LEAD vs COPPER FOIL - Two Stained Glass Styles/Methods

A few of you had questions about leaded stained glass projects vs copper foil projects, i.e. how they compare, what the differences are, etc. So this video will cover the two stained glass styles to choose as you're starting out your project and why you would choose one method over the other.
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[@StainedGlassDIY]

So which style do you prefer?? Have you tried either one?

[@solidustiger9639]

I have done lead in the past never tryed the copper foil perhaps I'll give it a go in November

[@nabucodonosor2]

As you said, it depends on what you have in mind. That being said, I prefer to work with copper foil, specially when doing 3D projects on a small scale, 40x30x30 cm tops. Saludos amigo.

[@michellebaker4247]

I’ve only used foil wrap but I’ve had the H cane for a year and haven’t used it.I like foil because my designs are more creative and free.

[@BJ-gy8xv]

I love the foiling method. Never tried the lead came method though since my projects haven't been that big yet. And it kind of looks too "clean" imho. Thanks for the video, stay safe! ✌

[@kelz4198]

Seems like lead came would be appropriate for bigger projects. Nice to see a new video!

[@scollins6278]

Wow’ I took “several” stained glass clases. I learned more by watching you do your projects. Thank you for taking the time to explain the differences between various materials. Thank you again…

[@colleenlucier3132]

I've done both, and prefer the copper foil. I like the lighter feel of foiling, but not all the soldering! So glad you brought up the difference with projects being indoors vs. Outdoor.

[@IanKirkman]

great video and what i was looking for to decide what to do. Thank you!!!!

[@syd.adventures]

Thankyou for getting this information out there in a quick KZbin video! Helps new artists a bunch! love your videos!

[@thedistractedmaker]

I enjoy both. Jump rings on copper foil tend to sag or separate over time, they should be re-enforced with wire or "strong line" and connected at a joint. Most of the strength of a piece comes from good design and no "hinge points". Jennie French has a great book out there for design, it's an older book but the best one I've read on the subject.

[@tomcanterbury7139]

Love your explanation and instruction on the different methods. Just starting my stained glass journey and love it. Thank you for your instructional videos!

[@B30pt87]

Very informative! Thank you so much.

[@-ray-h]

Nice content and great detail explaining both...! I've done both and like both...!

[@Shelleyshelleyxyz]

Thank you for sharing. I love stained glass. Made a few projects.

[@kcboyett3828]

Excellent video. Thanks so much for your great explanation!

[@Passion8Christina]

Thank you for the great video! I have only done the copper foil method and really want to try lead.

[@troubledair]

very nice presentation about foil and lead came. thanks much.

[@SCOARTGLASS]

Great explanation of the two methods! Using the foil method (Tiffany) with lead and zinc borders now but working my way into the lead came projects soon. Excited!

[@paulspence2645]

I was getting excited about purchasing installing SG panels. Now find myself getting sucked into doing it instead. Thank you for lighting the way!

[@sherriemoir6183]

Thank you! Very informative. I had no idea there was a h came

[@sherrieller6523]

Thanks. Great video!

[@bonitameredith8991]

Hi, I was trying to decide which I should use lead came or copper foil for my project and could not remember from the class I took long time ago. You explained PERFECTLY !!!!! Thank you so much.

[@lisalovelylpa]

Thorough comparison ! As usual each artist must decide what’s best for their project.

[@Liza-lv8rd]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@KS-xd8zi]

Your videos are so helpful! Clear, concise, and great video quality 👌

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad they're helpful!

[@theresevarney4715]

I just starting stained glass. I haven't done either one but, on some projects I want copper foil and a zinc came boarder. Thank you so much for your video's. They are so helpful and easy to understand. Big fan from Washington State 😃 🌲🌲🌲

[@timmcconnell5270]

Thank you for this informative explanation....I've only been learning foil but want to try the lead camme...this was very helpful! Kathy

[@courtneymeadows2416]

Taking a lead class now so excited

[@StainedGlassDIY]

SO much fun!!

[@maryjaneiro2942]

what a great video thank you, you have answered so many of my questions. i really like the lead came technique better. thanks for posting. I look forward to viewing other videos of yours.

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Thank you Mary for your kind comment, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@onefeather2]

Wishing you well is doing the glass and selling it. I have always loved stained glass; it tells a silent story with color and the way it is cut.

[@SpencerDavis44]

I’m picking up a grinder, cutter, pliers, pattern book and some glass off Craigslist this weekend for FREE. Stoked to actually get started once I get everything else I need!

[@lyndarandall211]

I like the copper foiling, I think because that's what I learned to do first. I have worked with lead came, but for larger projects. Lately sticking to the foiling method. Thanks for your videos. Take care and stay safe.🌞

[@trudyeby464]

Very informative, thanks

[@kristopherterrell-ry7rs]

thanks for the tips

[@ashleymcalister8745]

I've been using some lead came lately. I find it a little easier and I feel it looks a little better as well.😊 I also use copper foil method and zinc came for the outsides of my webs too! I agree that it just depends on the project size and complexity of it on what will work and what won't. 😊 Still learning all the time, but I do think I keep getting better as time goes. Thanks again, lol. I owe it all to you and your videos. Take care!

[@arseneouellet9038]

Thanks. I do copper foil but intend to switch to lead at some point. Interesting video.

[@mypuppydog2]

Cool, great info. Thank you :)

[@trevertravis8963]

That wolf/dragon looks amazing!

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@akuiori]

Alot of information, easy to understand, thsnks for the vid!

[@just-dl]

Great presentation of the differences. Thank you! I’m looking to get into stained glass. I’m liking the lead came. For one, I think the projects I want to do lend themselves to it. I prefer the more traditional look of it. Big exception. Copper foiled stained glas lamps! Gorgeous! If I could I would do both! But, probably start with lead came and add copper foil later.

[@JudithMolloy-dx7uq]

Thank you for your explanation..was very easy to understand...no classes in my area where I live in Australia...

[@patriciamackenzie9636]

Very well explained.

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Thank you 🥰

[@TodSpedding]

from a newbie: excellent overview. thank you. I'm inserting stained glass into glass-fronted barrister-style bookcases: the foil method would certainly be lighter, I love the traditional look of the came. to be determined.

[@bmorgan2342]

Amaizng videos thanks

[@mauricioparedes9164]

Maestro es un placer ver sus trabajos, mis más humildes felicitaciones. PD. Es posible subtitulo español. Gracias

[@DaveB-jf2wy]

Been working with lead cane for years, amazing and frustrating medium but still better than foil/copper projects i did growing up. Although i am forgetting a lot more, something about lead.

[@lidiabrening7327]

Desde Argentina..gracias

[@Jabbaaaaaa1]

Nice informative video. I'm looking to create two panels for an interior door. Do you think the foil method would offer enough strength to take the vibrations of a door closing?

[@gordmarsden]

for outside windows i mount clear glass in front of the leaded glass., the windows in augsburg have lasted 900 years but i believe thay are protected by clear glass too.

[@echognomecal6742]

My whole life I've thought people were saying "cane"...which made sense to me, thinking it's bc of a similarity to plant parts & walking sticks. He said it so intentionally that I had to look it up. It comes from an older form, calm or calme. Now I know.

[@edmondhellawell3869]

Thanks for the video , I appreciate it starting out. I have one question - when using lead came do you come across problems when using glass that are different thickness in the same project? (Particularly when using the H came) For example when I am using the H came to connect two pieces of glass with different thickness Or is the lead so malleable that it can mould round any size ? I ask because I usually source my glass from many different places , be from shops or second hand

[@janisisaacson7074]

can you explain a tad more on the decorative tape used in copper foil tape method?? Are you just cutting out a design drawn onto tape and fluxing over that?? What width tape did you start with? and then just use a knife to cut out??

[@gg210west]

What wax/paste did you use to “waterproof” the lead design? THX!!

[@joanneduncan2061]

Please show us more lead came prodjects!!

[@natashaelvadeterding4822]

Does the led cane come for diferent glass thickness?

[@quocta1978]

I like lead came for bigger projects, but foil for any small project.

[@jamiecristal]

What kind of putty should I be searching for?

[@user-zd3ix3rs3m]

What brand/ type putty did you use?

[@cv4581]

How would you hang a heavier lead project

[@ArkOfMystery]

I think more American houses should have more stained glass windows in their windows - sadly, some beautiful homes have boring plain windows. I hope for a resurgence in vintage designs to give us more projects to do!

[@martindoesstuff]

Does the came have a standard kerf?

[@alisoneyers2450]

Lead came can be made stiffer by adding pressure. You pull it to tension it.

[@Art_911]

They make very thin Came ( #3 I think). But it's a bear to use. But I've done very small pieces in traditional came. The real major differences are what you comfortable in using and the ease of repairing it. Most of my students will opt for copper foiling, as it's more forgiving and also more organic. But yes, you'll use a ton of solder (as of now solder is like $24 USD a pound). And as Came is a "channel" to remove pieces to repair it you have to usually remove all the surrounding pieces to get to it. Whereas copper foil can be unsoldered and lifted out. But I digress. Repair is not something I'd advise for anyone LOL.

[@funhouseglass]

So helpful, thank you!! Does it ever make sense to mix methods? For example, doing the copper foil method for interior pieces and then finishing the outside in lead came? Also, is the cement a necessary step or only if you are trying to weatherproof?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Yes, you can mix it up just like you mentioned. Cementing it also helps to strengthen it up too.

[@helenthorne6514]

Do you an oil for glass cut

[@gordmarsden]

if you stretch your lead cames they get might stronger and harder

[@gregorylicciardello8583]

can they be mixed together and soldered?

[@troubledair]

Just used lead came for the first time and used patina on the piece when I finished, the patina did not take to the lead came. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@whitephoenixfire88]

I feel like these are preference based, until you're making exterior windows or door panels, and then you definitely have to lead came. I have seen a lot of copper foil windows being diy'd and it's not gonna pass an inspection or be impact safe if someone should throw something at it, a copper will blast apart, a lead came window will shatter and flex, not explode because the lead gives. You'd have a repairable panel left with lead, copper would lose all integrity

[@GommStainedGlass]

You've done a great job describing the differences between the copper foil and lead came methods. In our studio we only do the copper foil method. In 38 years, we've done many panels that are very large and strong. I did a video on moving large stained glass panels kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX66d4OXa8psa5I this may be of interest. We've also done very huge panels that were installed over the existing insulated units that were very successful, one project which had to be done on scaffolds had 19 panels, it was very strong, and many square feet of glass.

[@josephjwilbur6149]

Can you tell me what kind of lights you have, the big square ones?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

I believe I got them used but they're box lights similar to these online amzn.to/3GRPMdm

[@mayarobertson-volpe2841]

Would you ever use both methods in one peice? other than just using the lead cane on the outside of the piece?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

I think it's all preference for final look but the smaller pieces will most likely use copper foil as lead came cannot get those details and smaller curves. like tiffany lamps and smaller pieces like that.

[@mishanguyen7023]

Can i buy came in Vietnam bro ?

[@wendy9477]

Is one more expensive than the other?

[@willardbreedlove7028]

Where is the best place to get the tools and glass to get started?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

www.stainedglassdiy.com/shop 🤔

[@lucasmergault]

Hello o/ Is it possible to use both in on project ? 🤔

[@lucasmergault]

.. I asked 2s before the explanation at 10:18 ^^'

[@lahy7346]

I work most of the time with lead. I always stretch my lead before putting it into a design. That's what I was taught years ago. Do you stretch lead?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

yes I do 👍

[@sushitsunami8907]

Can someone please tell me how he made the lines that are separate from the rest?

[@kikoiekiko7440]

Copper foil overlay. Basically just put the copper tape on the middle cut to desired shape then soldered over. Also best practice is to connect the overlay to the solder seams. Otherwise the adhesive of the foil will fail one day and it will fall off.

[@rodschmidt8952]

If you use lead AND copper, is there a problem of dissimilar metals touching?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

not at all, you can combine use of copper foil and lead to get the look you want

[@ClaraBowInThisLight]

Is lead came dangerous to touch or just if you put your hands near your mouth?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Not dangerous to touch. Just if the lead particles get in to your system internally.

[@rodschmidt8952]

I want to make a window to go into a door. Over time, and thousands of slams, will it sag?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Lots of stained glass doors but design has to be good and sag points eliminated with cross sections or came to support those sections. And fully sealed with cement/putty.

[@gabornagy9089]

Id add that foil technique allows 3D forms, while came is normally just 2D.

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Excellent comment, thank you for mentioning!🙏

[@michellebaker4247]

How do you keep the glass within the H Came?

[@bennu547]

I would guess you’d have to be creative. I’ve seen people use nails to tack everything in place so they can solder the joints together

[@StainedGlassDIY]

It sits in the channel much like a picture frame glass does in its frame and after soldering, the glass is trapped inside the slots.

[@michellebaker4247]

@@StainedGlassDIY Thank you.Can I place a tiny bead of solder to hold or will it melt the came do you think?

[@michellebaker4247]

@@bennu547 Thank you🙂

[@solidustiger9639]

Once fully assembled it should be fine how ever you could use a type of grouting to fill in the gap if I recall there was one they use made out of sunflower....

[@j45002]

Wait, is it came or cane

[@jennifery7552]

Has anyone ever tried copper paint instead of copper foil tape?

[@jennifery7552]

Has anyone ever tried copper paint instead of copper tape?

[@clips2ce]

FUMES and Asthma, is what I'm interested in please

[@StainedGlassDIY]

😂😂 fair enough

[@pennyalexander8941]

Do you have to stretch this "H" came?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

Yes you would have to stretch it just the same

[@Jeremya74]

Isn't lead not healthy to work around?

[@StainedGlassDIY]

yes lead is pretty toxic so you have to work safely with it. there is also lead free solder alternative too.

[@yinyang2385]

@Stained Glass DIY Is it toxic enough that gloves and mask need to be worn when handling it or is it only a hazard when cutting and shaping it?

[@harpo.glassart]

What about making the copper foil piece in lead and solder? @Harpo.Art.glass