Glass Magic FAQs

FAQs

What is the Glass Magic system of Stained Glass?

GLASS MAGIC is the fun and easy way to make stained glass. It's a non-traditional system in which high bond adhesive-backed lead and fade resistant glass stains are applied to a single piece of glass. This means there's no glass cutting, no expensive equipment and it's easy to do. It looks so like traditional cut glass it's hard to tell the difference.

Where can Glass Magic be used?

GLASS MAGIC can be used anywhere you'd like to have stained glass - for instance on windows, doors, entrance ways, cabinets, showerscreens, skylights and mirrors. It can be applied to glass and also to perspex (though NOT polycarbonates).

GLASS MAGIC can be applied to different types of glass, eg. safety glass, toughened, and laminated glass which makes the finished stained glass panel extremely durable and safe. Because GLASS MAGIC is applied to a single pane of glass it is also completely weatherproof.

What are the materials used in Glass Magic?

The Lead is real Lead and has the best available adhesive backing which is designed to stay permanently in place.

The Lead comes in one metre lengths with two basic widths, 4mm and 6mm wide strips. The 4mm width Lead has nine strips side by side, and the 6mm width Lead has six strips side by side. The strips are easily separated with a sharp snap-off blade knife.

GLASS MAGIC Fade Resist Glass Stains are solvent-based resins which have been designed for Australian conditions with UV stabilisers. GLASS MAGIC Fade Resist Glass Stains expand and contract with heat and cold so they won't crack, chip or fall off.

How many colours are available in Glass Magic Stains?

GLASS MAGIC Stains are available in the basic range of CLEAR, RED, GREEN, BLUE, AMBER, WHITE and BLACK. These can be mixed to any colour or shade. For an indication of proportions for colour mixes go to our Colour Mixing Chart.

How do you apply the Glass Magic Stains?

It is important to make sure your glass is level first. GLASS MAGIC Stains are then poured onto the glass using an eyedropper applicator. Pour enough stain so that it is almost level with the top of the Lead. No need to worry about even brush strokes or patchy colours. Simple!

Are the products safe to use?

Care should always be taken when using the GLASS MAGIC products. Lead and solvent-based resins are hazardous materials. Do NOT eat, drink or smoke when applying Lead strips. Make sure you wash your hands well when you are finished.

The Stains are solvent-based resins and should only be used where there is good ventilation. Follow the instructions on the labels. Do NOT use Thinners to clean spilled Stains from your skin. Use instead an abrasive soap or pumice.

It is advisable to wear disposable gloves when cleaning the glass with Thinners or when applying Black Patina.

How much Lead and Stains will I need for my project?

The rule of thumb is 60 metres of Lead strips are needed to cover one square metre of glass for a design of average complexity. This will cover both sides of the glass.

100 mls of GLASS MAGIC Stain will cover an area approximately 30cm² (1 sq.ft). The amounts needed depend on the design and colours chosen. Note that GLASS MAGIC *CLEAR* Stain is used to lighten colours and vary tones.

Why do I need to put Lead on both sides of the glass?

Putting the Lead on both sides of the glass protects the adhesive backing on the Lead from UV exposure, and it looks better. Even if your stained glass panel is up high putting Lead on one side only makes your work look unfinished. The only times we recommend putting Lead on a single side are with Showerscreens, because of the difficulties of cleaning and soap build-up, Skylights which are not directly in contact with the sun, and of course Mirrors.

How long do the Glass Magic Fade Resist Glass Stains take to dry?

Once the panel has been stained it should be left undisturbed for 12-24 hours. In cold weather the drying time may be increased. Once dry the panel may be installed, although care should be taken with handling the stained areas as the Stains require around 10 days to fully cure, depending on the weather.

Do I need to take special care when cleaning my stained glass panel?

Do NOT clean the panel for the first week. After that normal household cleaners eg. Windex, can be used. Do NOT use any solvent-based cleaners.

I'd like to try the Glass Magic system. Where can I get more detailed information about how to begin?

There are full instructions, together with a Colour Mixing Guide for GLASS MAGIC Fade Resist Glass Stains in every GLASS MAGIC Starter Kit and in each box of GLASS MAGIC High Bond Adhesive Lead Strips.

There is also a GLASS MAGIC Instructional Video which shows the process in detail.

Is Glass Magic a proven system?

GLASS MAGIC is made in Australia and has been around for 20 years. It is a proven system which, until recently, was mostly used by tradespeople. We have now expanded our retail line to make this system readily available to everyone.