Stained glass is the process of combining pre-colored glass pieces of various shapes together. The color comes from the addition of minerals during processing. Stained glass windows are typical of churches but are also found in certain types of mirrors, lampshades and chandeliers. Creating such objects requires skill and precision, things that can be learned. Follow the next steps to find out how.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a project
There are several ways to shape and use colored glass. For beginners, a simple panel to attach to a window may be fine, but you can also think of something else such as a screen, a sunshade, boxes, ornaments
Step 2. Find a reason
Get inspiration from books or nature. If you are a beginner choose a large and simple pattern like a flower, but you can always design your own
Step 3. Choose a glass type
The choice of glass is a matter of preference. There are dozens of different types in price, availability, texture and color. Take into consideration the degree of transparency of the glass and how easy it is to cut it and remember that in the same project you can combine different types of glass
Step 4. Buy the glass
Colored glass is produced in "sheets". The smallest measure approximately 30.48cm by 30.48cm and the largest measure approximately four times as much. Buy enough but remember that much of it will not be used after being cut
Step 5. Prepare the template
Design, copy or print the template in real format. Cut out the pattern into its separate parts and mark it by color and grain direction. Place it under or on top of the glass and mark the contours with a fine-tipped permanent marker. Leave a gap of an inch or less for the thickness of the copper foil
Step 6. Etch the glass
- Hold the glass cutter like a pencil and press it lightly against the glass. Start from a distant point and come inward.
- Move along the design by rotating the glass as necessary to maintain the shape.
Step 7. Cut the glass
- To make straight pieces as soon as you see a line forming put pliers into the slot and squeeze to separate the piece.
- For curved parts, use the glass cutter to cross the incision. Don't worry if the piece comes out slightly serrated as you can sand it down later.
Step 8. Edge the glass
- Clean the cut glass pieces in a solution of water and a drop of ammonia and then dry each piece well.
- Cover the edges with copper tape and make sure the tape is centered. You can do this by hand or with a table edge bander.
- Fold the excess tape over the edges of the glass.
- Press it well with a pin so that it fits snugly against the glass.
Step 9. Weld the glass
- Put the pieces of glass together and heat the soldering iron.
- Apply flux on the edges.
- Put 60/40 tin on the joint and follow the tape slowly.
- Turn the piece over and repeat the step on the other side.
Step 10. Attach a galvanized frame to keep the pieces stable
Step 11. Apply patina to the frame
Solder the lines to change the colors of the seams.
Step 12. You are done
Advice
- If the glass is hot it will be easier to cut.
- Practice a lot.
- You can break the glass by putting the engraved part on an edge and hitting it with your hand down.
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For straight cuts use a square and not a ruler which is not meant to be a cutting edge.
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Warnings
- Do not score too deeply or the glass will break unevenly.
- When cutting and balancing, always protect your eyes and fingers.
