During 2025-2026, Lanzini & Sons restored 72 stained glass panels measuring approximately 3 by 2 feet at Saint Vincent Church in San Rafael, California. Failing lead was the reason for the work. This followed our 2024 restoration of statues at Saint Vincent.
Our stained glass restoration included removing the panels, replacing the failing lead and repairing broken panels. We then re-cemented the glass-to-came joints, packing putty between the glass and the lead channels to help seal those joints against water ingress.
Removing and reglazing the panels
During removal, we chiseled out the old glazing compound around the panel perimeters. For reinstallation, we custom-mixed new glazing compound to match the church’s original glazing color. We reglazed the panels and redid the associated window trim.
The windows were inside the church, with scaffold access needed from both inside and outside the building to carry out the work.
Saint Vincent also served as a filming location for church scenes in What Dreams May Come (1998), starring Robin Williams, as listed in IMDb’s filming locations.
Stained glass was also included in our 2024 remodel at Immaculate Conception in Sacramento, where the scope extended to new tile flooring and repainting throughout the church.
Project location: Saint Vincent Church, 1 St. Vincent Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903.
For existing windows that need attention, send overall photographs and close views of the concerns. Include their location in the church and any known repair history.
