How to Make a Frame for Old Etched Glass Windows

Etched glass windows are a beautiful design element from older buildings that are well worth a little extra trouble to frame and reuse in modern construction. They can be used in interior doors or windows that admit light into inner rooms while maintaining privacy or, with the addition of weatherstripping, in exterior doors or windows. The simplest method is to set a frame into the window opening, place the glass against it, and then set a frame on the other side so that the glass is sandwiched in place between two frames.

Things You'll Need

• hand tools
• bullnose molding (interior frames)
• wood strips up to 1 inch by 2 inches (exterior frames)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Begin with a framed opening in your wall or door that is the exact dimensions of your piece of etched glass.

   • 2

     Nail strips of bullnose molding (for interior windows) or wood (for exterior windows) around the opening. Set the glass in the opening, pressed against this frame.

   • 3

     Nail four more strips of molding around the window opening, pressing against the glass so that it is held firmly between the two frames. The outer edges of the glass panel will be covered by the wooden frames.

   • 4

     Finish as desired with paint or wood stain.