Ever wonder how your alabaster glass gets discolored? If you own genuine alabaster lighting fixtures, this is one thing you definitely want to prevent. Discoloration occurs when you use a bulb with a higher wattage than the one recommended by the manufacturer. The excess heat, over time, can cook the moisture right out of the alabaster, causing the stain. Randall Whitehead, the professional lighting designer featured in various home decorating magazines and shows, recommends using a dimmable CFL bulb that doesn't exceed the alabaster's heat threshold.

JH lighting and The Basic Source's usage of the new GU24 technology directly prevents staining from the start. They offer alabaster fixtures with CFL's that take take less wattage to light and won't overheat. Whitehead points out in Residential Lighting magazine's January edition, "Maxlite [another manufacturer] even offers a screw-in socket, called the MLGSM, that instantly and permanently changes an incandescent fixture into a GU24 fluorescent fixture without rewiring." Another thing you can do is never remove the heat shields provided by your fixture's manufacturer. The shields are  there to protect your glassware so you won't have to replace the glass. 

A Residential Lighting reader said they used a soft sanding sponge. Be wary of sanding your alabaster to remove the stain. Along with the stain, you may sand away the protective sealant layer that normally acts as a dirt-repellant. Even though you may salvage the alabaster right now, over time, the spot can attract more dirt resulting in further discoloration. 

 About the Author: Akemi Hong is a writer and graphic designer. You"ll find Akemi occupied indoors as a marketing and design associate for 1STOPlighting.