How to Frame with Zinc Metal Channeling

by Cathy
(Phoenix, AZ)

Stained Glass Done Right

Editor note: Here is a great article from one of our loyal visitors. We chose the photo ourselves - it was not submitted with the article, but we thought this was gorgeous.

The more appropriate title to this article is:

"How to Frame a stained glass piece that is not rectangular or square with zinc metal channeling"...

If you have a piece that is octagon shape and want to frame it to give it that finished look, here is a suggestion for framing with zinc channeling we recommend 1/’8” U zinc channel.

Also you will need a lead nippers or diagonal cutter.
The use of the zinc will also strengthen your pattern design.

The first thing you need to do is to stabilize your pattern on your stained glass work bench with the use of horseshoe nails in several places.

You want to make sure that the pattern does not move. It is good to put it on a board on your work bench so that you can turn it around as you apply the zinc U channel.

Second, begin to apply the zinc in place along the edge. At the beginning you can use a horseshoe nail to hold the zinc in place as you work around your design.

Where you want to bend the zinc, use the nippers to clip the top and bottom of the U channel but leave the top of the U intact, bend it backwards then forward into the edge of the pattern so that the zinc will open up and easily bend to the shape you want.

Use your horseshoe nails to hold the zinc in place. Work your way all the way around the design pattern clipping the zinc as needed.

If any of the clipped edges are standing up rather than laying flat, use a small tapping motion with a mallet to hammer them flat. Do this gently so as not to hurt the glass.

When you get to the end, putting in the last piece of zinc, use your nippers to clip the zinc, then bend back and forth to release the excess zinc.

Then tap into place to line up with the first piece you attached.

Lastly, solder the edges where the copper foil is showing. Go ahead an solder on the zinc as well to add strength to each corner of the design.

Once the soldering is complete, clean the design and you will have a nice, beautiful finished piece.

Another method that may work:

We also like to finish the edges of an odd shape piece by applying a small amount of solder to the edge of the design.

Add just enough to cover the copper foil. We recommend practicing on another small piece so you can get the hang of it.

You do have to turn the pieces on its edge as you solder. So best to work in small areas at a time.

Then add patina to the solder to give a completely finished look.