How to Mark Glass Before Cutting

If you are making stained glass pieces, marking the glass before you cut it will help you to end up with the product you want. This procedure can save you time and wasted glass. Taking a few minutes to plan your project before you start cutting will help the entire project to go smoothly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper for glass pattern
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Pattern for cutting glass
• Sharpie
• Grease pen or pencil
• Glass cutter

1. Determine the shape and size of the piece of glass you want to cut. If you are using a specific pattern, draw it on paper first and then cut the pieces out to ensure the accuracy of your piece.

2. Arrange your pattern pieces on the glass. If you have different colors of glass you will be using in your pattern, make sure you match the pattern piece with the right color. Try to make the best use of your glass and avoid wasting pieces.

3. Mark the corners of the pieces with the sharpie or grease pencil. Then use a straight edge or ruler to mark out the line that you should cut on.

4. Trace the pattern if it is curved. You want the curve to exactly match that of your pattern.

5. Cut your glass on a smooth surface. Use your glass cutter in a continuous even motion. Hold it the same way you would a pencil.

Tips & Warnings

• Careful planning and arranging of the pattern will help to save you time and money. If you cut all the pieces that are the same color at once, you will better be able to plan to use your glass the most efficiently. It will also save time on the project.