Materials We Use

These are the exact tools and materials we use in Stained Edition workshops and studio work. Everything listed here is beginner-friendly, reliable, and tested in real classes.

If you’re continuing stained glass at home, this list will help you build your setup gradually and confidently.

Safety Essentials

  • Safety Glasses
    Essential protection during cutting, grinding, and soldering.

  • Apron
    Protects clothing from glass shards, flux, solder splatter, and patina.

  • Nitrile-Coated Palm Gloves
    Used during cutting, grinding, and soldering for protection while maintaining grip.

Pattern & Template Creation (Optional)

  • Light Box
    Used to trace patterns accurately onto glass.

  • Waterproof Sticker Paper
    Optional for creating durable, reusable templates.

  • Scissors
    For hand-cut templates.

  • Cricut Machine (optional)
    Used for precision-cut patterns and repeatable designs.

Glass Cutting & Grinding

  • Waffle Grid
    Placed under glass during cutting to catch small fragments and improve safety.

  • Black & Silver Permanent Markers
    Used to trace patterns onto light and dark glass before cutting.

  • Glass Cutter
    Pencil-style or pistol grip.

  • Running Pliers
    For controlled breaks along score lines.

  • Grozing Pliers
    Used to nibble and refine glass edges.

  • Rulers / Straight Edges
    Metal or cork-backed for clean, straight scores.

  • Glass Grinder
    With standard grinding bit (used in workshops).

  • Distilled Water
    Used in grinders to prevent mineral buildup and extend bit life.

Cleaning & Prep

  • Isopropyl Alcohol
    Cleans glass before foiling and removes residue before finishing.

  • Paper Towels / Lint-Free Cloths

Foiling

  • Copper Foil

    • 7/32″ (primary workshop size)

    • Copper-backed

    • Black-backed

    • Silver-backed

  • Fid / Burnisher
    Ensures foil adheres tightly to glass edges.

Soldering

  • Soldering Iron

    • Hakko FX-601 (workshop standard)

  • Iron Stand
    Safe placement when not actively soldering.

  • 60/40 Solder

  • Tinned Wire (Various Gauges)

    • 18 gauge – used to create twisted wire for jump rings

    • 20–22 gauge – decorative lines and shaping

  • Horseshoe Nails
    Used for pinning pieces in place during soldering.

  • Hammer (optional)
    Used to gently tap horseshoe nails into the Homasote board.

  • Homasote Board
    Heat-resistant surface for pinning and soldering assemblies.

  • Gel Flux
    Used in class for controlled flow and reduced mess.

  • Flux Brushes

  • Tip Tinner / Cleaner

Lead & Came Work

  • Lead Came

    • U came

    • H came

  • Lead Cutters
    For clean, accurate came cuts.

Finishing

  • Flux & Patina Cleaner
    Removes residue and prepares solder for patina.

  • Toothbrushes
    Used to scrub solder seams during cleaning.

  • Scouring Pads
    For final surface prep before patina.

  • Patina

    • Black

    • Copper

  • Nitrile Gloves (Disposable)
    Worn during patina application and cleanup.

  • Polish / Wax

  • Microfiber Towels
    Used after polishing for a clean, streak-free finish.

  • Lead-Off Hand Soap & Wipes
    Removes lead residue after finishing and cleanup.

Hanging & Display

  • Hanging Hooks

  • Chains or Ribbon
    Final hanging method depending on style and weight.

Optional / Nice-to-Have

  • Respirator (for advanced work or poor ventilation)

  • Ring Saw

  • Ventilation Fan

  • Glass Storage Bins

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and materials I personally use and trust in my workshops.