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Working with Copper Foil
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Widths |
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1/8"
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Copper foil can be used as an alternative to lead in any instance at the personal preference of the user. It is much stronger than lead when soldered, needs no putty, is waterproof, and allows you to do intricately detailed projects where the bulky look and weight of lead would detract from the aesthetics of a delicate design. |
5/32"
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The copper needed for this technique is of a thin, foil-like gauge. It has an adhesive on one side and is backed by protective paper. Copper foil is sold in 36-yard rolls and is available in several widths and gauges. Some of the common sizes used are 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8". The actual gauge of the copper can be 1 mil, 1-1/4, or 1-1/2 mil. the thickness of the glass you are using and the finished look you want to achieve will dictate your choice. |
3/16"
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For instance, if you use very wide foil such as 3/8" to wrap thin glass, you will have very wide seams in your finished project. Wide foils such as 5/16" and 3/8" are usually used where strength is an important factor or when very thick glass is being used. Beginners using standard 1/8" thick machine-made stained glass should start with 1/4" or 7/32" foil. These sizes are easy for the novice to handle. With a little more experience at cutting, you may like the narrow seams that 3/16" foil produces. The choice of width and mileage is one of personal preference. As you do more stained glass, you will find that you have definite preferences |
7/32"
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Try not to handle the glass too much or the foil. When I foil, I always wrap the whole thing. Then I put extra pressure on the edge first, then pinch and rub. Try to give yourself an overlap of around 1/4" to 1/2". I've seen people try to cut the foil to make a butt joint, but that almost always leaves either a weak spot or a non-foiled spot. Also, try to start the foil on the inside edge of the piece, so there's no chance of the foil lifting from that. |
1/4"
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Warm glass is always easier to foil than cold. |
3/8"
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To rub down the foil, you'll need to use a stick of some sort. A pencil would be a good choice but the graphite tends to get in the way. I've bought quite a few shapes of fids (a type of rubbing stick) but they all wear out pretty quickly. |
New Wave Foil
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When storing foil, keep foil wrapped in plastic and away from any chemicals to avoid oxidation. |
