For those who are new to stained glass, it can seem as though this remarkable art form has a language all its own. Whether people want to start producing stained glass pictures on their own or are interested in finding beautiful stained glass images for a home or church, it is a good idea to be familiar with some of the more common terminology. This knowledge will help buyers better communicate what they are looking for and make it easier for novice artisans to get exactly what they need to create pictures. Some important terms are:
Stained glass: Once used to describe any piece of art executed using colored flat glass, the meaning of the term has become much broader over the years. It is now used to describe the craft of joining glass pieces together to create a work of art, architectural elements and art made with colored glass, and individual pieces and sheets of colored flat glass. Lead came: Lead came is one material that can be used to join pieces of colored glass to create pictures. Large windows seen in churches are typically fashioned using this technique. The lead came is stretched and cut into appropriately-sized strips. There are grooves in the lead came into which the individual pieces are inserted. Finally, the joints are soldered together. Copper foil: This is the method used to create the now universally recognizable Tiffany-style stained glass. The edges of each individual piece are wrapped in copper foil. The side of the copper foil that is applied to the glass has an adhesive to allow for easy application. Flux is applied to the foil, and all of the edges are soldered together. The copper foil technique can be used to produce three-dimensional images, while the lead came technique is only useful for creating two-dimensional works and windows. Solder: An alloy that commonly contains lead and/or tin. It is melted with a soldering iron and used to join individual pieces together when a work of art is being assembled. Patina: This is a product that is brushed onto the lines made using the copper foil or lead came method. It can protect materials, replicate the look of lead, or simply restore the beauty of aging surfaces. Translucent: Translucent materials allow some light to pass through, but objects on the other side are not visible. Stained glass is considered a translucent material, and it is this property that gives the colored glass its characteristic warm glow.
Stained Glass Window Decals
The information above represents just a few of the more common stained glass terms. When individuals are shopping around for or learning how to produce pieces, it may be necessary to do some independent research. Fortunately, information is readily available both in books and online.