Materials and Tools for stained glass windows:
- Pattern
- Oil Paper/Carbon Paper
- Glue Stick/Scissors
- Glass Assortment
- Glass Cutter (preferably carbide wheel)
- Running Pliers
- Grinder
- 7/32" Copper Foil/ Fid
- 60/40 Solder
- Stained Glass Soldering Iron/ Temperature Controller
- Flux/ Brush
- Wet Sponge
- Optional: Framing material/Patina/ Solder
- Trace your pattern onto oil paper with Carbon in between for transfer.
Tip: Use only gentle curves in your design for optimal cutting ease. Sharp turns are very tricky to cut!
- Use scissors to cut out pattern and glue pieces onto desired glass.
Tip: Number your pieces so you'll remember how to put them back together later!
- Cut Glass from one end to other and snap with running pliers.
Tip: To preserve the life of your cutter, never score over the same line twice!
- Fit glass together to form your picture. Grind if needed. Clean before foiling.
- Wrap Copper foil tape around all edges and burnish flat with a fid.
Tip: Store your extra foil in a Ziploc bag to preserve the life of the adhesive.
- Plug soldering iron in to temperature controller and set to 800'F. Apply flux to all metal lines with brush.
Tip: Apply a drop of solder to all joints first, so your pieces won't slip or move out of place!
- Solder lines, following the metal lines with the tip of your iron, let solder rest just above the iron tip, to melt and flow to form a "bead" (line of solder).
Tip: Cleaning the piece thoroughly with soap and water immediately after soldering will help to prevent oxidation on the metal.
- Frame in a lead or zinc channel and apply patina or finishing wax as desired.
The Stained Glass Garden is a family owned and operated glass art gallery, supplier, and education center. They have provided the San Francisco Bay Area with quality service, glass, unique gifts, and a creative outlet since 1976.
Website: http://www.stainedglassgarden.com
