How Much Does Stained Glass Repair Cost in 2022?

Estimating Stained Glass Repair Prices

Stained glass repair costs can vary based on material prices and labor costs. The types of materials needed for a repair will depend on the type of repair. Labor costs will range based on the window size or the number of windows needing repair.

Material Prices

Materials for stained glass repair can cost between $100 and $200 for a 12-inch by 24-inch windowpane or $10 to $15per square foot. Material costs can make up 30%of a project’s total, but that can rise with the type of material needed. Replacing reinforcing bars will cost more than replacing a windowpane. 

Labor Costs

Stained glass repair labor runs between $50 and $100 per hour. Labor costs typically make up 70% of a project’s total. Labor costs can include a measuring trip where a stained glass repair professional will visit your home to measure the window. Stained glass repair technicians can also charge labor costs for any design work with the repair.

How Much Does Stained Glass Repair Cost by Solution?

Stained glass repair costs will vary based on the repair needed. A small crack can cost less to repair than replacing an entire window frame and require less labor. Things like the color of the glass can impact the repair costs, and stained glass repair specialists can charge for cleaning and reassembling the glass if the repair requires it.

Crack Repair

Repairing a crack in stained glass can range between $100 and $300, depending on its size and the number of affected panes. The depth and age of the crack can impact the repair cost. Typically, a stained glass repair technician will fill the gaps with epoxy or resin, then color the field area to match the surrounding area. After the crack repair cures and the repair technician finishes retouching, they'll reseal the glass.

Painting Damaged and Faded Stained Glass

If you have faded stained glass or damaged paint, repainting faded stained glass or damaged stained glass costs between $100 and $300. Old paint can crack and may need to be removed to restore the colors. Repainting costs can vary based on how much paint has faded or whether a design or the entire panel needs retouching.

Repairing Foil

Should the foil need repair work, repairing foil for stained glass can cost between $100 and $300. Some stained glass windows have copper foil for decorative purposes or to hold stained glass together. The foil can range from $5 to $20 per roll. How much foil you’ll need and the labor costs will vary based on the size of the repair project. 

Regrouting

Regrouting a stained glass window costs between $200 and $500 and can mean filling in the gaps or regrouting the entire panel. Regrouting involves delicate work because it means removing the panel. It's best to have a pro regrout a stained glass window to prevent any damage. A local grout repair pro can do the grout work on a stained glass window.

Cement Replacement

If you need to replace the cement, stained glass cement costs between $200 and $500. Stained glass cement or stained glass putty costs around $20 and can help weatherproof a stained glass window. Stained glass cement secures windowpanes and lead cames (which wrap around individual glass pieces and separate glass pieces as part of the design) to create a seal between the glass and the frame. 

Repairing Window Frame

To repair a stained glass window frame costs between $200 and $500. Window frame repair costs vary based on the condition of the existing frame and whether it needs a complete or partial replacement. Stained glass window frame repair can involve additional labor because of the fragile nature of stained glass windows. 

Resealing

Resealing a stained glass window costs between $200 and $500. Stained glass windows need resealing when the glass becomes loose or leaky. Sealants get used to seal the leaded panel to a window sash and any joints around the window frame. Clear silicone sealant costs between $5 and $10. 

Cleaning

Cleaning stained glass requires careful work and costs between $300 and $600, depending on the amount of restoration needed. Sometimes, stain glass cleaning gets included in a restoration project when handled by a pro. A pro should clean stained glass, especially if it's delicate or older. Some stained glass pieces might require cleaning by each piece. 

Leaded Window Repair Cost

Leaded window repair costs range between $400 and $3,000. Leaded window repair refers to fixing lead cames on a stained glass window. Repairing a lead came means removing the glass surrounding the game, which adds to labor costs. Depending on the damage, the lead came might need replacing, which means additional work to solder a new piece in place and adding in glass. 

Resoldering Joints

If the joints need work, resoldering stained glass joints costs between $500 and $1,500. The glass around the joint needs removal, and the joint needs scoring before soldering can begin. Soldering is precise work, and the entire project can take time to complete, especially if you have several joints to repair. 

Replacing Reinforcing Bars

The most expensive repair with stained glass is replacing reinforcing bars. Replacing stained glass reinforcing bars can cost between $700 and $3,000. The reinforcing bars differ from lead cames because they prevent the window from sagging, bulging, or bowing due to its weight. They’re often horizontal bars and attach to the frame. It’s an intensive project since it involves removing several pieces to replace or repair the bars.

Stained Glass Repair Cost by Item

The stained glass appears on a variety of objects, from lampshades to windows to doors and cabinet doors. Since each object ranges in size, so does the repair cost. Repairing a lampshade will cost less than repairing a stained glass door with damaged joints or cames. 

Stained Glass Lampshade

Expect to pay between $200 and $400 to repair a stained glass lampshade. Stained glass lampshades require delicate work, especially because of the curves and angles of the lampshades. Repairs can include fixing cracks or repairing cames or joints. A pro should handle repairing a stained glass lampshade, and any electrical work should get repaired by an electrician near you.

Stained Glass Window

Stained glass window repairs can cost between $400 and $700. Each stained glass window repair will have its own set of costs depending on the design, size, and type of repair needed. Some stained glass window repairs could include repairing a crack, but others could involve repairing reinforcement bars or replacing glass panes. 

Stained Glass Door

If you have a stained glass door in need of repairs, stained glass door repairs will cost between $700 and $1,000. Stained glass doors typically come in larger sizes and intricate designs. Repairing a stained glass door can take more time than other stained glass options, especially if the repair involves removing glass panes. Fortunately, most stained glass door technicians can perform on-site repairs. 

What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair Stained Glass?

Stained glass repair costs vary based on the type of restoration, whether items need replacing, and the type of maintenance needed. Any kind of stained glass replacement will cost more than most restorations and maintenance work. Custom stained glass costs range from $100 to $600 per square foot. 

Stained Glass Restoration Cost

Restoring stained glass can cost $1,500 for a 12-inch by 24-inch panel. You can pay up to $10,000 for a full restoration. Stained glass restoration can include repairing all damage to the original state of the stained glass, which can mean removing all the components that go into stained glass—like the cement, sealant, cames, windowpanes, and paint—and repairing cames and joints. 

Stained Glass Replacement Cost

Stained glass replacement costs between $700 and $1,200 for a 12-inch by 24-inch panel. More intricate and customized designs and larger panels can cost $2,000 to $3,000 per panel. If you also need a replacement frame, add another $350 to $500 for a window frame and up to $1,000 for a door frame.

Stained Glass Maintenance

Professional stained glass cleaning can cost $450. Newer stained glass shouldn’t need much maintenance other than keeping the surface free from dust and debris. Older stained glass can require more maintenance as things like sealant and cement start to break down. A pro should perform maintenance on older stained glass to preserve its condition.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Find a local stained glass repair pro to perform any stained glass repair work. Stained glass is too delicate, challenging, and time-consuming for DIY-ers. If you try to do stained glass repair on your own, you risk damaging it and needing a more expensive repair. You want to avoid breaking a priceless heirloom stained glass piece.