Our Most Frequently Asked Stained Glass Questions

We get a number of stained glass questions every day. Obviously this is an amazing hobby/business that many people want to learn or already enjoy.

To make things easier and to get your stained glass questions answered as quickly as you ask them, we are compiling an ongoing list of how to make stained glass tips & techniques questions we receive.

If you don't see the answer to your question somewhere on this site or below, please feel free to contact us anytime as we are here to help you make your glass art projects awesome!!

Basic beginner questions such as how to get started, is it easy, etc. will be answered throughout this site as we are going to be offering content, videos, a forum, courses, and more.

For a quick overview of how to make stained glass click here.

Also, be sure to visit our create stained glass discussion forum for more great fun, help, talk about glass art, and get your stained glass questions answered.

Frequently Asked Stained Glass Questions

Q: How much is does this stained glass stuff cost?

A: This answer is going to depend on many things, however, here is a list of the necessities you will need: tools, supplies, a work area, education, and so forth. It can range anywhere from under a hundred dollars to somewhere in the thousand range.

Q: Where do I find locations for supplies and/or classes?

A: We are going to be opening an online store to buy supplies and tools at great discounts. We will also be putting together a directory of local stained glass supply shops, plus places that offer classes if you want a more hands on approach.

A: This stained glass question is answered in our mini e-course you'll receive when you sign up on our home page form. We also have a stained glass tools section.

A: Answer coming shortly - Lead Came is a more traditional way to create stained glass. As for suppliers there are local and online. See our question above regarding where to get supplies and tools.

A: Visit our stained glass soldering section for tips & tactics.

A: Cutting the glass accurately is not as important as scoring and breaking the glass.If you are cutting a straight line- score the glass with your glass cutter- using an even amount of pressure. This will not break the glass only provide a score to break the glass.Note: do not score over the same line- score only one time.Use either the edge of your work table to break the glass or use your pliers .If you have any raw edges that need to be removed to get your piece into the pattern you want use your grinder to remove those raw edges.

If you are cutting a circular line. It is best to work your way into the pattern piece, especially on a concave piece. Remove the glass a little at a time around the pattern piece desired. Then use your grinder again to remove the raw edges you don’t want.Keep in mind people find their own techniques that work best for them. Don’t be afraid to test out your own techniques.

Q: How do you make the glass break exactly where you cut it??

A: The best way to answer this question is in the scoring process.Use the same amount of pressure as you score the piece. If you do this, the glass breaks easily on the score line. The amount of pressure is firm but not hard.Remember when you score- this is not breaking, it is giving you a line to break.

Q: Is it easier to start with smaller glass piece art or large piece?

A: Randy started with a piece sized about 8x10, just to practice his scoring, breaking and soldering. The size of each pattern piece was about 2 inches.

He found it best to work with larger pieces because a smaller piece is harder to cut and break and wrap the foil. At least until you get your technique down and you feel more confident with the process.

When you have some substantial in your hands –it is easier to do each process of stained glass.

A: This is one of our most asked stained glass questions. Click here to learn some great framing options.

Q: How do you get that beautiful copper accent dividing the different glass pieces?

A: This is produced by putting on a patina when you are finished with the soldering process.You can purchase patina in a copper or black finish.

Patina is a liquid that will change the color of the solder from silver to whatever color you choose. It is great to use to add and make your project "pop" or bring out the colors of the glass. Sometimes it good to stay with the silver depending on the colors of the glass.

Anyway, you apply the patina over the solder with a smooth soft cloth. When it is all applied Randy likes to put wax over the solder to make it shine.

Q: How difficult is it to measure patterns to create symmetic designs & where can I get patterns/designs?

A: We provide some symmetry tips here.
Start here for finding patterns.
Design ideas can be found here.
We'll be going through a number of projects as we go.

Q: Can this be a home based business and if so what are the basic startup costs for creating small windows and art pieces?

A: The answer to this is an entire section we'll be providing shortly and is tough to answer in a small paragraph.
Click here to see what we'll be providing on this topic.

Q: How do I repair my broken/split stained glass?

A: If you are unfortunate to have a beautiful piece of art break or split, we have one way that has worked. Click here if you want your art fixed!

Q: How to set up a work bench/work area?

A: We have received this question numerous times so we wanted to put something together for you. Just note that each situation will vary based on your available resources. Click here for Randy's tips on work area!

Q:Do you offer videos to learn?

A: At this time check out the basic stained glass videos that Randy has put together.We are in the process of making the video of "how to cut" stained glass.

Next we will be working on smoothing the edges, then flux, soldering, finishing, framing, and patinaWe hope to be able to offer these shortly.We will be glad to help you with any process you find challenging or just need a little advise.

We can also, offer for sale, some great videos that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Contact us for more information.

Q:How can make a correct templates?

A: It sounds like you are making your own stained glass patterns.

There are several ways that you can achieve a good template.You can use software on your computer - under our discount stained glass supplies section we offer different types of software - such as photoshop or glasseye 2000 - We have heard good things about the glasseye- that it is easy for beginners.

Another way to make a correct template is to trace your pattern onto tracing paper- then cut out each pattern. This method is good if you are using a photo as your design- you can adjust the seam lines as you see fit to make the pattern pieces without compromising the design.Randy likes to use a permanent pen marker to mark the glass with the pattern pieces before breaking and cutting each piece.

Again this is a small number of stained glass questions and this site is here to answer them all as we learn together.

This is your site. We are just here to help you along as we venture into the wonderful world of glass art making.

If your stained glass questions are not answered, be sure to submit below so others will benefit as well as we add to this section.

Plus, don't forget to head over to the stained glass forum to get your stained glass questions answered and help others as well!