Copper Foil 101: Tools & Materials

Mar 28

Hello, and welcome to the world of copper foil stained glass!

If you’re reading this blog post, I assume you’re either looking to get started in stained glass, or you’re researching material recommendations! Either way, I hope this list is useful to you. Not only have I compiled a comprehensive list of the tools needed to get started, but at the bottom of this page I also include a list of various resources that I personally found helpful as a beginner.

I’ve broken this shopping list down into three categories: One-time Purchases, Repeat Purchases, and Optional (But Useful!) items. Each category is then organized chronologically, based on when you would use the item during the seven-step copper-foil process. Please don’t be intimidated by this list! The craft of stained glass does necessitate many different tools and materials, but the items I’ve compiled here are a combination of things I’ve had since I first started (and have lasted for years!), and items I’ve added to my toolbox along the way. Take from this list what you find useful to your practice; some items are obviously necessary to get started, but there is something to be said for buying materials as you need them, rather than stockpiling everything at once. Find a balance that works for you!

What is mandatory are the Personal Protective Equipment items. Stained glass makes use of many chemicals and metals that can be hazardous to your health (and the health of anyone who shares your workspace — including children and pets!). Please do your research, have proper ventilation in your workspace, and wear appropriate PPE while handling hazardous materials. Also consider tracking your lead levels with at-home test kits. For a good discussion on lead safety, check out this episode of the Cracked Podcast with guest Megan McElfresh, executive director of the Stained Glass Association of America.

With all that being said, let’s finally get to the shopping list!

1. One-Time Purchase

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Goggles & Eye Protection

Even if you wear prescription glasses, I would still recommend wearing another pair of eye protection — glass chips often fly during grinding, and the last thing you want is to scratch your prescription glasses!
My Pick: Stoggles Round Frame

Masks

I use fabric masks for glass grinding and a respirator for soldering. Don't forget to periodically replace the filters on your respirator!
My Pick: Washable fabric masks & a 3M Respirator

Gloves

I keep three kinds of gloves on hand: fabric gloves (for glass handling), thick dish-washing gloves (for glass grinding), and a box of single-use plastic gloves (for soldering, patina-ing, and polishing).

Apron

People often ask where my green apron is from, so I thought I’d link it here. It’s a discontinued green shade from Lucy & Yak.

Glass Cutting

Glass Cutter (Pencil Grip or Pistol Grip)

I’ve always used a pistol grip to score, and the metal end of a pencil grip to do my tapping.
My Pick: Fletcher Terry Gold-Tip II

Running Pliers

When the rubber tips of your running pliers get nasty, try wrapping them in wire tape before picking up replacement covers.

Grozing/Breaker Pliers

Flat Nose Pliers

If you live in a high-humidity climate (like me), make sure to keep your pliers in a dry place. I’ve had to clean mine of rust multiple times — and have unfortunately laid more than one pair to rest. RIP my pliers.

Grinding

Carborundum Stone

Honestly, the only time I use my carborundum stone is when I don’t want to turn on my electric grinder (see on Optional list), but they’re useful in a pinch. Just make sure your glass is wet when you’re using the stone — you don’t want to inhale any glass particles.

Soldering

Soldering Iron

Most people swear by the Hakko FX-601, but I’ve never personally used that model. I have a Weller soldering iron, and I like to use the widest tip that it came with. Unfortunately, it has no temperature control or on/off switch which is a major con. But honestly, I used a RadioShack electric wiring iron for over a year, so anything is possible.

Fume Extractor

Don't forget to periodically change the filter and work in a well ventilated area!

Soldering Clothes

It’s best practice to have a specific set of clothes to use only while soldering. You don’t want to bring lead into any other areas of your home after completing a project. I have a specific jumpsuit that I put on when soldering with lead, and don’t wear outside of my studio. I wash all of my glass-related laundry in its own load so it doesn’t mix with my street clothes.

Cleaning

Old Dish Towels/Microfiber Towels

I bought a pack of recycled microfiber towels that I’ve been washing and reusing for years. Microfiber towels are the best for polishing, but use whatever you have. Even old t-shirts would probably do the trick.

Toothbrush or Hard Bristled Brush

Especially useful when you’re trying to get in all of the crevices of a finished piece, and clean hard flux after soldering.

2. Repeat Purchases

Glass Sheets & Glass Cutting

Glass

I’m located in New Jersey and am lucky to be within driving distance of two brick-and-mortar stained glass retailers (Warner Art Glass in Warner, PA, and Rainbow Art Glass in Wall, NJ). Online retailers will also ship glass to you.
Check out this Google Map put together by Michelle Janicki of worldwide brick-and-mortar stained glass stores!
Here is a helpful blog post breaking down all of the types of glass

Glass Cutting Oil

Soldering

Flux (liquid or gel)

My pick: Novacan Industries liquid flux

Solder (60/40 alloy or lead-free)

My pick: 60/40 from Artist Pure - it’s usually a few dollars cheaper than Canfield, and gives comparable results.

Tip Tinner (Sal Ammoniac)

Cleaning Up, Patina, and Polish

Dawn Soap & Sponges

Patina

My pick: Novacan Industries patinas

Polish

My Pick: I’ve used a few different polishes, but usually return to Mother’s Brazilian Carnauba Car Wax.

3. Optional (But Useful!)

Cutting

Rulers, L-Squares, and T-Squares

Table Mats and Glass Grids

Stained Glass Patterns

Check out craft books from the library!
Draw your own patterns with printer paper and a marker!
Support a glass artist and buy (don’t steal) their patterns! I sell a few digital patterns on my Etsy!
Already have an iPad? I like using Procreate to create my glass patterns.
Already have a Cricut? I love using temporary vinyl stickers to make stickers for my glass.

Glass Grinding

Electric Glass Grinder

The Gryphon Gryphette is a great machine for beginners, but couldn’t maintain the constant pressure I was putting it under as a full-time artist. I now have a Wizard, and enjoy it — however it is much louder than my Gryphons.
I would also recommend getting some kind of shield to place behind your grinder, so glass and water don't spray all over your work station. A brown box works perfectly well, though you will have to switch it out for a new one when it gets too wet. Plastic storage containers or fish tanks are perfect for this kind of thing. Just make sure they’re flat on the inside so you can more easily clean out all of the glass slurry.
If you have sensitive ears, I’d recommend investing in earplugs or noise cancelling headphones. Glass grinding is very loud and the sound is horrible.

Grinding Bits

I achieve intricate shapes without the use of a ring saw by changing the bit size on my grinder. Most often I use the standard size, then gradually go down in size to achieve more detailed shapes or angles. It is very time consuming this way, but I find I’m still satisfied without having to get a ringsaw.

Foiling

Fib to adhere your copper foil to the glass.

You can also use a sharpie or any other marker if you don't want to spend money on a fib… though the sharp edges of the glass will eventually tear up whatever pen you use.

Sharp Box Cutter with Changeable Blades to clean up uneven copper foil.

Soldering

Hobby Came (Round or Flat U-Came)

ReStrip to assist with structural integrity

Metal Pins to hold your project in place while soldering

Tinned Copper Wire for making your own hooks and jump rings

Cleaning & Finishing

Flux Remover

My Pick: KwikClean

Melamine Sponge for cleaning off flux and Sharpie (Magic Eraser, or similar). Make sure to use these when they’re slightly damp, you don’t want to inhale the particulates that fly off when they’re dry.

Jack Chain to hang your work

Resources and Further Reading

★ = My Favorites

Online Stained Glass Retailers

Anything in Stained Glass ★

Rainbow Art Glass

Warner Art Glass

Reading & Resources

Everything Stained Glass

Linebaugh Studios blog post on beginner glass materials ★

Cracked with Chevonne Ariss Podcast ★

Stained Glass Association of America