Today, many clients still order new leading, because they believe that the existing lead net is too frail to be retained. This is normally the wrong assumption. Skilled securing of the leaded net makes the demand for new leading unnecessary as the required stability and rigidity will be retained in the process.
The main damage to the lead work consists of deformation, cracks in the structure and formation of white lead. Such damage is not generally due to the age of the material, but caused by the panels being ill-fitted, by incorrect reinforcement of bars or the effects of weathering and pressure.
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Securing coats of paint and disassembly of panels.
Recently, the practice of retaining the existing leaded net during restoration has been adopted more and more. In close cooperation with the State Authorities for the preservation of historic buildings and monuments and the respective Church construction agencies, this procedure has been practiced successfully in many projects over the past years.
An historic leaded net is an important component in the assessment of the authenticity of glass painting.
Even severely damaged leaded nets can be retained when treated correctly. This applies in particular when glass paintings are fitted with protective layers of glass. This process requires the same standards, technical know-how and careful attention as the conservation of historic glass.
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