What to Expect When You First Receive a Stained Glass Product – Understanding the Beauty of Tiffany-Style Glass

At BIEYE, we’re proud to create stunning stained glass lighting and decorative pieces using traditional Tiffany-style craftsmanship. However, we’ve noticed that first-time buyers are sometimes surprised when they open the box.

The colors may appear dull, the surface may feel oily, and the material may not feel like typical glass.
But don’t worry — these are all normal features of high-quality Tiffany-style stained glass, and once you understand why, you'll appreciate your product even more.

1️⃣ The Color Looks Dull – Until the Light Shines Through

Stained glass doesn’t shine on its own. In natural or dim light, the glass may look dark or even grayish. But once light passes through — either from a bulb or sunlight — the colors come alive in breathtaking ways.
Each piece of glass contains rich, layered pigments that are permanently fused into the material, meaning the colors will never fade over time.

So if your lamp or window panel looks dull right out of the box — just turn on the light. You’ll be amazed.

2️⃣ The Surface Feels Oily – It’s a Protective Treatment

You may notice a slightly greasy or oily feeling on the surface when you first unpack your product.
That’s because real stained glass pieces are soldered with lead or tin, and during production, we apply mineral oil to prevent the solder joints from rusting.

Before use, we recommend gently wiping your piece with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil. Over time, the solder will naturally oxidize and darken. You can restore a subtle shine by applying lemon oil occasionally. With proper care, your stained glass item will last forever.

3️⃣ It Feels Like Plastic – But It’s Real Glass

Some customers are surprised that their stained glass doesn’t feel or sound like typical glass. That’s because of the Tiffany technique, which wraps each piece of cut glass in copper foil before soldering.
This tightly bound structure absorbs vibrations, so when you tap it with your finger, it won’t ring like a wine glass. It may even feel soft or dull to the touch.

But don’t be fooled — it’s real glass. If you gently tap the glass with a metal object (like a fork), you’ll hear the distinct glass tone. This is one of the unique characteristics of Tiffany-style stained glass and a sign of authentic craftsmanship.

✅ A Guide to Authenticity

The features above are not flaws — they are hallmarks of real Tiffany-style stained glass.
If your stained glass piece does not have:

  • Dull colors without backlight

  • Oily solder lines

  • A plastic-like touch or no ringing sound when tapped by finger

…it may not be a true stained glass product.

 Have Questions or Ideas?

At BIEYE, we’re here to help you understand and enjoy the beauty of stained glass. If you have any questions, or if you’re interested in custom designs, feel free to contact us:

Email: info@bieyelighting.com
Phone: (860) 898-0998

Or explore more at: www.bieyelighting.com