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 Permanent Markers

  Used to trace patterns onto light glass before cutting.

• Silver Permanent Markers
  Used to trace patterns onto 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.

• Splatter Guard

  Reduces splatter that can occur during the grinding process.

• 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.

• Terry Cloths

Foiling

• 7/32″ Copper Foil (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.

• D-Lead 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

  • Small (for glass scraps)

  • Large (for full glass sheets)

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.