What Materials Are Used in Traditional Stained Glass?

Traditional stained glass may look delicate, but it’s made from remarkably durable materials. Each component plays a critical role in both beauty and structure.

1. Colored Glass

I’m often asked in workshops if participants will be “staining” the glass, to which I have to explain that the glass sheets are created by adding metallic oxides to molten silica-based glass (a foundry operation). Adding cobalt produces deep blues, copper can make greens or reds, gold creates vibrant ruby tones. 

2. Lead Came

Lead came is the classic assembly material that’s been used for centuries. Its pliability allows it to hold irregular shapes while forming the signature dark lines between pieces. Lead provides both structure and visual definition to the piece. It’s made with either one or two flanges that overhang both sides of the glass. This is called U- or H-came.

 

3. Copper Foil

Developed and refined by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the copper foil method allows for finer detail and more intricate designs than lead came. Using this method means you wrap each glass piece around the edge with copper foil individually before soldering. Copper can also be used as an “overlay” like the bees shown here:

4. Solder

Solder bonds the joints between the glass together at connection points. It reinforces the overall panel structure. Stained glass solder comes in 50/50 (tin:lead), 60/40, and lead free varieties. You can read more about soldering techniques here.

5. Glass Paint & Kiln Firing

When the work is more detailed than copper foil can accommodate, stained glass artists will turn to special enamels for screenprinting designs, shading, and facial details. These are special vitreous paints that are kiln-fired onto the surface so that the paint becomes one with the glass and won’t flake off in the future as glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. 

Together, these materials create windows that can last centuries when properly maintained.