We have similar doors on our bedroom (crazy!) and closet and need something that is not see through but lets light through. This looks soooo much easier than the film!! Thanks!

  19. Does the white give more of a frosted look? We have similar doors on our bedroom (crazy!) and closet and need something that is not see through but lets light through. This looks soooo much easier than the film!! Thanks!

  20. Hi! Looks great! I have worked with Gallery Glass since it hit the shelves quite a few years ago. It is amazing, but I have found that using colors on windows exposed to the sun is a waste of time, as it does fade to clear after a while. So don’t waste your colors on sun-exposed glass. The leading is expensive, but it’s worth it.

  21. Hi! Looks great! I have worked with Gallery Glass since it hit the shelves quite a few years ago. It is amazing, but I have found that using colors on windows exposed to the sun is a waste of time, as it does fade to clear after a while. So don’t waste your colors on sun-exposed glass. The leading is expensive, but it’s worth it.

  22. Love this idea!! I too have doors like this that “show off” my office/school room messes. 😉 I tried hanging a curtain behind it and while I love that it hides the chaos, I don’t love the look of the whole fabric thing behind the glass. I might try this instead! I was wondering about the texture or look when up close. If given a choice, do you think it would look best applied to the “front” of the glass or the back so that it just shows through? Thanks for your time showing us how to do this and for the great idea!!

    1. I applied mine to the panes facing out only because I wanted the texture to be on the side that people would feel if they reached out to touch it (and they will, lol!) I was worried about having to clean it, but I’ve wiped it down without an issue. There’s no difference on the glass on the side where the gallery glass was used, but I was worried about potential issues with the leading. It wasn’t really an problem though. As long as you press the self adhesive leading down firmly, you shouldn’t experience any seepage. I’ll snap some up close pics for you from the opposite side.

  23. So awesome! I am running out the door right after posting this. So much easier and cheaper then doing the real thing! I am fixing my house up to sell and really do not want to install all that work to be left behind. This is a great alternative. This way if they don’t like it they can tear it out.
    P.S. In meaning to to educate, not to be a internet nazi :). This look emulates Water glass not Stained glass. Stained would mean stained with color.
    A great site , Master piece leaded windows. Explains the different type of glass. All very beautiful. http://mpglass.com/glass-types.htm

    1. Yes, a perfect alternative and no worries about being an internet “nazi”, lol! I had originally intended to color some of the panes. I actually had no idea that there was such a thing as water glass, so I totally appreciate the info! xo

  24. So awesome! I am running out the door right after posting this. So much easier and cheaper then doing the real thing! I am fixing my house up to sell and really do not want to install all that work to be left behind. This is a great alternative. This way if they don’t like it they can tear it out.
    P.S. In meaning to to educate, not to be a internet nazi :). This look emulates Water glass not Stained glass. Stained would mean stained with color.
    A great site , Master piece leaded windows. Explains the different type of glass. All very beautiful. http://mpglass.com/glass-types.htm

    1. Yes, a perfect alternative and no worries about being an internet “nazi”, lol! I had originally intended to color some of the panes. I actually had no idea that there was such a thing as water glass, so I totally appreciate the info! xo

  25. I have a door like this in my basement , we put it there when we moved in as it was on the kitchen door leading to the basement. They used it to keep their dogs upstairs but seeing as we didn’t have any dogs to go downstairs we just took it off and stored it in the basement. I would now like to bring it up and use it on the back bedroom which I have turned into an office hobby room.

  26. Wow I can’t believe how great it looks. Thanks , my daughter just bought her first house and this will be great. Cheers

  27. i would have used the ruby red just in the areas where you added the leading it would have broken up the contrast of the clear and the white of the doors.

  28. i would have used the ruby red just in the areas where you added the leading it would have broken up the contrast of the clear and the white of the doors.

  29. I live in a rental and would love to do my windows. Is this fully removable and leaves no residue? I really wouldn’t want the landlord suing me for damages…lol..you doors look beautiful!

    1. Thanks a bunch! It was fully removable for me, yes. I wouldn’t go putting the red all over, as that did leave a little residue around the wood. The way to avoid that though, would be to use the leading. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you do! xo

  30. I live in a rental and would love to do my windows. Is this fully removable and leaves no residue? I really wouldn’t want the landlord suing me for damages…lol..you doors look beautiful!

  31. OMG!! I am virtually hugging you right now. I have French glass doors everywhere I my house, 5 of those suckers. I have nose prints on mine, kids are gone but we have 3 dogs, Great Dane, Labrador and a chihuahua. The bottom 9 panes are always smudged and my husband touches the next three, so basically only the top 3 panes stay clean! In our guest bath we have a half French, panes on top only, it leads to the yard and pool, we have shutters on it and the window in there, I open tge shutters all day and my husband closes them, seriously who is looking at him?? I am going to michaels tomorrow!! Thank you so much I am starting with the bathroom and throwing the shutters on the door out, broken anyway

  32. OMG!! I am virtually hugging you right now. I have French glass doors everywhere I my house, 5 of those suckers. I have nose prints on mine, kids are gone but we have 3 dogs, Great Dane, Labrador and a chihuahua. The bottom 9 panes are always smudged and my husband touches the next three, so basically only the top 3 panes stay clean! In our guest bath we have a half French, panes on top only, it leads to the yard and pool, we have shutters on it and the window in there, I open tge shutters all day and my husband closes them, seriously who is looking at him?? I am going to michaels tomorrow!! Thank you so much I am starting with the bathroom and throwing the shutters on the door out, broken anyway

  33. I love Gallery Glass! It’s been in my crafty/DIY arsenal for a long time now. I found it out of desperation for some much needed privacy in my rental apartment while in college & it haven’t looked back once. The stuff works like a charm & is uber forgoving. I have no idea how many times I have reached for that bottle when all else has failed, but it has NEVER once left me feeling disappointed! & the BEST part? Not only while it stay put for years & still look brand spankin’ new while still being super easy to remove, BUT, it is ridiculous easy to fix it if need be. If It gets cut, gouged up, etc. in some way- No worries!… Just grab that trusty bottle & repeat the same appliction process that you initially used in just the area that needs touched up (I always try to blend the edges a bit in whatever “pattern” I used to apply it in the 1st place- swirl, stipple, yadda yadda & tada! Before ya know it, Problem solved 🙂 …Once it’s dry, you’ll never be able to tell where you repaired it & I have done so YEARS later w/out any indication of where it was even done once it was fully dry. Also, for those wondering about using it in bathrooms, I have had excellent results there too. (I’m sure the manufacturer has a techincal reply to those wondering that’s far superior to mine; But I’ve never had any issues if that helps anyone..?) Heck, I even used it once on a window that was IN a shower stall about 3/4 of the way up the wall & the other side of that glass was exposed to Pennsylvania winters. I don’t think it gets much more challenging as far as temperature & humidity exposure than that scenario & as expected, it never once budged. I now live in TX…so I’ve officially used it in both freezing temps as well as 100+ degree weather & I still give it an A++! For anyone considering it, Don’t stop to “consider” it any longer! Just run out now & buy yourself some! You will LURVE it! (Now that I’ve officially taken over your blog to profess my love of Gallery Glass, I also feel the need to add a disclaimer assuring everyone that I do NOT work for the co. that makes the stuff- Promise! Lol)
    P.S. I’m a brand new reader & have been on your blog for a couple of hours now just reading away! Really glad I stumbled upon it-
    You are definitely being added to my “must read blog” list pronto!

  34. I love Gallery Glass! It’s been in my crafty/DIY arsenal for a long time now. I found it out of desperation for some much needed privacy in my rental apartment while in college & it haven’t looked back once. The stuff works like a charm & is uber forgoving. I have no idea how many times I have reached for that bottle when all else has failed, but it has NEVER once left me feeling disappointed! & the BEST part? Not only while it stay put for years & still look brand spankin’ new while still being super easy to remove, BUT, it is ridiculous easy to fix it if need be. If It gets cut, gouged up, etc. in some way- No worries!… Just grab that trusty bottle & repeat the same appliction process that you initially used in just the area that needs touched up (I always try to blend the edges a bit in whatever “pattern” I used to apply it in the 1st place- swirl, stipple, yadda yadda & tada! Before ya know it, Problem solved 🙂 …Once it’s dry, you’ll never be able to tell where you repaired it & I have done so YEARS later w/out any indication of where it was even done once it was fully dry. Also, for those wondering about using it in bathrooms, I have had excellent results there too. (I’m sure the manufacturer has a techincal reply to those wondering that’s far superior to mine; But I’ve never had any issues if that helps anyone..?) Heck, I even used it once on a window that was IN a shower stall about 3/4 of the way up the wall & the other side of that glass was exposed to Pennsylvania winters. I don’t think it gets much more challenging as far as temperature & humidity exposure than that scenario & as expected, it never once budged. I now live in TX…so I’ve officially used it in both freezing temps as well as 100+ degree weather & I still give it an A++! For anyone considering it, Don’t stop to “consider” it any longer! Just run out now & buy yourself some! You will LURVE it! (Now that I’ve officially taken over your blog to profess my love of Gallery Glass, I also feel the need to add a disclaimer assuring everyone that I do NOT work for the co. that makes the stuff- Promise! Lol)
    P.S. I’m a brand new reader & have been on your blog for a couple of hours now just reading away! Really glad I stumbled upon it-
    You are definitely being added to my “must read blog” list pronto!

  35. Hi, I am so glad that I found your site. Your explanations are very easy to understand even if I am french speaking. I running to Michaels today .

    I thank you very much.
    Monique

  36. I love your doors and am so glad to hear Gallery Glass is still around! I was home alone in our rented house years ago, walked past our front door, and looked up to see our landlord peering in through glass on the door! Scared me to death! I used Gallery Glass to get some privacy as well as for several other projects and absolutely loved it! I don’t even know if they had the leading strips then; I had to use the liquid leading and try to draw straight lines on a saran-covered cookie sheet. The strips will be much easier! Great job on your doors, and thank you for sharing!

  37. I love your doors and am so glad to hear Gallery Glass is still around! I was home alone in our rented house years ago, walked past our front door, and looked up to see our landlord peering in through glass on the door! Scared me to death! I used Gallery Glass to get some privacy as well as for several other projects and absolutely loved it! I don’t even know if they had the leading strips then; I had to use the liquid leading and try to draw straight lines on a saran-covered cookie sheet. The strips will be much easier! Great job on your doors, and thank you for sharing!

  38. This is one of the best tutorials I’ve read. So informative! I loved that you explained all the “mistakes” before you figured out the right way to use it. Most bloggers wouldn’t have taken the trouble. It looks great. Thank you for sharing and possibly saving a lot of trouble for others who want the same look. I will follow your blog because you’re so real. I like it when we share our imperfections so others don’t feel intimidated. Great job on the tutorial and the doors. Blessed be.

  39. This is one of the best tutorials I’ve read. So informative! I loved that you explained all the “mistakes” before you figured out the right way to use it. Most bloggers wouldn’t have taken the trouble. It looks great. Thank you for sharing and possibly saving a lot of trouble for others who want the same look. I will follow your blog because you’re so real. I like it when we share our imperfections so others don’t feel intimidated. Great job on the tutorial and the doors. Blessed be.

  40. Just wanted to say great job and…there used to be videos for gallery glass on u-tube…and they make the lead in shapes….also you can add gems to your glass….and when it first came out they used a nut pick to swirl the paint…a paint brush handle works good to…and I sometimes swirl gold in my clear….blending is so easy……to do patterns just tape design to other side of glass……my favorite color ..lasts the best…is amethyst have also used everywhere and in all climates….only thing I’ve had happen is color fade..but easy fix…try some patterns people think your an artistic genius…..

  41. I have been a fan of Gallery Glass for many years and have done a couple of projects – one large door and some smaller items. Sadly, Michaels in Canada no longer carries this product. However, it is available through Amazon but there is nothing quite like pursuing a ‘live’ display including various kits with patterns and other items. I’m so sad 🙁

    I do love your project as it is similar the first one I did. I have to confess that I actually removed the door and laid it flat to avoid the issue of ‘running’!

  42. I have been a fan of Gallery Glass for many years and have done a couple of projects – one large door and some smaller items. Sadly, Michaels in Canada no longer carries this product. However, it is available through Amazon but there is nothing quite like pursuing a ‘live’ display including various kits with patterns and other items. I’m so sad 🙁

    I do love your project as it is similar the first one I did. I have to confess that I actually removed the door and laid it flat to avoid the issue of ‘running’!

  43. Oh girl!!!! You have solved my problem. I has sidelights on both sides of my back door. Like you curtains dont look right. So im gonna try this. One question. How much did you wind up using for your project? I dont want to get started on mine and run out. Thanks for posting and doing it very well. You left very little to question. Kudos to you! k

    1. Yay! Love to hear this! So I bought waaaaay more than I needed. It took me two large bottles and a small, but that’s only because I had to cut away 6 panes after I realized I was putting it on too thin. Hopefully I’ve saved you that headache 🙂

  44. Oh girl!!!! You have solved my problem. I has sidelights on both sides of my back door. Like you curtains dont look right. So im gonna try this. One question. How much did you wind up using for your project? I dont want to get started on mine and run out. Thanks for posting and doing it very well. You left very little to question. Kudos to you! k

  45. This is absolutely lovely! I was wondering if one could get an even more private effect if one added the gallery glass to both sides, or would that make it too opaque? You are a genius and shared a jewel with us!! Thank you

    1. Thanks so much! You’re so sweet! You probably could do that, but honestly, I find this provides ample privacy. I’d maybe test one pane and see how it goes. Good luck! Please send pics if you decide to tackle both. xo

  46. I’ve been using Gallery Glass for years and have made numerous windows with it (my husband says it looks like a church in our house!) You said you didn’t know what to use the red on and I have a suggestion. If you use a few drops of color in with your clear and swirl it you get a really interesting effect. When it is dry, there are swirls of color and you can use two or three colors for even more interesting effects. It looks like the real thing and adds just a bit more privacy if you want it.

  47. I’ve been using Gallery Glass for years and have made numerous windows with it (my husband says it looks like a church in our house!) You said you didn’t know what to use the red on and I have a suggestion. If you use a few drops of color in with your clear and swirl it you get a really interesting effect. When it is dry, there are swirls of color and you can use two or three colors for even more interesting effects. It looks like the real thing and adds just a bit more privacy if you want it.

  48. I used stain gallery glass this morning. It took me 1 hour to do a nice job. But will it be a problem that I didn’t use self adhesive. The only thing it looks gorgeous but I think I did put enough. I would have liked it to be more opaque.
    My door window mesures about 2′ x 4′ and I used only half of the 8 oz bottle.
    Now is it possible to add a second coat on the first coat, to make it thicker.
    by the way, Michaels sell those in Canada. I bouth mines in Michaels in Saint Jerome and they have it also in Laval, Quebec.

    Thanks for answering me. Monique Clouatre

    1. No, you won’t have an issue. I only used the self adhesive leading on 6 windows. I didn’t use any on the others. You should be fine to add more. I tested it out on one pane and didn’t have a problem. Maybe just add more to the entire pane to avoid a potential line of demarcation. Good luck. Send me some pics when your done!

  49. From all your fails, you saved all of us valuable time and effort – I am grateful. I have looked at doors with this water effect and they are expensive. I am going to use your method, as it looks beautiful. You did a terrific job. Thanks bunches!

  50. From all your fails, you saved all of us valuable time and effort – I am grateful. I have looked at doors with this water effect and they are expensive. I am going to use your method, as it looks beautiful. You did a terrific job. Thanks bunches!

  51. hi. I am new to all this crafty stuff. So don’t laugh at my question. But I don’t understand the liquid leading stuff. What does it do and what did you do with it???

    1. Hey! The liquid leading is the black gel that joins the joints of the self adhesive leading strips that I used to make the design. Using it just makes it look more authentic and mimics the look of soldering. Hope this helps. xo

  52. I LOVE your doors! What an inspiration! I was wondering if anyone has put this on glass then cut the glass into shapes to apply as mosaic pieces. I didn’t know if it would peel off if you cut it after it was applied.

    1. They actually sell a mat that you can do this with, but yes, you can totally apply the gallery glass and use it in that way. It may be better to get the mat just so the mosaic releases easier. People have made really pretty window clings with gallery glass.

  53. I LOVE your doors! What an inspiration! I was wondering if anyone has put this on glass then cut the glass into shapes to apply as mosaic pieces. I didn’t know if it would peel off if you cut it after it was applied.

  54. I have an atrium door in my den that is 25 years old at least. The double panes developed a haze inside the panes and I could not make it look clean. To replace is was really expensive so thought I would try Gallery Glass. I used the leading strips and designed the panes on the entire door. Then I carefully brushed about a 1/2 in. with beveled corners to resemble beveled glass. This was the really hard part, keep it really sharp. I tried taping it off but had trouble pulling off the tape….it took the paint too! I wanted to be able to see through the door and let in as much light as possible so I left some of the panes clear and made watered glass with the clear glass on others…I love it, and it has been up for about 7 years with no problem. I really wanted to put it on the outside as well but didn’t. I can’t recommend this product enough, it is GREAT!

  55. I have an atrium door in my den that is 25 years old at least. The double panes developed a haze inside the panes and I could not make it look clean. To replace is was really expensive so thought I would try Gallery Glass. I used the leading strips and designed the panes on the entire door. Then I carefully brushed about a 1/2 in. with beveled corners to resemble beveled glass. This was the really hard part, keep it really sharp. I tried taping it off but had trouble pulling off the tape….it took the paint too! I wanted to be able to see through the door and let in as much light as possible so I left some of the panes clear and made watered glass with the clear glass on others…I love it, and it has been up for about 7 years with no problem. I really wanted to put it on the outside as well but didn’t. I can’t recommend this product enough, it is GREAT!

  56. THANK YOU so much for these glass ideas!!!!! I have always hated my glass-front kitchen cabinets because they show off too much detail of what’s in them and the fact that the shelves are crooked and don’t match-up with the mullions–looks weird! The water effect looks beautiful and provides just the right amount of camouflage. This is the perfect answer to my problem, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this product…….THANK YOU so much!!!!! Your door looks gorgeous~~

  57. We’re going to be moving into our new house next month. I love it but the front door has six small panes on top that give full view of the living room if someone comes to the porch. I was going to come up with some curtain until I saw your post on Pinterest! I ordered two bottles of GG and can’t wait to move in and try it! I’ll send you a pic if it turns out well! 🙂

    1. How exciting! Congrats on the new house! I’d LOVE to see pictures when your all moved in and have some time to tackle it! Ours is still going strong 🙂

  58. We’re going to be moving into our new house next month. I love it but the front door has six small panes on top that give full view of the living room if someone comes to the porch. I was going to come up with some curtain until I saw your post on Pinterest! I ordered two bottles of GG and can’t wait to move in and try it! I’ll send you a pic if it turns out well! 🙂

  59. thanks for posting this. I had no idea there was such a thing as gallery glass. We have 2 sets of 9-lite doors I would love to do this too. Also have 2 bookshelves with overhead pull downs and standard glass that can’t be replaced, it’s built right in. So the gallery glass will really dress it up, especially if I do the leaded beads.

  60. thanks for posting this. I had no idea there was such a thing as gallery glass. We have 2 sets of 9-lite doors I would love to do this too. Also have 2 bookshelves with overhead pull downs and standard glass that can’t be replaced, it’s built right in. So the gallery glass will really dress it up, especially if I do the leaded beads.

  61. i’m happy for your discovery of Gallery Glass. I have been doing this for many years. I find a lot of the supplies on Ebay, and others at craft stores. I use panes or windows from old houses or the like. For the past three years, my son and I have graduated to authentic tiffany style stained glass. It is quite an investment, but we are gettibg really good and enjoy it very much.

  62. Love the door, love painting with gallery glass paint! Tell me how to send some pics to you of my windows that I have done. Ty

  63. Love the door, love painting with gallery glass paint! Tell me how to send some pics to you of my windows that I have done. Ty

  64. Glad you posted your bathroom/humid area results. I have a enclosed glass shower that, I don’t know, leaves me feeling just a little too exposed, and I was wondering if I could try this technique there. I’m assuming it would be best to apply the GG on the outside of the shower? Years ago I might not have been bothered by such a thing, but time and childbirth have not been my best friends. Thanks for the pros and cons of your efforts!
    Dianne

  65. I did a similar project only using frames to make it look like a framed textured glass window. Instead of the gallery glass, I used black silicone to make the lead lines and when it was dry, used clear silicone for the texturing. Turned out great. It would be pretty permanent though and might not come off if you changed your mind.

  66. I did a similar project only using frames to make it look like a framed textured glass window. Instead of the gallery glass, I used black silicone to make the lead lines and when it was dry, used clear silicone for the texturing. Turned out great. It would be pretty permanent though and might not come off if you changed your mind.

  67. I did the front door side panels 25 years ago with a design of an elongated orchid plant. The green leaves and pink flowers have faded a bit over the years since it receives the hot afternoon sun but the rest is clear and looks as good as the day I applied it. I did leave one little unobtrusive clear spot so I could look out and see who was at my door. I have also done a huge mural with mountains in the background and butterflies up front on my girlfriends large shower doors. She hated the clear glass in her shower. She ended up moving about a year later, but it was beautiful. I have applied a border of two rows with various cross pieces around my glass sliding doors and frosted inside the design. Then I made a hanging pot with green nepthytis leaves on the slider using the liquid lead to make lines on a saran wrapped board with my design under the saran wrap. Peeled them off and applied to the door then colored in the leaves and the pot. It’s been on there for years. There are books with patterns, well, there were back in the day not sure about now. My mom used the small patterns to decorate her recycled glass jars that she stores food in. They are very pretty. If you are doing a door I would recommend removing the door and laying it flat. Sooooo much easier. It’s just two pins to remove and easy to put back on. I just squirted the product on the door or window and pushed it around with the tip working a small area at a time. It takes a little time but nothing difficult about it.

  68. Love it! Can’t wait to try it! I have 2 projects in mind. Thanks for the info! I actually do Stain Glass as a hobby, but this is easier and cheaper for the projects I have in mind. I actually fell upon this Gallery Glass blog…. I was actually looking at your furniture re- creations! Where did you find the paper that u used on the front of the drawers of the redone wardrobe / dresser? (Thomasville piece) How did u apply it to the front of the drawers? Love all your creations! Monica

  69. I have been looking for something like this for several windows in our home. LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to get started and pray it turns out as pretty as yours. Thanx a million.

  70. I have been looking for something like this for several windows in our home. LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to get started and pray it turns out as pretty as yours. Thanx a million.

  71. i like the way your door came up.. we are about to move to a new apartment and its full of big windows everywhere, and i want to try new things in our new apartment without using much of the curtains. is it permanent or temporary? my concern is can i remove it? how can you remove it?

    1. Hi! Thanks so much. It’s really as permanent as you want it to be. Ours is holding up beautifully, but if we needed to remove, it would be very easy to do so. Simply pick a corner and peel it. It’s the perfect product really!

  72. i like the way your door came up.. we are about to move to a new apartment and its full of big windows everywhere, and i want to try new things in our new apartment without using much of the curtains. is it permanent or temporary? my concern is can i remove it? how can you remove it?

    1. Hi! Thanks so much. It’s really as permanent as you want it to be. Ours is holding up beautifully, but if we needed to remove, it would be very easy to do so. Simply pick a corner and peel it. It’s the perfect product really!

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  74. I used coloring books for pictures. Use plastic cutting boards, place the picture under the board and trace the picture with your leading, let dry for about 24 hours and add color and texture. I did my French Doors, they were beautiful. I miss them, had a slider put in when I remodeled the house, a friend took them off my hands and love them.
    For Christmas I have made clings for the windows, again using coloring books. The white glitter works great for snow, the snowmen are great!!!!
    Have fun with it, it makes me want to go out a buy some right now and start Gallery Glassing!!!!!

  75. I used coloring books for pictures. Use plastic cutting boards, place the picture under the board and trace the picture with your leading, let dry for about 24 hours and add color and texture. I did my French Doors, they were beautiful. I miss them, had a slider put in when I remodeled the house, a friend took them off my hands and love them.
    For Christmas I have made clings for the windows, again using coloring books. The white glitter works great for snow, the snowmen are great!!!!
    Have fun with it, it makes me want to go out a buy some right now and start Gallery Glassing!!!!!

  76. So glad I found this!!! Hubby and I bought a “new” house almost 2 years ago. Built in the late 70’s and updated in the late 90’s we are in fairly good shape to remodel slowly and personalize it. I recently found an amazing deal on faux wood blinds for the entire front of the house ($10 per blind) but was stuck with a front door that has half glass with diamond panes. At the moment, there are regular mini blinds on it. I had been discussing my options with friends on Facebook from curtains to decorative film. When I came across this I fell in love!!! Our suburb is just outside the historic district where you can find stained glass in half the houses. So I am making a trip to hobby lobby tomorrow to pick up 4 2oz bottles of different colors!!! If it turns out as awesome as I think, I may end up eventually doing all the windows in the front of the house. They are all diamond panes. Or I may just do the front door in colors and use clear on the others to give it that “antique” glass look. Wow! Thank you so much. And please excise my insomnia induced ramblings…

  77. So glad I found this!!! Hubby and I bought a “new” house almost 2 years ago. Built in the late 70’s and updated in the late 90’s we are in fairly good shape to remodel slowly and personalize it. I recently found an amazing deal on faux wood blinds for the entire front of the house ($10 per blind) but was stuck with a front door that has half glass with diamond panes. At the moment, there are regular mini blinds on it. I had been discussing my options with friends on Facebook from curtains to decorative film. When I came across this I fell in love!!! Our suburb is just outside the historic district where you can find stained glass in half the houses. So I am making a trip to hobby lobby tomorrow to pick up 4 2oz bottles of different colors!!! If it turns out as awesome as I think, I may end up eventually doing all the windows in the front of the house. They are all diamond panes. Or I may just do the front door in colors and use clear on the others to give it that “antique” glass look. Wow! Thank you so much. And please excise my insomnia induced ramblings…

  78. What a terrific project – it looks great!

    Have you ever experimented with this product around high heat temperatures? I have been trying to find an inexpensive way to put a stained-glass cover in front of my fireplace insert to hide it. I absolutely hate what is there now but it’s not in the budget to replace the whole insert. I thought it would be lovely to hang a colored glass panel a few inches in front so that you could still see the light of the flames behind it. I know I’d have to purchase special glass, but would the MP withstand the dry heat?

    1. I’ve not unfortunately. Honestly though, I’d give it a go. It’s inexpensive enough where if it doesn’t perform how’d youd like, it won’t put a huge dent if your pocket. Good luck!

  79. I love this. I have a skylight I need to do this in. I think I’ll just buy a piece of glass the same size as the skylight so I can do it laying down. Then i’ll use fancy corners or nails in the wood and bent to tack it in place. Thank You!

  80. I love this. I have a skylight I need to do this in. I think I’ll just buy a piece of glass the same size as the skylight so I can do it laying down. Then i’ll use fancy corners or nails in the wood and bent to tack it in place. Thank You!

  81. I’m so glad I found this! (Got here from HomeTalk :))

    We are renovating our “new” home that was built in 1900 and I wanted to add a couple transoms above our french doors and kitchen door. This will be a great way to give that leaded glass feel without paying massive amounts of money. Thank you!!

  82. This is stunning. I have two doors that I bought the “stickers” that you cut. They look ok, but this is so much prettier. As far as the technique on the window did you just use the gallery glass? I’m not sure I need the leading??? The leading was just for decorative correct? Thanks for the response.

  83. This is stunning. I have two doors that I bought the “stickers” that you cut. They look ok, but this is so much prettier. As far as the technique on the window did you just use the gallery glass? I’m not sure I need the leading??? The leading was just for decorative correct? Thanks for the response.

  84. How does this look from the office? I have a room that we are using as a play room and has a door to another room that we do not use much. I would like to put it on this door but do not want the kids to pick at it. I was hoping I could do this on the other side and still get a great look from the playroom.

    1. Looks the same on both sides 😉 I was worried about the “pick” factor too, but they haven’t touched it once. No temptation there at all. It’s pretty tough to pick off unless you have an exacto knife.

  85. How does this look from the office? I have a room that we are using as a play room and has a door to another room that we do not use much. I would like to put it on this door but do not want the kids to pick at it. I was hoping I could do this on the other side and still get a great look from the playroom.

    1. Looks the same on both sides 😉 I was worried about the “pick” factor too, but they haven’t touched it once. No temptation there at all. It’s pretty tough to pick off unless you have an exacto knife.

  86. I found this kit 15 years ago and did my 2 sidelights on my front door. Looked beautiful. Glad to find out Michael carries the product. Might have to try a project with it again!

  87. I found this kit 15 years ago and did my 2 sidelights on my front door. Looked beautiful. Glad to find out Michael carries the product. Might have to try a project with it again!

  88. You are so generous to share, esp. putting forth your trial & error issues, and telling us the best ways to go! I’m going out tomorrow for GG ~ that is, if there’s ANY LEFT now! We have two bath windows and two French doors where this is needed for more privacy … It sure will make me feel more “comfortable” and I won’t be thinking I can be seen even with shades, etc., in use!
    This is a beautiful, and unique, solution: great problem-solving! I’m now a new Follower!

  89. You are so generous to share, esp. putting forth your trial & error issues, and telling us the best ways to go! I’m going out tomorrow for GG ~ that is, if there’s ANY LEFT now! We have two bath windows and two French doors where this is needed for more privacy … It sure will make me feel more “comfortable” and I won’t be thinking I can be seen even with shades, etc., in use!
    This is a beautiful, and unique, solution: great problem-solving! I’m now a new Follower!

  90. Hello! I am currently doing this to my old 8 paned window in my house. How long did it take for yours to completely dry and cure? I have been done for about an hour and mine is dry to the touch but still has some spots that aren’t clear and I guess I got worried that they wouldn’t turn clear! Mine is the Crystal Clear kind also. .

    Thanks!

  91. Do you know if this can be used on plexiglass? I just love the look and I would love to use it on my kitchen cupboards lined with plexiglass.

  92. Do you know if this can be used on plexiglass? I just love the look and I would love to use it on my kitchen cupboards lined with plexiglass.

  93. hey your windows look great, FYI if you want a more inexpensive way and get the same results try using elmers school glue it the same as gallery glass.

  94. hey your windows look great, FYI if you want a more inexpensive way and get the same results try using elmers school glue it the same as gallery glass.

  95. Wow, this effect is sure nice! A good idea for the bathroom that opens to my front entryway!
    Good tutorial too. I like that you showed your mistakes, so we know what we are up against!

  96. Hi Dorrie, I have also used this product on french doors on a previous home. I love the the way yours came out! i would recommend this project to anyone, it really isn’t that difficult. My daughter is named Dorrie also, just one R!

  97. Hi Dorrie, I have also used this product on french doors on a previous home. I love the the way yours came out! i would recommend this project to anyone, it really isn’t that difficult. My daughter is named Dorrie also, just one R!

  98. So, I wonder what would happen if you put some colored glass pieces to the surface while it was still wet – would it hold the glass pieces?

  99. I’ve used this product several times to create pretty art glass panels which have sold for up to $100 at auction. I use old windows which I find on the curb. I paint or otherwise pretty up the wood frame. I do mine differently than you did in your tutorial because I lay the leading strips down first then go back and fill in the liquid glass medium second. Using a variety of textures in one piece gives it a really realistic stained glass look. You can swirl. Of course, brush on and leave the brush strokes in, even dot the medium on which gives a nice bubble effect.

  100. I’ve used this product several times to create pretty art glass panels which have sold for up to $100 at auction. I use old windows which I find on the curb. I paint or otherwise pretty up the wood frame. I do mine differently than you did in your tutorial because I lay the leading strips down first then go back and fill in the liquid glass medium second. Using a variety of textures in one piece gives it a really realistic stained glass look. You can swirl. Of course, brush on and leave the brush strokes in, even dot the medium on which gives a nice bubble effect.

  101. no- i tried that when I first starting using this years ago, and it will hold super LIGHT weight (ie lighter than a feather, but not well. dont recommend

  102. Just found this so excited thank you for your time in showing mistakes and tips your windows are great.Has anyone ever tried this on glass sliders? I have dogs and the sliders look awful.Because over the last few years there are scratches.I have never followed a blog you will be my first big hugs thank you

  103. Just found this so excited thank you for your time in showing mistakes and tips your windows are great.Has anyone ever tried this on glass sliders? I have dogs and the sliders look awful.Because over the last few years there are scratches.I have never followed a blog you will be my first big hugs thank you

  104. So doing this to the two glass fronted kitchen cabinets. I had such lovely plans to display beautiful things in them…. right. Too much stuff. Gotta hide it. Thanks for the great tutorial.
    ..

  105. Hello, I must join the legions of people who loved this and found your generous reporting of all of the steps you took so very helpful! A GIGANTIC thanks for all of your directions and pictures. One question about the self adhesive leading: when I searched online I saw so many types, can you share what type you did use and where you got it from, since it looks perfect. Thanks again DN

    1. Hey there! Thanks a bunch!! I bought mine from Michael’s and it was the 1/8 inch adhesive backed lead lines. I have linked and Amazon affiliate link so you can see what it looks like. http://amzn.to/2q8ADBD You’ll also want to purchase the liquid leading which you will use to close lead line connections. There’s a link for that here >>> http://amzn.to/2pew9Vl Please let me know if you have more questions. I’d love to see some pictures when it’s all done!

  106. Love the instructions… I’m having trouble though with mine… looks like it is not completely drying and it’s been a few weeks. It still shows white in some of the fingerprint areas… any suggestions? Thanks for the instructions!

    1. I experienced the same. I found that it stayed more milky in spots where I hadn’t spread it out enough. If it’s a small enough area, you can always remove it and redo. It’s super simple to remove.

    2. Hey! Are you noticing the milky look in areas where the product it a bit thicker? If you look really closely, does it appear to be tiny little bubbles?

  107. Love the instructions… I’m having trouble though with mine… looks like it is not completely drying and it’s been a few weeks. It still shows white in some of the fingerprint areas… any suggestions? Thanks for the instructions!

  108. Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me how many ounces were the large size bottles that you used of the crystal clear? I love what you did! I’m going to attempt to try on my side windows on my front door. Thanks!

  109. I am going to try this on my own office door which, just like yours, is right off my front entry. One question: did you apply the lead adhesive on the same side as the Gallery Glass? It seems like that would be tricky to avoid getting it on the lead…..? but doing it on the other side would make it obvious that the lead is not the real deal, right? I can tell you applied the lead before doing any of the Gallery Glass so hopefully my assumption is right and you just spent a lot of time getting the product between all the lead. Thanks for any feedback on this so I can begin with confidence!

    1. Hey! I did the leading on the same side as the gallery glass. It was really easy to do actually. Just make sure you press your leading down firmly. You can spread it to those areas with a paint brush. Just keep a damp paper towel hand in case you need to wipe the gallery glass off of the leading. Have fun with it!!

    2. Yes, I sure did. Keep a moist paper towel handy and just wipe it away if it gets on the leading. You’ll also want to get the liquid leading for where your leader lines would naturally intersect.

  110. I am going to try this on my own office door which, just like yours, is right off my front entry. One question: did you apply the lead adhesive on the same side as the Gallery Glass? It seems like that would be tricky to avoid getting it on the lead…..? but doing it on the other side would make it obvious that the lead is not the real deal, right? I can tell you applied the lead before doing any of the Gallery Glass so hopefully my assumption is right and you just spent a lot of time getting the product between all the lead. Thanks for any feedback on this so I can begin with confidence!

  111. Love what you have done to your French doors!! I have a piece of plexi-glass in a Transom that was present when I bought this house. I’ve always thought I’d like to find an antique piece of stained glass to install……now I’m thinking, simply replace the plexi glass with glass and try out Gallery Glass instead!!
    Thanks! I look forward to more of your great BLOGS!

  112. Love what you have done to your French doors!! I have a piece of plexi-glass in a Transom that was present when I bought this house. I’ve always thought I’d like to find an antique piece of stained glass to install……now I’m thinking, simply replace the plexi glass with glass and try out Gallery Glass instead!!
    Thanks! I look forward to more of your great BLOGS!

  113. Thanks for your post! I love the look of stained glass.I did it to my Kitchen windows 10 years ago and still love them!
    I need some privacy since at the time we didn’t have put up the fence and my windows where facing a busy side walk. I also used the clear one and added some decorative finishing on the side using the strip of “lead” some circles and different colors matching my decor.
    People always ask if they are the real thing!
    It’s a time comsuming proyect but very rewarding!

  114. Thank you for your wonderful presentation

    I’ve used Gallery Glass several times over the years. My latest project is on my shower door. Naturally, not on the inside where the glass gets wet, has worked just fine. Its been almost a year now and still looks just fine

  115. I have 4 angled windows above my windows and doors that I can’t put a blind or curtain on- they are angled along my slanted ceiling. they are west windows and the sun is so bright at certain times in the afternoon. have thought about tinting them, but I wondered if this would cut some of the sun coming thru. wasn’t crazy about the window tint materials

    1. I had the same problem with my house. A strange triangle window on the west side of the house that lit the sun heat up my living room. So I actually used a film on the inside dad has a stained glass look. It works pretty good, but I live in a very hot part of California. So I followed up with a dark window tint on the outside and that has helped tremendously and has been there for years.

  116. I have 4 angled windows above my windows and doors that I can’t put a blind or curtain on- they are angled along my slanted ceiling. they are west windows and the sun is so bright at certain times in the afternoon. have thought about tinting them, but I wondered if this would cut some of the sun coming thru. wasn’t crazy about the window tint materials

  117. Thank you so very much for this great information.
    My family & I just moved this summer & we have a large arched eyebrow
    Window above our front door & side panels. You can see straight through
    To my living, dining& kitchen. Can I just say” no, privacy”!!!
    Would you recommend this for such a large window? I
    Appreciate you so much! Thanks again

    1. I just love this and can’t wait to try it. Thank u so much for your tutorial. U do a good job. Ginny

    2. I used this procedure years ago on my eyebrow and twin glass front doors as well as my huge bay window and my glass wall in my bathroom. It’s perfect for all of those applications and in 15 years it didn’t degrade at all. It also gave me privacy without having to put up blinds or curtains and lose all the natural light.

    3. I would make a template or in a large window…several templates. Get a large picture frame and do your design on it one piece at a time. It can be peeled off the frame and applied to your window after the paints dry. I would not use these paints on anything that isn’t flat. The paints run if used properly. Gallery glass paints are meant to be applied from the bottle directly to your design.

  118. Thank you so very much for this great information.
    My family & I just moved this summer & we have a large arched eyebrow
    Window above our front door & side panels. You can see straight through
    To my living, dining& kitchen. Can I just say” no, privacy”!!!
    Would you recommend this for such a large window? I
    Appreciate you so much! Thanks again

  119. Awesome tutorial on faux stained glass windows! I have the perfect window to try it on. I also teach arts & crafts to Snowbirds in Florida and will be teaching a mini-version but adding color and faux leading to a patterned glass from a picture frame. I will be following your blog! Thanks

  120. Interesting effect!
    If you were to apply color white over sealed backsplash in kitchen, would it work? Be cleanable? Be removable ?
    Thanks!

  121. Interesting effect!
    If you were to apply color white over sealed backsplash in kitchen, would it work? Be cleanable? Be removable ?
    Thanks!

  122. What was the width of the lead tape you used? I can only find 1/8″ wide and that just doesn’t seem wide enough.

  123. What was the width of the lead tape you used? I can only find 1/8″ wide and that just doesn’t seem wide enough.

  124. could you use the liquid leading with a stencil to create a design? would you need to take the door off and do it horizontally so it doesn’t drip? and then use the gallery glass over top? I have two clear glass front doors and want a wrought iron look if possible….

    1. Hey…I’ve successfully used Liquitex Gloss Heavy Gel medium on faux stained glass projects, for times when you might want an even thicker, more textured look. Its thick like paste, but dries clear.
      Have you tried the mod podge version that is actually packaged like Gallery Glass?

      1. Hi Nancy. I like your idea of the acrylic medium. Does the film stay on when the sun warms the glass or the glass gets humidity from being cold? I tried using white glue to make decorative window stickers. The worked great until for a while but then wrinkled and curled and came off.

        Can you add colors to the medium to create a realistic stained glass effect?

    2. I have been using Gallery Glass paints for about three years. I would never expect to get much more than she did with them on a vertical surface. Gallery Glass paints are meant to be put on thick and left to dry. They will peel off and restick on glass very easy but not plexiglass. If possible make a template if your doors and prepare your paints on a flat surface. When dry, lift them and apply to your doors.

      1. I would make a template or in a large window…several templates. Get a large picture frame and do your design on it one piece at a time. It can be peeled off the frame and applied to your window after the paints dry. I would not use these paints on anything that isn’t flat. The paints run if used properly. Gallery glass paints are meant to be applied from the bottle directly to your design.

  125. I wonder if you could make circular glass with the Gallery Glass. You know the really old houses that have glass in their windows that have large circles in them with sort of a bifocal effect. That would be REALLY beautiful effect for those french doors.

  126. I wonder if you could make circular glass with the Gallery Glass. You know the really old houses that have glass in their windows that have large circles in them with sort of a bifocal effect. That would be REALLY beautiful effect for those french doors.

  127. You did a great job! I wonder how it would look if you treated the office side of the door as well…, including the “lead”….

  128. You did a great job! I wonder how it would look if you treated the office side of the door as well…, including the “lead”….

  129. I’ve used Gallery Glass for 25+ years while moving to different military base housing. Creating privacy on windows that were too close to neighbors and in areas that curtains could not be used. Easliy to remove for outprocessing inspections. Clean up is easy and windows never damaged.
    Designs can be easily made with the liquid leading. And can be fun especially when young children want Dalmatians for their designs.
    A great product! Very easy to use, not difficult at all. Easy to keep clean! Love it!

    1. Thank you! You answer my question. My window looks out on a busy pedestrian alley but since I rent I can’t do anything permanent.

  130. I’ve used Gallery Glass for 25+ years while moving to different military base housing. Creating privacy on windows that were too close to neighbors and in areas that curtains could not be used. Easliy to remove for outprocessing inspections. Clean up is easy and windows never damaged.
    Designs can be easily made with the liquid leading. And can be fun especially when young children want Dalmatians for their designs.
    A great product! Very easy to use, not difficult at all. Easy to keep clean! Love it!

  131. Pretty cool! Think I’ll add some food coloring with mine give it a little color.. still drys clear but gives an effect of some color to it..

  132. If you want a completely opaque look with NOTHING visible on the other side, squeeze out some wiggle squiggles of marine silicone onto clean glass and swirl it around with a little stick or paint brush (remember you’ll ruin it for future use) . It will still let through the light. I’ve done it a few times already and it works well.
    Happy crafting!!!

    1. It has the appearance of old glass to me. It reminds me of the wavy glass you see when you ride down the beach on the MS gulf coast. I love it. I wonder if I did it on the inside, I would get that old glass look? I’m going to try. Thanks.

  133. I’ve used Gallery Glass for years making “stained glass” pictures as gifts. I buy a 11×13 picture frame take out the glass to do my design. I wish I had pictures of some of them but they’re all in storage… But I would draw or copy my design onto a piece of paper and tape it to the back side of my glass. Then with the liquid lead, I would trace my design. Let it dry (I let the lead dry over night) then I would fill in the colors needed. Remember you have to have a solid lead line in between each color. Once it was done I’d glue the glass into the frame so no need for the back. I’d put eye hooks into the top and a chain to hang it. It’s beautiful on the wall or hanging in a window. Just make sure it doesn’t get direct evening sun as it could get too hot and bubble. You can either do just the design or finish off the outer glass with the swirls and wavy clear. I have also made angels and the leaded part is done in the gold and the wings and gown are done in pearl white… Very pretty! And if you can find old frames at thrift stores or garage sales they are even prettier. Reminiscent of the old Victorian days when stain glass pictures of roses or tulips were in oval frames. If you’ve ever done paint by numbers you can do this!

    1. I have used gallery glass for over 20 years, I painted my French doors to my bedroom. I used self stick leading, on each window, 3 diff places. Each section was a diff color. One window I used a leaf for a design. I have molds so I made a dragonfly & put in one color…..it is beautiful, & I have never gotten tired of it.
      Also I bought a large lantern from QVC..was disappointed because the glass was plain. I used my leading & made it look like little panes…live it also

      1. I have an old Victorian looking lamp, that I purchased 34yrs ago and would love to make it look like stained glass, because the flowers that were once displayed on it wiped away recently when I tried to clean it. It’s still in beautiful condition. The glass top and bottom are milky white in color. The lower and upper light up.

  134. I used this method in my new house for the windows on the side of my front door. It was so easy and came out perfect. Great for areas you want the sun but need the privacy. Thanks for the post.

  135. This is the best tutorial ever!!! Simple instructions and pix of every step, esp appreciate the part where you answered questions
    Thanks so much xxxx

  136. Years ago I removed an old Tiffany style light fixture with clear glass panels from my new home. I kept the fixture and used Gallery Glass to create a gift. I used different bird patterns in each panel and it turned out lovely. My friend was thrilled with it, I installed over her kitchen table.

  137. Help! I did this and love it but I see my fingerprints . Any idea what I may have done wrong? Use more gallery glass??

  138. Help! I did this and love it but I see my fingerprints . Any idea what I may have done wrong? Use more gallery glass??

  139. This is fantastic! I do have one suggestion, but having an arm in a sling for the next few weeks will keep me from trying it out. If you put the leading on before you age the glass, it might look more like separate pieces of glass that had been cut to fit in the little rectangles. Just a thought

  140. Hi there! and thank you for the great information about the Gallery Glass application . It was fabulous to see the results on you doors. I did the front door of my rental and I used 1/2 of a 2oz. bottle. I did not get the results you got because I did not use the amount you used since this was a first time try at this. I was trying to avoid using the spray version of window frost when I found your version. Can I go over my work again or do I have to remove it?? It came out o.k. but I want that water look you got. Read all the comments to get an idea of the results from others that have tried your method, and they have answerd some of my concerns … I just want to know about going over it a second time without removing the first coat. Thank you so very much for taking the time to show your results with the mistakes included, it such a help. Oh, and can you use a roller for application? 🙂

  141. This privacy glass diy was an amazing discovery!!!! So easy. So beautiful! My front door is now perfect!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

  142. Looks amazing! Thank you so much!! I’ve been looking for something just like this! As of now, I’ve “frosted” my glass with cornstarch

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