Our beautiful bird suncatchers are genuine works of art. With proper care, they should provide you with years of enjoyment.
Proper care begins with hanging the right suncatcher in the right location. Most painted suncatchers will fade over time when hung in bright sunlight, especially a southern exposure.
Kiln-firing causes the paint to experience a chemical reaction that reduces or eliminates this problem. Please read the item descriptions to learn which of our beautiful suncatchers have a lifetime warranty against fading or discoloration--these can be used in any exposure.
Cut glass suncatchers are made with pieces of glass set into a metal frame. They will never fade and can be used in a variety of applications, including three-season rooms, screen porches, and other outdoor living areas.
Painted suncatchers, including hand-painted designs, are just that--paint that has been applied to glass. As with all paints, they can be destroyed by the use of solvents such as Windex. The painting is on one side of the suncatcher--you should be able to feel the raised areas where the artist painted the surface. That side can only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Many of our suncatchers were painted with lead-free paints (the SKU for these items begins with SCI); these suncatchers are particularly vulnerable to destruction by water and should therefore not be immersed or placed in areas where the art might be damaged by rain.The next step is to properly hang the suncatcher. Most of our suncatchers come with suction cups. Prior to placing a suction cup on a window, you should ensure that the surface is clean and free from finger prints (which could contain oil) and debris. Then, lightly moisten the suction cup and press firmly against the window. Wait 24-48 hours for the moisture to dry before hanging the suncatcher. Suction cups that are still too moist will slide down the window and have the potential to become unattached.
Many of our extra-large bird suncatchers, called art glass window panels, should not be hung with suction cups. We recommend the use of sturdy cup-hooks mounted into the plaster or wood surrounding the window itself. Alternatively, many windows have latches between the upper and lower portions of the windows and these latches may provide a place to hang your window panels. Since window latches vary greatly, you will need to assess your situation carefully to determine the suitability of your latches.
All of our painted suncatchers and art glass window panels should be hung with the paint facing the interior of your home.
Now that you know how to care for your suncatcher, you are ready to select the suncatcher that best suits your needs.