Stained Glass Layering – How Plating Works To Create Depth And Shadowing

This is the second of three videos exploring Stained Glass Plating (layering). The first video concentrated on the โ€˜big names in platingโ€™, Tiffany and Robert Oddy, showing how they used plating to bring their stained glass alive.

You can see #1 Video here if you missed it.

#2 Video breaks the plating process down into small, manageable pieces so that you can:

  • see how it’s done and
  • understand that you can achieve all the wonderful effects with just 2 layers of glass.

Plating doesn’t have to be 5 layers of glass thick, weigh a ton and take a year to make!

If you’re thinking your current skills can’t possibly be good enough to master this technique, have a look at this checklist:

  1. You can cut glass to a pattern
  2. You can solder a foiled panel together to a pattern
  3. You know how to clean and polish

Are you surprised at the list? I bet you thought it would be way more difficult. Chances are, you already have the skills to give this technique a try and are ready to discover effects not found in a single layer of glass.

Once you get started with all the colours and effects itโ€™ll be hard to imagine doing stained glass in flat panels ever again.

I hope you’re now inspired to give plating a try yourself?

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT the PLATING MAGIC course here

“It was almost magical watching the class videos as I got to see how two different ‘normal’ panels went together to create depth and texture, shading, interest and beauty in a way that just isn’t available outside of plating.” Stephanie Klenka Mitchell

58 thoughts on “Stained Glass Layering – How Plating Works To Create Depth And Shadowing”

  1. I love your videos! Now I know how you do plating but what impressed me the most was the cactus that you spot plated! That was stunning! And the painted needles. What kind of paint do you use for that? You inspire me to try new things. Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Hi Milly,
    Thanks for all the wonderful information. I think it would help me to be able to see each of the layers side-by-side (and then a view of both layers along with the finished product all at once) instead of switching images back and forth. You showed that at the end of the video when the third layer of the cactus was added and that was helpful. But I think if I had a chance to study the two initial layers side-by-side, Iโ€™d have a better understanding of how it all works. Also, Iโ€™d like to see what the piece looks like when it isnโ€™t on a light box. The light conditions of any pieceโ€™s final home can certainly be a consideration when selecting which glass to use. Plating seems to add yet another dimension (no pun intended) to the issue of glass selection and potential light conditions of the display space.

    Thank you for this and all the other useful things you so generously share with us!

    Reply
    • Thanks for your ideas for teaching Vicki. The full Plating Magic course explores and explains everything in more detail.
      I totally agree regarding glass selection in situ – another area that’s delved into in the course ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • Merci pour la suggestion de traduire mon site en franรงais, je vais me pencher dessus.
      En attendant, j’utilise Google Translate pour รฉcrire ceci !

      Thanks for the suggestion to translate my website into French, I’ll look into it.
      In the meantime, I’m using Google Translate to write this!

      Reply
  3. Hi Milly, This sounds like fun and opens up some wonderful options.

    You posed a question in response to a previous comment – you asked if the word “class” implied a one video session. In my opinion, it does. To me, a course is a series of classes. These classes are all in one area of study.

    And because I’m the nerd around here, I found this description useful.
    https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/class-vs-course/

    Ok, I’ll go back to my glass room. ๐Ÿ™‚

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    • Thanks for the clarification and the link Elizabeth; I’ve changed all my wording now!

      You’ll definitely discover options galore with plating ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • Thanks Monette. There must be a volume slider turned down or off somewhere on your computer. If you can’t find it, try rebooting the machine, that sometimes helps. The videos all have subtitles; click on the CC button, bottom right – and choose your language! At the moment we have English, Spanish and French.

      Reply
  4. Hi Milly! As always, you have given us something that looks like fun, I want to sign up and will do so on the 14th. I do have a question, once I pay for the class, will I have access to it at a later date? To watch it as often as I like? Is it only one class or a series of classes related to plating?
    Thanks Milly

    Reply
    • It is SUCH fun, Anne. That about sums plating up! Yes, you will have lifetime access and you’ll be able to watch all of the videos as often as you like. It’s a full course – 24 close-Up Videos and 9 Slideshows, 3 Workbooks and 9 follow-along Crib Sheets to print and exclusive access to a Searchable Glass Index. There will be a full Curriculum on the site on Sunday 14th.
      I hope that answers your questions.

      Can I ask you a question? When you hear the word ‘class’, do you understand it to mean just one video lesson? I’m worried that people will think Plating Magic is just one video!! Thanks for any clarification.

      Reply
  5. Hi Milly, this may be a silly question but can you use this technique with lead came or is it only really suitable for copper foil. Thanks for for a great tutorial, I am now getting a mixture of ideas floating through my mind – that tends to happen when you are 70

    Reply
    • It’s not a stupid question John, thanks for raising it. You can plate with lead but it’s a different technique. You have to use high heart lead and seal the pieces of glass together before leading.
      I’m doing the whole panel and soldering together here.
      It’s fantastic that you’re having lots of ideas, that’s what I like to hear ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Very cool. Iโ€™m eager to give it a try. It really take a piece from two dimensions to three dimensions. Thank you for the introduction.

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  7. Thank You Milly! My head is “buzzing” with ideas…Can’t wait til Sunday to sign up, and learn some more creative ideas from you and the other students.

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  8. Loved this intro to plating and spot-plating. It really helped me better understand this technique, but a more detailed tutorial would be wonderful. Exactly how did you pull off each layer … choice of glass for the added blurred distant foothills, etc. Just a walk through of you building a piece. Lastly, is the spot-plating painted on and if so does it then go to a kiln?? Obviously, I still have technique questions …. but I loved this tutorial and I love your work. Jim
    P.S. I’ve been building windows since the 80’s and have really wanted to learn this subject. I just need more step by step guidance.

    Reply
    • Jim, absolutely ALL the answers to your great questions are in my Plating Magic online class. Many videos, crib sheets, slideshows, painting, foil overlay – no stone unturned! Step by step and a walk through – that’s exactly what you’ll get in the class. I really hope you’ll go for it – you’ll love it I’m sure!
      The class opens Sunday at a special introductory price – you’ll get an email as you’re signed up to my Newsletters.

      Reply
  9. Thanks for this, my mind is a flurry of ideas! what’s also good is that I am now revisiting older designs/ideas I abandoned and looking at them in a new light.

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  10. Your instructions are always so clear and concise. I have been enjoying glass for over thirty years and you continue to inspire me as I read and listen to your emails. Thank you for sharing your skill and love for glass.

    Reply
  11. Milly, I am excited to try this, but after seeing both videos I still donโ€™t know how it works, Do u have to cut out all the pieces the second time and solder over the first ? I am afraid the heaviness would tear the foil away. Will u be making something on line from scratch. It looks interesting but I am very confused with how it is done

    Reply
    • Good questions Judy, thanks. You’ll be amazed at how strong it it once assembled.
      Yes, my online class covers this cactus project from right from scratch, showing how to do each stage.

      I spend an equal amount of time concentrating on glass selection and combinations, as this is the REAL art of plating and the fun bit ๐Ÿ™‚ I hope you decide to give it a try.

      Reply
  12. This is a really cool process. Two questions on your project: Is the sky/mountains at the top of the panel also three layers? What’s the process to keep the layers together?

    Reply
    • No, the mountains are 2 layers only – as is everything in the left hand desert landscape panel and ONLY the cactus itself in the final panel is 3 layers.
      My online class that opens on Sunday, Valentine’s Day, will take you through each and every process you need to make this plated panel.
      Good questions Carmen, thanks.

      Reply
  13. Very interesting stuff, not ready to tackle it yet. Have to look for some completed works in this area to get the full impact. Thanks Molly!
    Warren.

    Reply
    • I think you might be surprised Warren. If you can cut and solder to a pattern then you have the skills to give plating a try, no problem.
      I’m a bit unsure about what you mean about ‘complete’ as the cactus panel is complete. Apologies if I’ve misunderstood you.

      Reply
  14. Did I miss a step? I see that you have made two panels, how do you connect them to avoid the dust/ bug problems? Wide foil all around to connect them as one piece? Looking forward to hearing from you! I enjoy your newsletter and tips!

    Reply
    • I show all of this in video detail in the online class that opens on Sunday 14 Feb Kathy. Once assembled it’s a lovely robust sealed unit.
      The fascination of the plating process comes with the infinite glass combinations – the class explores lots of them but you’ll find many many more ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • It’s all coming up in the my Plating Magic class Cheryl ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ll take you through every single step. The class is available from this Sunday, 14 February.

      Reply
    • It’s all soldered together in a very strong, sealed unit Debbie. The framing is accounted for too. I explain every single last step of the process in my Plating Magic class which is available this Sunday, Valentine’s Day.
      I hope you’re inspired enough to give it a try ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • You’re welcome Judith, things that make us think are good… When I was filming the class it made me think, too. All those glass combinations and how they work together to create the effects. It’s a bit mind-blowing!

      Reply
    • Soldering Frank. In my Plating Magic class I show all the steps to make this desert landscape panel. I’m imagining it’ll be a stepping stone for you to start finding your own glass combinations and effects.

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  15. Thank you for the videos Milly. This has got the wheels turning! Very interesting to think about the various combinations possible. Not sure I want to cut twice as many pieces for every job but I do think there are many opportunities for spot plating in pieces that I have done.

    Reply
    • Wheels turning is good Ken ๐Ÿ™‚ I understand about the double cutting but there are ways you can reduce this by minimising the amount of pieces in the top layer (for example the second desert panel has far fewer pieces in front). The effects achieved outweigh the extra effort in my view.
      Spot plating has it’s place for sure. I personally love the unified look achieved with this whole layer approach. I don’t know what you think but sometimes if there is only one area of spot plating in a panel it can sometimes upset the balance of the piece. It has to be done thoughtfully but it can add a lot on its’ own, certainly!

      Reply
  16. Millie, you are amazing. I read all your emails and learn from them. Thank you so much and keep sending them. Love the glass. This plating is amazing!

    Reply
  17. That looks amazing, and itโ€™s so clearly explained. Iโ€™m inspired to experiment with layers, in plating…. it made the cactus so strong and visually rich. Thank you for sharing. One query…. do you hold the layers together with a frame.. or tack solder? And the spotlight plating, I wasnโ€™t quite sure how it was attached… ? So interesting… thanks again Milly.

    Reply
    • All good questions Jane and all thoroughly answered and explained in my Plating Magic class. It’s soldered – no glue – lovely and solid and sealed.
      The class is available from Sunday 14th Feb. I hope you’ll give it a try ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  18. Hello, I am so looking forward to this โ€œnewโ€ technique! I am at that point in my work trying to get more from what Iโ€™m envisioning in my head. Thank you already๐Ÿ˜Š.

    Reply
    • Oh yes Judy! From what you’ve written here you’re exactly in the right place to take your work further and experiment with plating. You will love it I’m sure ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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