Racine, WI

August 2025

Repair (Re-lead) and Protective Covering

About the Church

Holy Communion Lutheran Church serves the Racine, Wisconsin, community as part of the Hope on a Hill ministry. The church provides a place for worship, fellowship, and service while maintaining its connection to the surrounding community.

Our Work

Willet Studios completed a comprehensive stained glass preservation project at Holy Communion Lutheran Church involving 39 windows. Five windows underwent individual repair or restoration work, while all 39 windows received new protective coverings.

Stained Glass Repairs & Restoration

Five windows received specialized repair or restoration work to address structural concerns and preserve the existing stained glass.

One six-lancet traceried window required cracked glass to be carefully stabilized to prevent further movement or damage.

On a single-lancet window, a bulged section was reduced and straightened, and new steel structural support braces were installed to provide additional stability.

Two small windows had existing ventilators that were sealed shut as part of the preservation work.

One five-lancet traceried window required a complete historic restoration. The window was carefully removed from its stone setting and transported to the Willet Studios facility, where it underwent a comprehensive historic restoration program.

While the window was away for restoration, the vacated opening was protected with temporary painted plywood.

Klear-Flo® Protective Coverings

New protective coverings were installed on 39 stained glass windows throughout the church.

The existing protective coverings were first removed, allowing the windows to be inspected and prepared for the new system. The exterior surfaces of the windows were then re-cemented, helping reinforce the window assemblies and improve their weather resistance.

Protective coverings were also installed within the traceries, providing additional protection for the intricate portions of the windows.

Where the fully restored window had been removed from its opening, temporary painted plywood remained in place while the restoration work was completed.

Following preparation, the Klear-Flo® protective covering system was installed utilizing 1/4-inch acrylic, creating an additional layer of protection between the stained glass and the elements.

The Klear-Flo® system helps protect stained glass from potential impact and environmental exposure while allowing the original artwork to remain visible.

Through a combination of historic restoration, structural repairs, glass stabilization, ventilator work, exterior re-cementing, and the installation of Klear-Flo® protective coverings, Willet Studios helped preserve and protect the stained glass collection at Holy Communion Lutheran Church for future generations.

Resource

Holy Communion Lutheran Church: hopeonahill.org