My suction cups are 30 years old and still stay on the window. I use them to hang all my own stained glass suncatchers and have not lost a single one in that time. Sure, they’ve aged and yellowed, but they still work fine.
The secret is preparing the surface—and a little checking in on them once in awhile. Follow these tips and your favorite window art will become heirlooms to last for years. Here is how I do it.
1. Clean the glass surface first.
Use a little rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner to remove dust, oil, or residue. I like to stick the suction cup on while the glass is still just barely damp from cleaning—not wet, but not bone-dry either. It will look dry, but that bit of tack helps it grip.
2. Wash and dry the suction cup.
A quick rinse with warm soapy water helps remove any oils. Dry it well—or leave it slightly damp for better suction.
3. Press firmly and remove air.
Press the suction cup flat against the window, then push out any trapped air by pressing around the edges.
4. Let it sit before hanging anything.
Give it a few hours to fully adhere before adding your suncatcher.
5. Check once in a while.
Over time, temperature or humidity changes can affect suction. Especially in a window that gets a lot of sun or temperature changes. I like to check them every month or so.
Just press the center of the suction cup and you will hear a pop. You’re all good again. If it doesn’t pop it’s fine, it just means it didn’t have any changes.
One last thing. Don’t overload it with weight. A typical suncatcher can be fine using a suction cup. But something larger should be hung with a chain, wire or another method.
When maintained properly, suction cups can hold for years. I use them in my own windows with no trouble at all!
Have questions about which suction cups work best or how to hang your suncatcher? I’m always happy to help—leave a comment or reach out!
Until next time,
Wishing you a sunny day, and look out your window…….