How to Basic Stained Glass Instructions w/lots of photos
- 1). Select a pattern for beginners and choose glass for the project. If the book or online pattern does not suggest glass selections, ask for help from the vendor at the store. Explain that you are a beginner and would like easy glass to cut. Some types of glass are much flatter and smoother than others and are ideal for beginners.
- 2
Safety goggles protect your eyes from glass shards and chemicals.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
Cut out a paper pattern with scissors and use the paper pieces to trace the pattern onto the glass. Put on safety glasses. Score the glass using a glass-cutting tool. Use only straight lines, going from one edge of the glass to another in one fluid motion. Use breaking pliers to break the glass along the score line. Use several straight cuts rather than one long, round or awkward cut for difficult shapes. - 3
A grinder should be used to grind glass edges.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Grind the pieces of glass using a stationary grinder until the edges of the glass fit together in the pattern. Dry the glass pieces when the come out of the grinder. - 4
Foil is attached to each glass piece.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Attach foil evenly along the edge of each glass piece, sticky-side down. Use a popsicle stick or other tool to rub the foil-wrapped edges. This ensures that the foil is securely affixed. - 5
Press the tip of the soldering gun against the coiled solder to melt it.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Paint a sparing amount of flux at key joints and solder the joints into place using a soldering gun and spool of solder. Flux and solder the lines until one entire side of the piece is complete. Leave to cool. Flip the piece over and solder the other side using the same process. When the solder has cooled, wash the entire piece with a flux-removing solvent. - 6
During the process, some patina may get on the glass.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Apply patina generously to each solder line. Wait until patina is dry and wipe the glass clean. Apply wax to the piece. Polish using a soft flannel cloth and toothbrush for the cracks.
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