How to Cover an Existing Window With Stained Glass

Clean the existing window and stained glass thoroughly with window cleaner and paper towels.

Place the stained-glass panel face up on a clean, flat surface. In most cases, stained glass is installed with the front side facing the interior. Take painter’s tape and run it all around the lead border of the stained-glass panel. Put painter's tape around the framing of the existing window as well. This step will protect surfaces from excess silicone caulk.

Turn the stained-glass panel over and apply transparent hi-bond acrylic adhesive tape all around the lead border of the stained glass panel. Take a single-edge razor blade and cut away the tape at solder joints to give a tighter fit between the existing window and stained-glass panel. Remove the paper backing from the tape you have applied to the panel.

Load the caulk gun with high-quality caulk. Silver-colored caulk is often a good choice. White works well if it is the color of your window framing. To load the caulk, cut the tip off the nozzle of the caulk tube and use the tool on the caulk gun to break the seal of the caulk tube. Pump the gun until caulk reaches the tip of the nozzle.

Put on disposable gloves to avoid getting fingerprints on the glass. Gently position the stained-glass panel into place against the existing glass. Push all edges against the existing glass. Have your helper hold the panel in place.

Run a complete bead of silicone caulk between the stained-glass panel and window framing. Remove the disposable gloves and dip your finger into a bowl of soapy water to start smoothing the silicone caulk bead with your finger. Repeat this process until you are happy with the results. Remove painter’s tape immediately to avoid having caulk dry onto the tape. Glass clips are optional. If the stained-glass panel is large, add glass clips for greater security.