(The glazing process is very similar to that of the Medieval times, however, now we have the use of electricity centuries ago the soldering irons were heated, thus the term “too many irons in the fire” was a relevant term.) The function of the lead came is to give the stained glass integrity and structure, as well creating an artistic design within the window. Both sides of the window must be soldered then the flux must be cleaned off the window.
This is continued until the lead and glass are in its proper place according to the outline drawing on the cartoon below.Īfter the lead has been cut and glass is in place, flux is applied to each of the many lead joints then soldered together with a soldering iron. The “H” lead is stretched then cut precisely with a lead knife or lead dyke and tightly fitted around each of the pieces of glass, then nailed to hold in place. The lead is a very malleable and comes in various thicknesses and widths. When the glass painting is complete and the glass has cooled, the piece of glass is returned to its original position on the cartoon.Īfter the glass has been cut and sometimes painted, it will be placed back on the cartoon work drawing that has been nailed down on the workbench the glass is now ready to be assembled into the lead came.
Often the painting and firing process will be repeated numerous times until the designed painted look, depth and color intensity is achieved. Once the kiln has reached the desired temperature, it is then slowly annealed or cooled. Establishing the exact moment when the glass and the paint have fused is of prime importance. Different kinds of glass should be fired separately to accurately fire and for best results. There are high fire paints and low fire paints that all require different temperatures. Much skill and experience are necessary for the craftsman to properly operate the kiln, as temperatures vary between the type of glass, imported European antique glass versus American domestic glass, as well as the thickness and density of the glass. Properly fired glass will last for centuries, just like the work of the medieval masters. Firing is the process of heating the painted glass in a kiln so that the paint and glass are smoothly and permanently fused together. Phil Watkins and Joan Chandler have been painting stained glass for decades are both recognized Master Glass Painters.Īfter the glass has been painted, it will carefully be placed in the kiln for firing. Our painting technique is similar to that of 800 years ago. The painting is done on a glass light table.
There are brushes for lines, for matting, regular shading or gradations of shading and stippling, among other techniques the Badger Blender is a most important brush.
#STAINED GLASS DESIGN WINDOWS#
Silver stain is often used for finely painted religious stained glass windows and is painted on the reverse side of the glass.ĭozens of different brushes are used to apply the paint to the glass, as well as giving the glass a special look and texture. Stained glass paint consists of a mixture of finely ground iron oxide or copper oxide, powdered glass, mixed with borax as a flux. Paint used on the glass throughout the centuries was normally vitreous. Special stained glass paints are used to paint the glass that have special qualities that react well with the glass and the kiln firing process. The two common types of painting procedures are done with matt and trace. Painting on stained glass is done to give the glass detail, shading and texture. The process of stained glass will be defined and described in the following stages. We invite you to call for an appointment. Here a standard of excellence, the finest glass, attention to detail and the true expert master craftsmanship can still be found. Our studio still operates as a century ago, creating ART, one of a kind and a project at a time, rather than mass-producing to put out a product. Watkins Stained Glass Studio has the philosophy of a contrasting paradigm shift. Light is needed for the stained glass to come alive and be vibrant.Ī paradigm shift appears to be the new approach for today’s companies in order to adapt to the changing economy, seeking a cost-cutting approach toward business in order to survive. The art of stained glass is unique because of the relationship between the glass and light. A stained glass window is made of pieces of glass assembled together with lead often traditional stained glass windows are painted. Phil was recently asked how stained glass has changed during the past 200 years and his answer was “electricity”. The handcrafted stained glass a window involves many stages and is a lengthy process. The methods of the stained glass craft have changed very little since the Middle Ages.
0 kommentar(er)
