Tanya’s Leaded Stained Glass Questions:
I have just been making leaded stained glass for the first time. This is my panel. I am unsure about a couple of things and wondered if you could help with these leaded stained glass questions I have?
- I have edged it in lead u came but it still seems flimsy to me. Does it need copper restrip? I have not puttied it yet so I am hoping that’s the issue.
- I am concerned if I attach rings to the top it may not hold?
Milly’s Answer:
- You won’t need reinforcing (restrip) on this, the panel isn’t big enough to reinforce. The putty will definitely solve the ‘flimsy’ problem as it will harden and stiffen the panel.
- I would attach the rings to the solder joins where I have indicated in green on the photo. Don’t attach a ring to edging lead without a join – where I’ve put red dashes and dots on the photo. If you do this the weight of the panel will, as you say, pull the lead off the glass in time.
I wouldn’t attach rings to the two outer joins (indicated in red) as the weight may pull the panel in on itself after a while.
If you don’t know where to start with leading, there’s a whole series of lead came stained glass tutorials for you here.
Unless you intend to mount this in a wood frame, I would strongly suggest that you replace the lead U came with either 3/8″ or 1/2″ zinc border came. The zinc can be patinaend black (with the right product) or polished to a chrome-like finish with Hope’s Brass Polish (available from Bed Bath & Beyond).
Thanks Robert, very useful comments. There’s always a discussion between the value of zinc or lead as a preference for a frame. They’re both fine to use. Thanks for pointing this out.