Frequently Asked Questions / About Us



General FAQ

What is stained glass?

The standard definition is glass, resin, stone or other translucent material that has been colored in some way and used to create an image or pattern. A wide variety of techniques are available to create the color and the artistic effects. These include painting, applying stains and pigments to a surface, laminating colored films onto a surface, sandblasting, fusing pigments into its structure, hot and cold working, copper wheel cutting, acid etching, carving and textures. While some studios use one or two techniques, at Stained Glass, Inc., we have the capacity to use all of these techniques, depending upon the type of artwork being created. This allows us to use the method best suited for your application.

What is polymer glass?

Polymer glass is used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. These are special acrylics and polycarbonates. Most of us are familiar with its use for high performance applications such as the lens of automobile lights, visors for motorcycle helmets, deep sea submersibles windows and aircraft windows. In applications where weight and shatter resistance is important, we often use polymer glass.

What are stained glass art inserts?

These are beautiful window inserts that install in minutes inside your existing window frames and transform them into beautiful works of sacred art. They are custom made with the artwork you select from our website and are custom sized to exactly fit your windows.

How big can you make the stained glass artwork?

How big do you want it? Really, the size is limited only by the size of your facility. For shipping and handling purposes, we limit a single unit to 5' by 10', but multiple units can be combined into a single image. This allows you to create as large of an artwork as you want.

Do the artworks, ceilings and windows come as one piece, or in pieces?

It depends upon size and frame style. Smaller units are generally one piece, larger units come in easily assembled, modular parts.

Will there be color and finish variations?

As with any artistic work, each object is unique. Color variations should be expected. These variations lend beauty, character and distinction. These unique variations are the mark of a true work of craftsmanship.

Company FAQ

How do I know I am getting quality?

The team of artisans who create your stained glass artwork includes artists whose works are found at the Smithsonian, The National Museum of the American Indian, The United States Capitol, The Pentagon, Notre Dame and numerous cathedrals, basilicas and churches. We love what we do and we want to do it well. We know that it's not just about choosing the finest materials. In art, as in life, it's the little details that matter and separate the great from the merely good.

Do you have a printed catalog?

While we offer some literature, we don't print a traditional paper catalog. The website catalog allows us to be up to date, provides a better rendition of stained glass artwork and helps us save a few trees. If you don't see what you are looking for here, please contact us.

How can I see your products installed - do you have showrooms?

We are a 'factory direct' company, so we don't use showrooms or dealers. You may look at our success stories on our website to see examples of what our works look like once installed.

Ordering FAQ

How do I order?

Contact us by phone or email. We will help you with the design, pricing, and ordering.

I want something different. How do I design my stained glass window or ceiling?

Call us, we are here to help. We will assist you in the design and ordering process. Send us photos of your space, drawings, sketches, pictures or ideas you want to see. We will work with you to make it a reality.

We like an image that is not the same shape as our windows or the shape we would like the artwork. Can we still select it?

Yes. You can choose from any image. Our designers and artisans will modify the design to the shape and style you need.

What if I want to have a donor or sponsor's name or dedication in each window?

We can add that, either in the stained glass or as a separate plaque. Call us or send the copy you want to include.

What are your lead times?

Typical lead times are approximately 6-8 weeks for panels and 14-16 weeks for domes and lightboxes. Complex shapes, large quantities and complex designs may take a bit longer.
Lead times begin the date we receive:

      1. Your deposit
      2. Your final approval of the image(s)

Let us know if you need it sooner and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.

Do you sell and ship internationally?

Yes, we ship products to clients worldwide (and we are still amazed that people from around the world come to us, in our little town in Texas).

Can I cancel my order?

Because of the custom nature of the product, we require payment before production begins. You may cancel your order at any point until your order is in production (usually within 24 hours of order date) and receive a full refund. Since every artwork is custom made to your precise requirements it will be suitable only to you and cannot be cancelled or returned. Because of this it is extremely important that you are sure about the product that you want and also the size you require.

Pricing FAQ

How do I get pricing for your products?

Ask us, we would love to hear from you. Since our products are custom designed for each client, please contact us for a free no obligation quote.

How does your pricing compare to others?

We are told we are typically 50% less than most others.

If you are lower priced than others, shouldn't you charge more?

Well, that's what our accountant says. Our problem of course is that beautiful stained glass is an obsession for us, which means we have to create it, which means we have to have someone to create it for. So we charge less than some might consider a fair price and we get to do more of what we love.

Still, are you "cutting any corners" to offer stained glass art at such a great price?

Absolutely not. These are made with the same premium quality materials we have used to produce art for some of the finest resorts, museums and hotels in the world. The artwork is second to none. They are lead free. And unlike any other stained glass, the panels are polymer laminated, similar to an airplane windshield, to make them safe and unbreakable.

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

We sell studio direct. We design and produce to order and sell directly to our clients. This helps keep communication efficient and ensures our clients get the best value for their money.

You produce all your windows at your studio. Is this good?

We produce all of our stained glass artwork window inserts here in the USA. When you contact us, you are dealing direct. No middle man to mark up prices or confuse the process. In addition, since we do our own production we don't have the delays caused by sending work out. You contact us with sizes and tell us the artwork you prefer. Our artists create a "full color proof" for your approval that shows exactly what you will receive. We typically deliver windows in 4-8 weeks from approvals, but more often than not they are ready in 3 or 4 weeks.

Lighting & Technical FAQ

I want an illuminated stained glass artwork in the ceiling. How much ceiling room do I need in a ceiling application?

Not much. For a suspended ceiling application, you'll need just 9" of clearance from the ceiling surface to the ceiling above it or the nearest obstacle. For a solid ceiling with no recess, you can either create a recessed space or use a drop down stained glass artwork. For drop down below the ceiling level applications the panels take up 2 5/8" at the minimum (depending on the frame).

Do you make the lighting systems for your products?

Proper appearance requires a well coordinated work. To ensure optimal appearance we design and manufacture our own lighting systems. Based on LEDs, these light-boxes are an integral component of the artwork. They are designed to mimic the daylight spectrum and to evenly light the image and avoid 'hotspots' and shadows.

Can I install them myself?

For the most part, yes. If the artwork is to be lit, some conditions may require an electrician.

How do I maintain the artwork?

Very little care is needed to maintain it. As part of the lead free process, the "lead lines" are incorporated flush with the surface of the window. This avoids dust and dirt accumulation and the risk of lead exposure that is common with old stained glass. Stained Glass Inc recommends dusting with a soft lint free cotton cloth. If necessary, the surface may be cleaned with mild soap and water. We do not recommend the use of abrasive or chemical-based cleaners.

Are your products 'green' ?

While we aren't "eco-warriors", we believe that being good stewards of resources is good for the environment, good for our clients and good for business.

Our commitment to being good stewards of the earth's resources include:

  • Low energy usage LED lights
  • Recycled materials
  • Quality, durable construction
  • Ability to be used to retrofit existing buildings, which can save new construction costs, waste and environmental impact