Stained glass is made up of finely ground glass particles suspended in a special liquid binder. The final color is determined by the level of metallic oxide used to produce the color. Copper oxide, uranium, or titanium create vibrant colors, while cadmium sulfide and titanium create warmer tones. The paint is then fused into the glass using a process called a vitreous painting.
Pattern-drawing:
A pattern drawing in stained glass begins with an inner oval in the frame. If the oval is too small, the subject will look like a lump of lead swimming in an Olympic pool. The rays around the oval are irregular and fill the space with nonsensical lead limes. Next, trace the outer oval of the same size. Turn the photo over until the pieces begin to overlap. If your subject is too large or complex, you may need to change the color or size.
Cutline drawing:
A cutline drawing guides the artisan in cutting lead strips and binding glass segments. It also indicates the locations of the glass segments for binding. It also serves as a reference for the final assembly of the window. The process of creating a stained glass window begins with a small watercolor sketch and ends with a detailed working drawing or cartoon. The window is initially created in two copies: one is a master copy of the finished design. The second copy serves as a template for assembling the windows using a cutline drawing.
Lead:
The material lead is a metal alloy that is commonly used in the making of stained glass panels. It comes in six-foot lengths and is available on spools. There are several types of lead, ranging from flat to round. Some types of lead are harder than others and are not suitable for beginners. Some artists use soft metal around the edges of their artwork. Others choose to use lead or copper foil to secure the edges of their panels.
Silver chloride:
What is silver chloride? This white crystalline substance is not soluble in water and converts back into silver and chlorine when exposed to light. This chemical compound is used in many applications, including electrochemistry, bandages, and photographic film. Its properties are both antiseptic and antimicrobial, making it a useful addition to many products. In addition to its use in stained glass, silver chloride is also a valuable antidote for mercury poisoning.
