Stained glass is a common sight at memorial halls and churches, where an air of elegance is very prominent. They are usually used to create windows with special designs and patterns, and are capable of giving out a jeweled appearance.
Although it may be tough initially, you can actually learn how to create your own masterpiece by referring to the many stained glass FAQs and guides available online. The moment you become an intermediate creator, you can even share pictures of your creations with other hobbyists through the Internet.
Stained glass FAQs – Questions about cutting glass
In order to create beautiful pieces of stained glass, you must first learn how to cut a sheet of glass effectively and correctly. Below are a few stained glass FAQs related to cutting glass.
- What tools do I need to prepare before cutting?
Some of the most important tools required are breaker/grozer pliers, soldering iron, steel wheel cutter and glass pattern shears. For marking and drawing purposes, it is advisable for you to buy some glass marking pens, pencil, carbon paper and pattern cards.
- How do you make a score on the glass?
With the steel wheel cutter in your dominant hand, you should place the steel wheel approximately 3mm away from the glass edge. Next, you should position your thumb from the idle hand behind the cutter head. This is essential to prevent the cutter from slipping off the edge of the glass. When the initial position is set accordingly, you can slide the cutter across the glass surface away from you, applying a constant amount of pressure with your dominant hand at all times.
- Once the score is created, how do I break the glass?
You can either do that with both hands or with the aid of breaker-grozer pliers. Grip one end of the score with your thumb and index finger, and for the other hand, you can do the same so that the score line is between both your thumbs, or do it using the pliers. When you are ready, snap the glass along the score line by applying an outward pull. Ensure that the pressure applied is even throughout the process so that the glass will be broken beautifully along the score line.
Stained glass FAQs – miscellaneous questions
Below are a couple of stained glass FAQs not related to the creation process.
- How do I set a price for my stained glass?
Find the surface area of your stained glass in square feet, by using a ruler and calculator. Multiply this number by $70 and add the total number of pieces you used in creating the pattern to the base cost. You may have to consider your working time and adjust the cost accordingly.
- How do I clean my stained glass?
You can clean it using water with a drop of dishwashing liquid added. Soak a lint-free cloth with the water and wipe the glass thoroughly. You can use a brush to scrub the solder joints and then rinse the whole structure with clean water. Finally, use a dry lint-free cloth to soak away any water residue.
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