What should I avoid doing with a glass craft sculpture to prevent breakage?

If you own or are thinking about owning a glass craft sculpture, you already know it’s a delicate treasure. Glass art can be breathtaking, but it’s also surprisingly vulnerable. To keep your sculpture safe and stunning for years to come, here are five things you should absolutely avoid doing.

1. Never place it on an uneven or unstable surface. A wobbly table or a tilted shelf is an accident waiting to happen. Even a slight vibration or bump can send your sculpture crashing down. Always choose a flat, solid base, and consider using museum putty or a silicone gel pad to gently anchor the bottom.

2. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes. Glass expands and contracts with heat. Placing your sculpture in a sunny window or near a heat vent can cause stress fractures over time, even if you don’t see them immediately. Keep it in a spot with consistent, moderate temperature and away from direct rays.

3. Don’t clean it with abrasive cloths or harsh chemicals. It might seem harmless, but rough sponges, paper towels, or ammonia-based cleaners can scratch the surface or degrade the finish. Instead, use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth and a little warm water with mild dish soap. Dry gently to avoid water spots.

4. Never pick it up by a fragile protruding part, like a wing, stem, or narrow branch. Always support the main body of the sculpture from underneath, using both hands. Many breaks happen not from dropping, but from applying pressure to an unsupported delicate section.

5. Avoid placing it in high-traffic areas. A hallway where people brush past, a low shelf within reach of pets or children, or a spot near an open door can lead to accidental knocks. Give your glass sculpture its own safe, quiet space where it can be admired from a distance.