GroupC_Decorative finishes on glass: Stained glass

Stained glass making process

1.Pick a project
2. Find a pattern

3. Choose a type of glass
Choosing your glass is a matter of preference. There are many types that range in price, availability, texture and color. You will need to consider the degree of transparency in the glass as well as how east it is cut. You can combine different types of glass within the same project.

4. Purchase your glass
Stained glass comes in large sheets. The smallest sheet is approximately 1 foot by 1foot with the largest being four times that size. Keep in mind that about a quarter of what you buy will not be utilized after trimming.

5. Make your template
Draw, copy or print out your pattern on a piece of paper at actual size. Cut the pattern into its separate pieces and label them by color and grain direction. Place the pattern under or over the glass and trace the outline with a thin permanent marker. Leave a centimeter or less of room for the thickness of the copper foil.

6. Score your glass
Hold the glass cutter as you would a pencil and press it into the glass gently. Begin at a point away from your body and begin scraping inward.
Move around your pattern, rotating the glass as necessary to keep proper form.

 7. Cut your glass
For straight pieces, as soon as you see a line forming, place pilers in the crack and squeeze to separate the piece.
For curved sections, use the glass cutter to break through the scoring. Don't worry if the piece breaks off slightly jagged; you can remove them later.

8. Foil you glass
Wash your cut glass in a bath of water mixed with a drop of ammonia. Dry each piece off thoroughly.
Cover the edges of the glass with 7/32 inch copper foil. Make sure the foil is centered. This can be done by hand or with a table foiler.
Fold the extra foil around the edges of the glass.
Press the foil down hard with tongue depressor. This will ensure the foil adheres to the glass.

9. Solder your glass
Place the stained glass segments together and heat the iron.
Apply flux to the seams.
Set the 60/40 solder on the seams and follow the foil framing slowly.
Turn the piece over and repeat the soldering on the opposite side.

10. Attach a zinc frame for stability.

11. Apply patina to the frame

Seulbi Lee