Horizontal, Modular and Vertical Application Methods- PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS

I have tried to explain in very detailed posts (that were project specific)--ALL the application methods, horizontal, modular and vertical. But the instructions have not been printable, and several readers have been disappointed that they could not print them out to study as they were doing their project.

So I had the idea to scan the explanation of each method from some of our old books--as attachments--and you should be able to right click on the instructions and follow the instructions on printing out from this blog--on the message board. You can put it in your files and compare the various methods of applying Gallery Glass whenever you are planning a project. Choosing the application method is about the first step to completing a window makeover, so you will be on the right track with your supplies list. You have to plan the whole project for it to turn out successfully.

The first method is the one that is most popular, and the one that Gallery Glass artists have used for decades-- the horizontal method. It is used for picture frames that have glass in them(framable art), injection molded blanks, suncatchers made on leading blanks and any other surface that will lie flat enough for the leading and painting.

It is also used for window makeover "inserts"--the method of cutting clear panels to the identical size of window panes --leading and painting the design--and then using a point gun or pressure points to affix the "inserts" against the glass. This works well because the edge of the "insert" is rarely visible to most people and it is so much faster and easier than the modular or the vertical method. It is also the easiest way to change your mind--and do a new design--or just have the plain windows again. The example to the left is a perfect example of an insert--chosen because it was much too detailed to do vertical and too "interlaced" to do modular.

Now let's explore the Modular method. It is used for "complicated windows that you could not possibly do one strip at a time. You make "suncatchers" of many of the elements of the design and let them dry on the leading blanks. When they are fully cured, you peel them up and arrange them on the window according to the design plan. Many times, you add straight strips with Redi-Lead and even paint the background of the window vertically. This "finishing" creates more of a finished look and also seals the suncatchers on so that they cannot be accidentally removed. It is hard to tell a modular design, but if there are some intricate curves, or if there is a lot of detail, it is probably a good candidate for the modular method. Notice the repetition of the 2 flower motifs in the window to the left. The stems and window box were added with Redi-Lead to tie the flowers and leaves together.

I am often asked to explain the Vertical Method. That is the method that only Gallery Glass Window Color can accomplish. It is the only glass paint in the marketplace that is thick enough to be applied vertically. One very important requirement of the vertical application concerns the viscosity (thickness) of the paint. I recommend that you always test the supplies that you plan to use for vertical application on the window where it will be used. Start applying the prospective paint in a back and forth motion, squeezing and spreading. If the pool of paint "runs", then I would plan on buying a fresh bottle. Gallery Glass gets thinner as it ages, so therefore new unopened bottles will yield better results.

This method is used primarily to save money by not having to buy "inserts" and for window design installations that have fairly straight lines and gentle curves. Also they should be fairly open because standing in front of a window for hours and hours, can be quite taxing. But sometimes it is worth it to save the $100+ dollars for inserts! Look at the step by steps to see how this particular window was done.