All About Stained Glass
August 27th 2008 03:37
Stained glass is glass, which has been painted, or coloured by adding metal oxides or pigments as it is being made. The glass is cut into different shapes, and assembled together with lead strips. Stained glass professionals as well as community colleges run stained glass making courses, so that you can learn the correct way to use the tools and equipment, and learn through watching demonstrations.
Making stained glass involves finding a design, drawing it out, cutting out pattern pieces, and scoring it onto the glass using a glass cutter. To break the pieces out you will need some pliers – grozier pliers, runner pliers or breaking pliers. Each are for a different purpose so ensure you have the right tools for your job. You can also use your hands, but the job will be easier with pliers. Using a grinder, grind the pieces into the right shapes. Copper foil or lead can be used to join all the pieces together, and then a soldering iron can be used to secure all the joints.
Working with glass requires you to observe some safety practices. Wear goggles when cutting glass, and hold the glass by the top, not the sides. Work on a flat table, and don’t allow any edges to hang over the sides.
There is another way of achieving the same effect as stained glass, without having to cut and grind glass pieces into shapes. Leadlight overlay gives you the same effect of stained glass, on your existing windows. Lead strips are laid in the desired pattern, and coloured film is used in sections to create the stained glass appearance. It can be cleaned as you would clean a window, however don’t use solvents.
Another option is using glass paints. This can enable you to draw any design onto the glass, and fill it in with coloured paints. Glass paints are removable, so instead of using lead on your windows, the paints are a temporary option, or for people who like to change their minds!
Working with lead in stained glass can be hazardous. When soldering lead at high temperatures, toxic fumes can be released. Sawing old frames can create lead dust, and also cause them to oxidise, leaving a white powder that can be easily inhaled. To minimise dust wipe with a damp cloth to collect the dust, and protect your face using a filtered mask.
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