Q&A for How to Make Stained Glass

To cut glass effectively, a standard scoring tool with a small wheel and a touch of oil can be utilized. When dealing with thick glass, it is commonly available in tabletop form or as smaller pieces suitable for specific stained glass techniques. One such method is known as "doll," which involves working with substantial, thick chunks of glass. This versatile approach allows artisans to handle glass in various forms, from large tabletop pieces to smaller segments used in intricate stained glass projects.

Yes. The copper foil is what the solder actually binds to. Not going the whole way around could allow the foil to eventually start to separate from the glass. You need to actually solder the glass, in most cases, to the frame to prevent movement of the glass inside the frame. The back of the foil also is colored. If you do not use the foil the entire way around the piece, you will see a color difference along the edges of the individual pieces when looking through the glass.

Tack solder the pieces together (all connecting joints). Then remove the pins and you can move the piece around as you work. Allow the item to cool before touching - exercise caution as it is easy to get "caught up in the fun" and grab the piece prematurely. Enjoy and be safe!

Drawing your own design just means that you come up with your own pattern to cut out, rather than using a pre-made pattern. You would just need a richly-colored black marker or pencil to make the outline.

You solder them the same as you do the glass pieces. You only need a dot though. Use the tip in a circular motion.

Cutting of glass is required - as performed in the above mentioned technique, anyway. Perhaps you could buy a pre-made stained glass window.

Yes, soldering is necessary. There isn't any other way to connect the pieces of glass with end results that look the same.

You purchase the sheets pre-stained. The color is added to the glass during its manufacturing process.

Yes. There are certain paints and stains that can alter the color of stained glass somewhat, but if you are a beginner you should stick with the colors of glass already available to purchase. So, yellow parts are cut out of yellow glass, blue parts cut out of blue glass, etc.

Yes. Put them in an area where they won't be subjected to strong wind (take them down if there is going to be a severe storm with high winds). Also, wax the panel well before hanging it outdoors. The wax will protect the solder and or lead from oxidation caused by rain.

Yes or else the backside will look a little off and it won't be held together as strongly as it needs to be if you don't do this.