Frequently asked questions
How can you help me with a design for my leadlight?
Even if you do not have good design skills, people generally recognise good design when they see it. Leadlight Delight provides extensive support in the form of loan design books, draft designs with glass colours and textures included and discussion of the merits of various designs that take into consideration the location of the item and existing decor. Time spent on planning a good design is always worthwhile.
How long will the entire process take, from start to finish?
This depends on many variables, such as whether you have a clear idea of what you want from the outset, the size and complexity of the design and whether there are any installation challenges. These factors usually become apparent early in the process and are thoroughly discussed enabling an estimate of the completion date.
Can I install leadlight panels myself?
Yes. With some basic tips, people with reasonable DIY skills should be able to install basic leadlight panels. If you are interested in doing your own installation, a step-by-step guide can be provided. Leadlight Delight is unable to take responsibility for any damage incurred when customers undertake installation.
What will my leadlight cost?
Pricing is mainly dependent on the size of the panel, complexity of the design, the number of pieces of glass in the design, the type of glass selected and installation requirements. With careful planning, it is generally possible to acquire a beautiful item at reasonable cost. Leadlight Delight will support you to consider the many design, manufacturing and installation options that will meet a range of budgets.
Can visits be undertaken to my home?
Yes. This can be an excellent way to ensure that the ultimate design will complement the setting in which it will be located. An initial visit is undertaken free of charge.
How can I best look after my leadlight panel?
For some months after installation the polish used on lead to make it black and glossy will not have hardened. During this time cleaning solvents/detergents should not be used. Cleaning can be undertaken using a soft cloth or soft bristle brush (such as a shoe brush). Care also needs to be taken in not applying excessive pressure to the panel in the first few weeks until the putty, used to fill any space between glass and lead, has fully hardened.
How large can a leadlight panel be?
Panels can be up to 1.8 square metres (this is often the size of panels used for full-length doors). However once a panel gets beyond 0.5 square metres, it is generally necessary to introduce extra strengthening to avoid flexing and distortion of the panel. Where panels are to be located in moving frames, such as a door, reinforcing is required for most panels.
How easy is it to repair broken glass in a panel?
The best results when repairing panels are generally achieved by removing the panel from its frame, dismantling enough of the panel to remove the broken glass, cutting replacement glass, re-assembling the panel and re-puttying and polishing. In some cases it will be necessary to create a drawing of the design of the panel to ensure re-assembly results, as closely as possible, the original design.
The time required therefore depends on a number of factors, such as the location of the broken glass in the panel (glass pieces near the edge are easier to remove), the number of pieces that need to be replaced and the age of the panel (this will influence whether replacement glass can be found that exactly matches the original), and the condition of the lead, and whether it may need to be replaced.
Repair quotes can be either in the form of an estimate or fixed quote.
Do you undertake commissions for people living outside of South Australia?
Generally no. However this will depend on the nature of the job, its complexity and whether on-site inspection/installation is required. In some circumstances such commissions may be cost-effective for the customer.
Even if you do not have good design skills, people generally recognise good design when they see it. Leadlight Delight provides extensive support in the form of loan design books, draft designs with glass colours and textures included and discussion of the merits of various designs that take into consideration the location of the item and existing decor. Time spent on planning a good design is always worthwhile.
How long will the entire process take, from start to finish?
This depends on many variables, such as whether you have a clear idea of what you want from the outset, the size and complexity of the design and whether there are any installation challenges. These factors usually become apparent early in the process and are thoroughly discussed enabling an estimate of the completion date.
Can I install leadlight panels myself?
Yes. With some basic tips, people with reasonable DIY skills should be able to install basic leadlight panels. If you are interested in doing your own installation, a step-by-step guide can be provided. Leadlight Delight is unable to take responsibility for any damage incurred when customers undertake installation.
What will my leadlight cost?
Pricing is mainly dependent on the size of the panel, complexity of the design, the number of pieces of glass in the design, the type of glass selected and installation requirements. With careful planning, it is generally possible to acquire a beautiful item at reasonable cost. Leadlight Delight will support you to consider the many design, manufacturing and installation options that will meet a range of budgets.
Can visits be undertaken to my home?
Yes. This can be an excellent way to ensure that the ultimate design will complement the setting in which it will be located. An initial visit is undertaken free of charge.
How can I best look after my leadlight panel?
For some months after installation the polish used on lead to make it black and glossy will not have hardened. During this time cleaning solvents/detergents should not be used. Cleaning can be undertaken using a soft cloth or soft bristle brush (such as a shoe brush). Care also needs to be taken in not applying excessive pressure to the panel in the first few weeks until the putty, used to fill any space between glass and lead, has fully hardened.
How large can a leadlight panel be?
Panels can be up to 1.8 square metres (this is often the size of panels used for full-length doors). However once a panel gets beyond 0.5 square metres, it is generally necessary to introduce extra strengthening to avoid flexing and distortion of the panel. Where panels are to be located in moving frames, such as a door, reinforcing is required for most panels.
How easy is it to repair broken glass in a panel?
The best results when repairing panels are generally achieved by removing the panel from its frame, dismantling enough of the panel to remove the broken glass, cutting replacement glass, re-assembling the panel and re-puttying and polishing. In some cases it will be necessary to create a drawing of the design of the panel to ensure re-assembly results, as closely as possible, the original design.
The time required therefore depends on a number of factors, such as the location of the broken glass in the panel (glass pieces near the edge are easier to remove), the number of pieces that need to be replaced and the age of the panel (this will influence whether replacement glass can be found that exactly matches the original), and the condition of the lead, and whether it may need to be replaced.
Repair quotes can be either in the form of an estimate or fixed quote.
Do you undertake commissions for people living outside of South Australia?
Generally no. However this will depend on the nature of the job, its complexity and whether on-site inspection/installation is required. In some circumstances such commissions may be cost-effective for the customer.