Stained glass art is a very expensive hobby, but one can start the craft affordably using starter kits. Although it does require a special set of tools and equipment, once you have access to these, you’ll find that the process of turning your designs into gorgeous stained glass pieces is really quite simple!
Stained glass is without a doubt, making a comeback throughout the design world. Glass is made by fusing together some form of silica such as sand, an alkali such as potash or soda, and lime or lead oxide. The color is produced by adding a metallic oxide to the raw materials.
Owning a grinder is a necessity if you’re going to make stained glass projects and unfortunately it’s one of the most expensive tools you’ll have to purchase. The most used solders in stained glass are 60/40 (60% tin/40% lead), 50/50, and 63/37. Making stained glass is not difficult, but it does require some skill and practice. By blending this old, traditional art form with updated concepts and modern shapes and palettes, it can be the perfect addition to your individual space.
During the Gothic period and the Renaissance (1100s–1500s) stained glass was one of the foremost techniques of painting practiced in Europe. Sunlight warms the air around your outer stained glass windows, which allows it to hold a greater amount of water vapor. This buildup of moisture can cause significant deterioration to glass structure and color.
A stained glass business creates and sells original and commissioned pieces of stained glass in the form of windows, sun catchers, lamps, and jewelry. Custom glass can cost between $100-$300 per square foot. Higher-end glass professionals may charge $500-1,000 or more per square foot. If you purchase a stained glass window with a wooden frame, expect the cost to range between $400 and $700.
What is the difference between stained glass and fused glass?
Fused glass is created by heating glass in a kiln until it melts and fuses together, whereas stained glass is traditionally made by adding colored metallic oxides to molten glass, then cutting and assembling the pieces using lead came.
Can a person make a living making stained glass?
Yes, it’s possible to make a living from stained glass art, but it’s important to be aware of the startup and ongoing costs involved.
What solder is best for stained glass?
For stained glass projects, the popular choices of solder are 60/40, 50/50, and 63/37 tin/lead combinations due to their melting temperatures and workability.
What era is stained glass from?
Stained glass was a foremost painting technique during the Gothic period and the Renaissance, which spans from the 1100s to the 1500s.