The Most Frequently Asked Stained Glass Questions

To make things easier and to get your 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 stained glass questions 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 stained glass 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 visit the stained glass instruction section.

If you are unable to find answers to your questions here, visit the stained glass making questions & answers section to find what you need!

Frequently Asked Stained Glass Questions

Q: How much 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.

In more detail, the main tools that we started with were:

Glass grinder
Oil glass cutter
Running pliers
Groser pliers
Copper foil
Solder iron
Solder
Flux
Glass

More detail will be addressed in our tool and supply section.These were the main tools that Randy started with. You can make stained glass using just these tools. The cost would be somewhere in the $300 range.

The work area can be any type of bench or table- no need to go to major expense when just starting out. You can always expand on your needs as time passes whether you sell the stained glass designs or give them away as gifts or keep them for yourself.

There are many tools and supplies that help make making stained glass easier but not a necessity. It never hurts to check out the many tools. You may find one or several that help you to produce the stained glass you want. These extra tools may also help you with the technique that you want.

Most hobbies that are worth getting into can cost quite a bit when starting out.
But the rewards are greater with stained glass if you want to sell your designs by using these simple tools.

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

A: To answer these stained glass questions, we will be opening an online store to buy supplies and tools at great discounts.



One site that offers classes all over the world is:
http://www.aisg.on.ca/classes/



Keep in mind our site gives full detail to how to produce the copper foil method.

We will be glad to work with you, answer your stained glass questions, and assist whenever you are having problems with any phase of your production.

In the videos we've put together, we will dive into many of these stained glass questions and show you the tools and the instructions of producing amazing stained glass:

1. Video will be based upon cutting of the glass.
2. How to grind and foil video course.
3. Stained glass solder video.
4. Finishing video that describes how to make a beautiful exotic frame around your stained glass to make it shine.
5. Cleaning your stained glass after years and/or special treatments such as patina.



Currently we have a few stained glass videos to get you started and help alleviate some of the stained glass questions you may have.

Most of making stained glass is practice, practice, practice.This practice will help you improve with each piece and help you tackle the more difficult designs. With each design you will develop the techniques that work best for you.

Remember, stained glass is a creative process, and it's important to think outside of the box.

Supplies can be purchased at any stained glass shop, on the website and most Hobby Lobbies.

Also, we will be glad to help you find any product you may be having trouble getting as we are experts at scouring the web to find excellent deals.

We also offer discount stained glass supplies if you would like to order them through us.

Q: Which tools are really necessary to get started for a beginner?

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

Q: Where do I obtain lead came for the projects? I can't find it anywhere!

A: Lead Came is not our main form of producing stained glass, but we felt we needed to show this as an option for those interested in Lead Came.

Lead Came is a more traditional way to create stained glass.It has been used for centuries, mostly in churches and wealthy homes.

Supplies for Lead Came can be purchased in most stained glass stores as well as on line. Check out the variety of sites online for lead came if you can’t find it in your local stained glass store.

Lead came can be found in lead, copper, brass or zinc. Check out the variety!!!!

Learn more about each of the stained glass methods here.

Q: How do I solder?

A: This is one of those stained glass questions that is tough to answer in a few paragraphs.

Visit our stained glass soldering section for tips & tactics.

Q: How do I cut the glass accurately?

A: These are basic steps for cutting and breaking the glass with ease...

Breaking and cutting the glass are steps 4 and 5 in our process of making stained glass with the copper method.This does take practice to learn to perform this process with ease and confidence. It is best to practice on pieces of glass before tackling a pattern.

The process of cutting out your pattern is completely up to you. You can cut the same color glass or you can switch around – following the flow of the pattern until you have cut all the pieces.

Creativity begins - whatever floats your boat. We like to cut out different colors of the pattern so he starts to see the pattern take shape, but for you it might be best to cut out all the "green" or the "clear pieces." Then move onto another color.

1. It is best to stand when scoring your glass pieces, especially large scores. This way you will be in a proper position to be able to use your body- shoulders and arms and strength for a good score.

2. Put the glass right side up over top of the pattern piece (right side is the textured side). Outline the piece you want to cut with a permanent, fine gold marker.
Tip: We find gold the best and easiest way to follow and see the line during the scoring process.

3.Flip the glass over to the back side (smooth surface). With the glass cutter, follow one line (each side of the piece) at a time with a firm pressure scoring the glass on the line. This will not cut the glass all the way through, but will allow you to break it easily. You should hear a slight scratch sound. Always score from point “a” to point “b”, from one edge to the other. Do not stop in the middle of the score line.

Another way to mark a pattern is to use tracing paper. Trace the pattern or design on a piece of tracing paper. Once you have the entire design traced, you can cut out each pattern piece. It is best to number each pattern piece, on the tracing paper and the design pattern so you will know where it fits on the design.

For large straight edges, use the ruler with the cork back. You will line your ruler up with the straight line on the pattern. Use the ruler as a guide for scoring the edge. This way you are assured of a clean and straight line.

Important Tips:

1. Only score the lines once. Do not go over the score.

2. If you press too firmly you may break or chip the glass. If you press too light, the glass may not break easily. Remember to use a firm hand when scoring – but remember you are not breaking the glass with this score- only marking it to break.

3. The best way to score a piece is to score just inside the marked line. This will help so you won’t need to grind the piece as much to fit in the pattern design.

4.Breaking a piece with a pointed end:

**We like to use the metal ball on the end of his glass cutter. He taps on the underside of the score gently so as to not break off the end point.

**Another method we have used for a pointed end is: To score a little bit on the outside of the pointed end marked line. Remove as much glass as possible. Then he uses the grinder to remove the unwanted glass- to achieve the pointed end.

5. With really curving pieces of glass you will need to score and cut the piece of glass several times until you achieve the pattern you are wanting.

Eg: if the pattern is straight then curves in then goes straight again. The best way to achieve your cut is to score a straight line all the way across. This way you have the straight portions taken care of. Then to get the curved section - keep scoring a little section of glass at a time, break it away with the grozer/breaking pliers. Repeat this process as often as needed until you get to the curved line you are trying to accomplish.

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

A: Let's dive into this stained glass question by breaking it down a bit...

Breaking the Glass:
There are several methods to break the glass.

**Tap along the scored edge with the metal ball of the glass cutter until the glass breaks loose. This method is best for rounded and curved edges.

**If you are cutting a straight line (large piece of glass), score the glass with the glass cutter, in the same manner, but break the glass by using the edge of a table. Put the score line on the edge of the work table, take a firm grip of the glass, and push down against the edge of the table. We put the usable piece on the table and the balance of the glass over the edge. This should allow the glass to break easily along the score.

**Another method after scoring the glass is to use running pliers for smaller pieces. These pliers have a flat edge with a rubber grip on the inside of the pliers, called the jaw. You would place the pliers after scoring at the score line.

The pliers have a notch to show where to place the pliers perpendicular to the score. You then squeeze down on the pliers and the score line will break. This method is best used for straight cuts. If you are not getting a smooth cut then you may be squeezing too hard on the pliers or your original score line was not produced firmly.

With curved areas of the pattern piece use the breaking pliers a little at a time until you achieve your pattern. Sometimes this takes several scores and several breaks until you have worked your way into the curved section.



Continue scoring and breaking each edge of the pattern until you have the pattern design complete. Put the piece on the pattern so you can see the design come to life. Continue cutting each piece until all are cut and placed on the design.

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

A: This is one of the more specific stained glass questions, so we'll describe how we began since everyone is different.

We 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.

We 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 something substantial in your hands, it is easier to do each process of stained glass.

Work on your technique of cutting, breaking and soldering before tackling anything on a more difficult level of stained glass such as curved and pointy pieces.

If you are first starting out- we recommend you buy different colored textured glass so that you can get the feel of the different textures. Then cutting square pieces approximately 2” x 2” and making the design with these square pieces. This will help you develop your technique for cutting, breaking, foiling and soldering.

Q: Can I get some suggestions for framing options?

A: This is one of our most asked stained glass questions. Click here to learn about framing and hanging stained glass.

We are working on a video that will show you how to make a wood frame to put around your design. This is a great finishing or framing option.

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 with the average cost around $6.00-$10.00.

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 is good to stay with the silver depending on the colors of the glass. Your choice (that’s what makes stained glass so much fun!)

Anyway, you apply the patina over the solder with a 1/4" brush that you can find in most hobby stores. Apply a thin coat over all the solder areas.

After you apply the patina you must wash over the entire design, patina and glass with mild soap and water. Dry with a clean cloth.

When it is all clean Randy likes to put wax over the solder, patina, and glass to make it shine.

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

A: We provide stained glass symmetry tips here.
Start here for finding stained glass patterns.
Stained glass designs & ideas can be found here.
We'll be going through a number of projects as we go to answer these specific stained glass questions.

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: This stained glass question can be answered by visiting our stained glass business section.

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 to learn about stained glass repair.

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

A: We have received this stained glass question numerous times so we wanted to put something together for you. Just note that each situation will vary based on your available resources. Get the inside scoop on the stained glass work bench here!!

Q:Do you offer videos to learn & answer stained glass questions?

A: At this time check out the basic stained glass videos that we have put together or found from youtube.
We are in the process of making a number of videos that will show you tips and techniques regarding each step of the process. This will help with answering any of the stained glass questions you may have along the way.



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 I 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 recommend different types of software - such as photoshop or glasseye 2000 - We have heard good things about the glasseye- that it is easy for beginners, however can be quite expensive.

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 as you can adjust the seam lines as you see fit to make the pattern pieces without compromising the design.We like to use a permanent pen marker to mark the glass with the pattern pieces before breaking and cutting each piece.

Q: What do you use on the outside of a stained glass project when it is an odd shape and not a project that needs a frame?

A:This is one of the stained glass questions that comes up a lot. The answer to this question can be found at: How to Frame with zinc metal channeling. There are tips there as well as the ability to leave comments and additional stained glass questions.

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.