Stained Glass Stuff Newsletter

Fusing Tip

When using clear iridescent glass, to determine which side the iridescent finish is one, hold the glass up in front of you at a 45 degree angle. Look thru at the top edge of the glass. If you see the iridescent below the edge, it is on the underside, but if you can't see the edge because the iridescent finish hides it, then the top side is where the finish is. This is important because the iridescent finish must be covered or face down to be protected during firing in the kiln.

Stained Glass Tip

Framing with ½" zinc came to fit an entire window. Measure carefully across the opening, at several points, to ensure the measurements are consistent. If they vary, select the smallest length. Do the same for the height and width. Assume a sidelight that has an opening of 50" high and 10" wide. Subtract a 1/16th of an inch from all sides, or 1/8" from the height and width. This will allow for a tiny amount of give when you position the panel in place. That will be your overall finished panel size, which will be 49 7/8" x 9 7/8". Then subtract 5/16" from all sides, or 5/8" from the height and width, leaving you with a glass size of 49 1/4" x 9 1/4". The quick thing to remember is 3/4" off your shortest opening will give you your glass size. Make sure you double check that the panel hasn't 'grown' on you during construction. Nail down some wood strips on your workboard to frame it at the correct dimension. This will help ensure that it doesn't grow too big. ½" zinc should be used on panels that are 3 to 4 square feet in size or larger. On large panels we would recommend Re-Strip as a reinforcer to give it more strength. There will be a test later on those measurements.