Stained Glass Soldering Tips

 

Welcome to the world of stained glass art! In order to help you become a better glass artist, we have put together the following list of tips that will provide you with insight about better stained glass soldering techniques.
Soldering is perhaps the most important part of stained glass making and your technique and skill level will definitely make a different in the quality of your work.

 

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What exactly is solder? It is an alloy of tin and lead that is melted at high temperatures and used to hold pieces of glass together. The process is not a simple one however, as solder does not stick to glass. For this reason, you will probably want to master the copper foil technique in order to actually join your glass pieces.

These steps will help you to learn the copper foil soldering method for stained glass:

Be aware that while we are focusing on the copper foil method, there is another popular method known as “lead came” that you might also want to learn.

1. Pay Close Attention to Safety! Working with solder is dangerous. This cannot be stressed enough. It is absolutely critical that you follow every possible safety precaution to protect yourself and anyone around you. Lead is dangerous. Flux is dangerous. The fumes created in the soldering process are even more dangerous. Make sure you work in a space with adequate ventilation and wear proper safety gear. Also, be sure that every piece of glass is properly secured.

2. Soldering Iron Selection is Key! When you are deciding which type and model of soldering iron, choose carefully as this is the most commonly used tool for stained glass soldering. A comfortable handle and non slip grip will make things easier from you. A 100w soldering iron with a thermostat should be a good model to start with, although you could also consider a 60w or even a 200w iron.

3. Maintain your Equipment! Keep your workspace and all of your equipment clean and in excellent operating condition at all times. This will make working with your stained glass projects easier and it will also keep you safe.

4. Invest in Flux! Flux has one job. It removes oxide residue while you are soldering. While doing this, it helps metals to bond together better. There are different flux materials for every possible combination of metals that you will use, so investigate the options before purchasing flux. Some recommend tallow candles, as tallow makes excellent flux for a lead 60%/tin 40% solder

5. Get Started with Foiling! All glass overlaps must be sealed with foil before you get started. Make sure to have all of your tools within reach and to wear your safety gear properly at all times.

6. Clean the Glass! Steel wool will ensure that the copper foil is clean of all debris and particles that can interfere with the soldering process. Take the time to always clean the work surface.

7. Apply Flux and Solder! Apply flux to all of the intersections. Then melt a small amount of solder with the tip of your soldering iron. Gently ensure that solder fills all of the gaps between your glass pieces and is level with the glass surface. Apply another layer of solder and then more flux. Work carefully to ensure perfection!

8. Apply Carnauba Wax to Finish! A thin layer of wax will polish and protect your work!

This beginner guide to stained glass soldering should give you an overview of the soldering process. Practice makes perfect, so keep working at following these steps until you have mastered the soldering technique.