How can I make my Stained Glass Project SAFE for outdoor elements?

You could apply several coats of brush-on polyurethane varnish from the paint department to seal your project. It comes in matte, satin or gloss finish, depending on what you want. If it was me, I would seal the whole thing with several coats and that should protect it. Good luck!

As a stained glass artist i say NO NO NO. Stained Glass has been around for "quite a long time" without being "varnished". The charm of stained glass is in the aging Yes it changes with age but don't we all. And if the piece ever gets broken it is almost impossible to repair if it has a coating of any kind. Even people who apply glue to a broken stained glass pieces causes problem when the repair person has to fight with that. Love your glass the way it is. Now having said that I have seen stained glass sandwiched between 2 pieces of plain glass and frame for protection in a heavily transit area. That I can bless.

or several coats of spray on lacquer (rust-oleum or krylon)...but it is always best not to seal it as all seals eventually will chip and flake or yellow as it ages

Read Lyn Beurger's comment. She's the stained glass artist!!!!

I have several old stained glass lampshades, that I would like to incorporate into my fairy garden... but I live in Michigan where winters can be tough. Do you think they would last through the winters? or the glass would just break? (I don't care if the metal corrodes.) Thanks

Cover with another sheet of Acrylic and seal the edges.

Hi Debbie, you can put a coat of mod podge over the entire project to water and weatherproof it.

Hi Debbie: Well, if you want to keep the elements from getting to your project, I'd suggest that you place it between two pieces of glass and seal the edges with clear caulking. Make sure that it's sealed completely. If you're worried about water getting inside during hot weather, I'd suggest that you leave some holes at the bottom so that the air can circulate and any moisture will drain out.

I would think several coats of a car wax would help. It helps water bead up and roll of your car.

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