How to Apply Copper Foil to Stained Glass

Applying copper foil to stained glass is one of the basic techniques of glasswork. The copper foil serves to secure each piece of glass within the structure so that later the solder sticks to the copper. Learning this basic technique is fairly easy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stained glass cut to pattern
• Roll of copper foil for stained glass

1. Measure the length of copper foil needed to cover the cut edge of the glass. You can estimate the length, but having it a little long is better than a little short.

2. Tear the copper foil from the roll. You can cut it if you want, but the ends do not need to be perfect, as you will burnish it later.

3. Remove the adhesive backing from the copper foil. Press the foil onto the cut edge of the stained glass, following it all around your piece. Some crafters prefer to peel and press in one motion, but you don't need to. Make sure the foil covers the cut edge and some part of the adjoining sides.

4. Press the copper foil into the stained glass so that the adhesive side touches glass all the way around. You want even coverage, but don't need to be too picky about it.

Tips & Warnings

• You may first want to trim or sand down the cut edge of your stained glass. Be careful to proceed gently, lest you break off glass in the process.
• Copper foil comes in rolls 36 yards long, in widths from 3/16ths of an inch and up. Use the width that allows you to cover the cut side and some part of the touching sides as well.
• Another method of copper foil application involves use of a crimping tool, available from hobby supply sources.