Removing fake leading from windows

[EmmbadTheBad]

I have just moved into a house with horrible fake leading on all the windows. Many of the glass units are misted and need replacing - I don't want to replace them with leaded panes but I also don't want a house with a mix of plain/leaded windows!

I've read on t'internet that it is possible to remove the lead strips from the outside of the windows and I just wondered if anyone has any actual experience of this? I think the strips will just peal off withe the help of a hot air gun but is it possible to completely remove all trace of the glue, etc. from the glass?

Thanks.

Bump. Anyone?

Yes, someone on my street has done it recently. I didn't see the method of removal, but there is no trace of them now.

One house where I lived had them and the effect was horrible. They just peel off and any stubborn bits of glue come off with WD40 and a Stanley knife blade.

Ooh subbing. I have a horrible leaded bay window, I had no idea the leading could be removed!!

Sounds encouraging! I'm going to try it on one of the windows that needs replacing anyway.

I did strip some windows of lead in my old house. It was a bugger of a job and I never managed to get rid of the shadow - every time the windows misted up you could see where the lead had been iyswim. However I did much prefer the windows without the lead.

Can anyone say if the lead is removed does it introduce more natural light?

We removed the stuck on lead from our front window, I say we I mean DH did it whilst I was at work one day!

It did make a big difference weirdly in the light, more so than I was expecting.

It came off all the windows after that!

I've just viewed a house yesterday that has uPVC lead effect windows - I told DH that if we bought it then on completion day he'd have to carry the boxes in whilst I'm peeling all the ghastly lead off!