Frank Lloyd Wright Style Lamp Repair

This beautiful lamp may look familiar.  I repaired it once before, in late August of 2013 when it accidentally fell.  It took another tumble recently and its owner called me back again.  I was pleased to be able to again restore it as new.  To see the first time it was repaired, click here.  Otherwise, here's the process for the second time around ..

This time, the lamp took a far worse hit and sustained much more damaged.  Three sides sustained several cracks each.  Here's one side ..

And a view from the top.

And another view showing a smashed corner.

I decided to start on the corner, since this is an anchor point and would strengthen the lamp right away.  I've already made a template of the space and I've traced three new corner pieces.

Now I'm grinding the edges of one of the pieces.

Here's a spot where I'll be adding a new corner.  I've cleaned off the old solder and foil.  I've added new foil to the border.

Here is one of the three corners, in place and ready for application of liquid flux, followed by soldering.

Moving along to the side, I've made a paper pattern for this cracked piece.

Here's a view of the new corner piece in place surrounded by cracked pieces.

Another view, this time showing the replacement of one of the thin bottom pieces on the left side. The right side is ready for replacement.

Another view of glass that is ready for soldering with many remaining cracked ones.

Now this side is repaired and is awaiting the application of black patina, followed by a thorough cleaning, and application of stained glass finishing compound.

Another side, fully repaired.

Now all the repairs have been completed and the lamp has been thoroughly cleaned of all the liquid flux. Now I'm applying black patina to all of the silver soldered areas.  It instantly turns the solder black.  It is also thoroughly cleaned off, then allowed to dry.  The final step is the application, drying and buffing of the stained glass finishing compound.

And here's the lamp, fully repaired ..

Another side, good as new again ..

View from above.

View from above, on the light box, showing all the beautiful colors.
Thank you again, Ralph, for bringing your beautiful lamp back to me and letting me know its in in good hands!  I appreciated that.  May you enjoy it for years to come, with no more mishaps.  

For more information on my other projects, please click here to visit my website.

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Frank Lloyd Wright style Lamp Repair

This gorgeous lamp sustained two cracked pieces after a fall.  Here's how I went about the repair.  (Click on any photo to enlarge).

The lamp shade fell on the corner, cracking two pieces as well as the bending the framework.

Here I'm tugging out the cracked pieces using needle nosed pliers.

 The cracked glass has been removed and I'm filing down the glass on the exposed side.  I've also bent up the supporting wire which was soldered to the edge.  Filing the glass will help the copper foil to adhere more securely.

 Another view.  When I do a repair I always follow the "do no harm" principle.  I don't disturb any more of the original structure than is necessary.  Here I've left the wires above and below the opening.

Tracing the pattern for the replacement glass.

Using an oil-filled pistol grip glass cutter and a ruler to score the cut.  I tap the front and back of the score with the metal end of the cutter until the two pieces break free.  Or I use "running pliers" to snap the score.

Next, a trip to the electric grinder.  The edges of each piece are ground for safety in handling and for better adherence of the copper foil.

Applying copper foil to the outer edge of the replacement glass.  I used a thin foil for this repair, the same width as was used originally.

I've also foiled the inner border of the opening.  I've used blue painter's tape to secure the bottom wire to the inner side of the glass where it had been placed originally.

Now the replacement glass is in place and taped, ready to be fluxed and soldered. Flux is a liquid agent which promotes the even flow of the molten metal onto the foil.

The replacement glass has been soldered in place, front and inside.

Now I'm pulling out the cracked glass from the adjacent corner.

Using a separate pattern for the other piece, I've cut, ground, foiled and taped it into place.  Then I applied liquid flux to the copper foil and soldered it in, front and back, making sure to trap the wires under the solder, for stability. After each fluxing and soldering, I thoroughly clean the area.

Now that the soldering is complete, I'm applying black patina to the solder with a metal acid brush.  After letting the patina set, I clean it off.  The final step is to wash the entire lamp and give it a nice coat of wax to protect the patina and give it a nice shine.

And here is the lamp, newly repaired and ready for the family to enjoy for many years to come!  Thank you Kathy for bringing this to me, and best wishes for a wonderful vacation!

Please visit my website to see my custom windows and repairs (click here).  And if you are on FaceBook, become a fan and I'll keep you up to date on all my stained glass projects.  Call me any time at 201-600-1616 or email with your questions. Thanks!