10 Common Stained Glass Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Working with stained glass is both an art and a skill. However, even experienced artists run into common issues. If you’ve ever struggled with broken glass, poor soldering, or uneven pieces, you’re not alone! In this guide, I'll cover 10 frequent stained glass mistakes—and how to fix them.
1. Scoring Too Hard or Too Soft
The Mistake:
Applying too much pressure when scoring can cause jagged, unpredictable breaks. Scoring too lightly results in glass that won’t break along the line.
How to Fix It:
Use medium pressure—just enough to hear a faint scratching sound. Practice on scrap glass to develop a feel for the right pressure.
2. Not Supporting the Glass Properly While Cutting
The Mistake:
If your glass is unsupported, cracks may run off-course, ruining your piece.
How to Fix It:
Use a flat, sturdy surface when scoring. Hold the glass steady with one hand while scoring with the other.
3. Forgetting to Grind Edges Smooth
The Mistake:
Skipping the grinder results in jagged edges, making foiling and soldering difficult.
How to Fix It:
Use a glass grinder to smooth and shape edges. This helps ensure a perfect fit in your design.
4. Uneven or Wrinkled Copper Foil
The Mistake:
Poorly applied foil leads to inconsistent solder lines and weak joints.
How to Fix It:
- Use even pressure when wrapping foil around glass edges.
- Fold the foil evenly onto both sides.
- Burnish it down with a fid or smooth tool for a secure bond.
5. Solder Won’t Flow Smoothly
The Mistake:
Solder can clump, bead, or refuse to spread evenly.
How to Fix It:
- Use flux to help solder flow.
- Make sure your soldering iron is hot enough (but not too hot!).
- Keep the tip clean and tinned.
6. Overheating the Glass While Soldering
The Mistake:
Applying too much heat can crack glass or burn the foil adhesive.
How to Fix It:
- Keep the soldering iron moving instead of holding it in one place.
- Use a temperature-controlled iron (700°F–750°F is ideal).
7. Not Cleaning the Project Properly
The Mistake:
Leftover flux causes oxidation, leading to a dull finish and corrosion over time.
How to Fix It:
- Clean thoroughly with flux remover or warm water and dish soap.
- Dry completely before applying patina.
8. Using the Wrong Type of Solder
The Mistake:
Beginners sometimes use plumbing solder instead of stained glass solder, resulting in poor adhesion.
How to Fix It:
- Use 60/40 (tin/lead) solder for smooth, strong lines.
- Lead-free solder is required for food-safe, jewelry, or kid-friendly projects.
9. Poor Patina Application
The Mistake:
Patina may appear splotchy if applied incorrectly.
How to Fix It:
- Use fine steel wool to lightly polish the solder before applying patina. Clean the entire piece thoroughly before applying.
- Apply patina with a clean brush or cloth for an even finish.
10. Rushing the Process
The Mistake:
Skipping steps to finish quickly leads to sloppy results.
How to Fix It:
- Take your time with each step.
- Remember, practice makes perfect!
Conclusion
Every stained glass artist makes mistakes, but learning from them helps you improve. By following these tips, you’ll achieve smoother soldering, cleaner lines, and stronger pieces.
Looking for high-quality patterns? Check out my shop for everything you need to create stunning stained glass art!