What is the copper foil technique?
The copper foil technique is a relatively modern method in the centuries old practice of making leaded glass. In the copper foil technique, edges of glass are wrapped in thin copper foil about . 002 inch in thickness. The foil covers the entire edge of the glass and about one-sixteenth of the front and back sides.
Why do you use copper foiling?
Designs with a lot of small pieces work best with copper foil. Copper foil is easier to wrap around small pieces, and it keeps the project from looking bulky. Sun catchers are naturals for copper foil. Because lead stretches, it needs the support of a rigid frame.
What size copper foil should I use?
For most projects, you’ll find 7/32” copper foil will be suitable, however if you vary the width of the foil it will add more depth. If you’re using thicker glass, 1/4″ foil will create a seam of normal width. But if you want special effects, take a razor knife and trim the copper foil after you apply it to the glass.
Does copper foil tape go bad?
The age of the foil and how it has been kept. If it’s ancient and has been exposed to air, then it does lose some of its adhesive quality due to oxidation. If it’s been kept in an airtight plastic bag, it should be ok. This will both burnish and remove oxidation.
Can copper foil stained glass go outside?
When you copper foil stained glass it’s best to start foiling away from the outside edge as this makes for stronger adhesion. This is because the foil isn’t joined on the outside edge where is is more likely to come loose.
Does copper foil go bad?
The age of the foil and how it has been kept. If it’s ancient and has been exposed to air, then it does lose some of its adhesive quality due to oxidation. If it’s been kept in an airtight plastic bag, it should be ok. If you suspect that your foil is old and oxidized, you could try lightly rubbing it with steel wool.
What is the difference between copper foil and lead stained glass?
Although copper foil is structurally stronger, lead came is used for external windows as it’s made waterproof by the cementing process. I would make larger windows with lead as they’re quicker to make. Copper foil is a more contemporary technique that is very good for 3-D work – boxes, kaleidoscopes etc.
Do you have to grind glass before foiling?
When you copper foil stained glass you do not have to have a rough surface for the foil to stick to. Foil actually sticks better to a cleanly broken edge than to a ground edge. You do not need to grind every piece of glass.
What size copper foil should I use for stained glass?
3/16” – 1/4” foil works well for most standard copper foil stained glass pieces. If you have a wider overlap you may find that the width of the solder is too wide when you start assembling the piece together.
Is copper tape conductive on both sides?
Conductive copper tape is designed to conduct electricity on both sides of the tape.
Does foil for stained glass get old?
If it’s ancient and has been exposed to air, then it does lose some of its adhesive quality due to oxidation. If it’s been kept in an airtight plastic bag, it should be ok. If you suspect that your foil is old and oxidized, you could try lightly rubbing it with steel wool. This will both burnish and remove oxidation.
What do you need to know about copper foil?
It should be very useful for anyone that uses Copper Foil. Some of the areas covered are gaps, foil lifting, reinforcement, soldering problems, oxidation, foiling curves, and much more. It only takes a minute to order, and you can download it right away, as an Adobe PDF document.
How to make stained glass using copper foil?
This is where you’ll find all the how to make stained glass instructions using the Copper Foil Technique . It includes all the processes for this method from Foiling through Soldering to Hanging and fancy dancy Decorative Ideas.
When did Louis Comfort Tiffany start using copper foil?
Using copper foil, to create stained glass pieces, was developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany over 100 years ago. He started by using sheet copper, cutting it into strips.
How are feathers made in the Tiffany FOIL method?
Feathers are crafted in the Tiffany foil method. Glass is hand cut, ground, foiled, soldered and then hand waxed to a lustrous finish. I have a wide range of textures and colors if you would like another color. Order two or more items and save on… Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.