Do-it-yourself stained glass windows - techniques, main stages. How to make stained glass at home? How to make a stained glass window

Stained glass technology is becoming increasingly popular in home interiors. She is unique in her own way. An item made using this technology can rightfully be called original. With it you can decorate a door, window, mirror, vase, wall clock and any glass surface. Making stained glass windows and interior items with your own hands is simple. In addition, stained glass paints made by yourself at home can significantly save the family budget and bring a little novelty and variety of colors into the comfort of your home.

Types of stained glass technologies

There are a large number of stained glass technologies in the world. Each of them has its own characteristics. But they all have one goal in common - they play the role of decorative finishing. Stained glass is one of the most ancient methods of decoration. In ancient times, the technique was used to decorate cathedrals and temples. The English stained glass style was especially popular at that time. Nowadays, stained glass items can be found in the interior of any apartment.

The most popular types of stained glass:

Each technology is difficult to implement in its own way. The most popular handmade technology is stained glass. Decoration using this technology can be done independently at home. This technique can be confused with glass painting, but these two techniques have significant differences. Namely, the stained glass window has a relief contour.

Materials for work

The manufacturing technology is simple, although at first glance it may seem that not everyone can do it. In fact, if you take painting seriously and become familiar with the principle of operation, you can understand that there is nothing complicated about it at all.

To make stained glass windows yourself, you need a minimum set of materials and tools. Just a few components of the set will be enough and another interior masterpiece will appear in your house.

To work you will need:

This is a complete list of materials. For beginners and working with children, you can get by with brushes, contour and stained glass paints.

The main thing on this list is the outline. The quality of the composition depends on it. It is a small tube with a pointed tip. The outline can be of different colors, gold, silver, with sparkles. It can be alkyd or water based.

If you plan to work with children, you should give preference to a water-based circuit. It is completely harmless to the baby's health. A sketch of the future composition is outlined. Its task is to hold the paints so that they do not spread. All contour lines must be complete. Otherwise, the paint will spread and may ruin the final result.

Paints play an important role in the work. They should be chosen not only by color, but also by composition. There are two types of stained glass paints. They can be solvent-based, containing a solvent, or acrylic, water-based.

Solvent ones are more convenient to use. They spread less over the surface, do not wear off and are not washed off with water. In addition, they are available for sale in a wider range of colors. They are brighter than acrylic ones. When working with solvent paints, it is important to know that they are toxic. Therefore, they are not suitable for working with children.

Acrylic paints are less resistant to washing off. Therefore, after painting, a product made with acrylic must be fired. To do this, it is placed in the oven, where the firing process takes place at a temperature of 150 - 170 degrees. Acrylic is recommended for use when working with children and people prone to allergic reactions.

In addition, if you wish, you can learn how to make stained glass paints at home.

Manufacturing of stained glass paints

If you make stained glass together with your child, it will be even more interesting for him when the process starts from the very beginning. Namely, from the production of stained glass paints. Vintage paints can be prepared in several ways. Each of the recipes is simple to prepare and also very economical. The material at home will be completely safe and of high quality.

The basis for the manufacture of paints can be:

1. PVA glue.
2. Gelatin.
3. Solvent.

All cooking methods are very simple.

Base PVA glue

Before starting production, you need to prepare suitable utensils. Any small container, for example, an empty gouache jar, is suitable for this purpose. You should take as many containers as you plan to prepare shades for the composition. Pour 2 tbsp into each empty container. l. PVA glue. Next, you need to add a coloring pigment, that is, dye, to the glue. You can choose any coloring substance as a pigment.

Possible coloring pigment:

Any pigment is suitable for production. It must be added to the glue gradually, stirring thoroughly. If the paint becomes pale, you need to add pigment. If the shade turns out to be very bright, this can be corrected by adding a little glue. For a decorative effect and gloss of the future painting, you can add loose shadows or sparkles to the PVA.

Gelatin paint

Gelatin-based paint is completely safe. It is perfect for working with children. It is very simple to prepare. For it you need to take 6 g of edible gelatin and dilute it with a small amount of water. After the gelatin has cooled, you need to add the coloring pigment. It is very convenient to work with, it is quite thick and does not spread at all, and it dries very quickly. Gelatin can be used to paint a vase, glasses or plates. But it has one drawback. It is not water resistant. Therefore, gelatin should be fixed with varnish.

Solvent and glue

You need to take 1 part of all components. First place the glue in a glass container, add acetone to it and mix thoroughly. Add pigment to the resulting mixture.

Preparing the circuit

You can make more than just paint with your own hands. The circuit can also be made independently.

For it you will need:

• 50 ml PVA glue (for gluing porcelain and glass);
• 20 -30 ml of black mascara;
• 30 - 40 mg of silver or aluminum powder.

In a glass container you need to mix glue and ink, add silver. The mixture should have the consistency of lead-colored sour cream. A contour prepared independently will not differ at all in quality from a store-bought one.

DIY stained glass technique

There are several rules for making stained glass on glass with your own hands. Whatever stained glass paints are chosen, the rules for working with them are the same.

Rules for making stained glass:

To understand the technique of artistic painting, you need to familiarize yourself with stained glass windows with your own hands in a master class.

Imitation of stained glass

Before starting to create a contour stained glass window, you need to decide on the composition. The sketch must first be completed on paper. You can buy it ready-made, print it on a computer, or use a stencil. Once the future composition has been determined, you can begin to work. But before you start, you need to make sure that the glass is in a level, horizontal position. It should be remembered that the slightest distortion in any direction of the base contributes to the chaotic spreading of paints. In addition, this will damage the quality of the stained glass.

stained glass master class:

The main thing at the stage of applying paints is to prevent them from spreading. To do this, you don’t need to put a lot of paint on the brush. It is best to apply it to the glass area in small portions.

If, when applying one color, it seemed that it was not saturated enough or lay on the surface unevenly, you must wait until the first layer of paint has completely dried and reapply it.

Attention, TODAY only!

Stained glass is one of the types of artistic painting; nowadays it is becoming increasingly popular. Stained glass on glass is absolutely safe and can be done with children. It is made using acrylic paints. To perform this job, you do not need to have any special skills or abilities. The necessary colors can be purchased at any art or construction store. Painting can be done not only on transparent surfaces, but also on wood, plastic, ceramics, metal or plaster.

Just the facts

The name "stained glass" comes from the Latin word vitrum - "glass", which implies transparent patterns, paintings or drawings made on glass or from colored glass.

Stained glass on glass dates back to ancient times. Most often it was used in temples and churches. In the churches of Germany and France, the first narrative stained glass windows were used, made in bizarre shapes, of different colors, and of quite large sizes. The stained glass windows depicted religious events, the life and everyday life of saints. This is the so-called painting on glass.

Stained glass appeared in Russia only in 1820 and they were first called transparent paintings. Just at this time, the revival of this art form began in Europe after a long period of oblivion.

Necessary tools for acrylic painting

If you don't know how to draw stained glass on glass, we will tell you. You need to prepare the following tools:

• the most suitable sketch made on paper;
• which is supposed to be painted;
• pre-selected shades (it doesn’t matter which company you choose, the main thing is that at least 12 hours pass between applying layers, and 3-4 days before the first wash);
• solvent, it is advisable to choose one company with paints;
• ferrule;
• stained glass outline;
• cotton buds;
• toothpick or thin stick;
• synthetic brushes.

Once you have everything ready for work, you can proceed directly to creating your masterpiece.

Making stained glass with acrylic

So, let's start making stained glass on glass carefully and without rushing.

Glass is laid out on a pre-prepared sketch, the edges are aligned so that the drawing is in the right place. The glass must first be washed and degreased; for this you can use ordinary vinegar or alcohol.

To make the line made by the contour thinner, a special metal tip is put on it. Using an outline, the design is applied to the glass. Movements should be fairly confident, clear and fast, with light pressure on the bottle. In order for the paint to flow better and the contour to be a little more voluminous, the tip must be held at a large angle to the glass. The outline must be applied carefully enough so that there are no breaks in the drawing, since then it will need to be filled with liquid paint, and it may blur through the gaps.

After the application of the main contour is completed, you must wait until it dries. Then we start filling it out. The technique of filling the contour is so simple that you can do it even with a child. To do this, select the necessary shades of acrylic paints. When working, you need to remember that only enough paint should be applied to the surface so as not to exceed the height of the contour. If the paint has flowed a little onto the outline, don’t worry; after drying it will become transparent, and your mistake will no longer be so noticeable.

When making stained glass, artists often want to achieve smooth transitions or different shades. To do this, you need to mix or shade several colors. This can be done with a regular toothpick. One of the colors is applied with a slight distribution towards the center. Then a second color is applied from the center to the edges, which is necessary for mixing. Then, using a toothpick, the paint is mixed and leveled so that it is evenly distributed over the element to be painted. If air bubbles appear during application, they can be easily removed with the same toothpick.

Little tricks

• While working, don’t worry about being too pale and not looking the way you would like. After drying, it will darken a little and become much more transparent.
• To make the paint apply more evenly, you can lightly tap the glass from below - it will spread better.
• It is very convenient to work with acrylic paint not only on horizontal planes. You can also use it to decorate and even make a stained glass window on the door glass without removing it from the frame.
• To make the design look a little more voluminous, use a sponge when applying a pure white color.

Advantages and disadvantages

Stained glass on glass is created quickly enough, and the work will not have any similar ones. The biggest advantage of such a painting will be its practicality. Painted stained glass windows, unlike soldered ones, can be used for large surfaces; moreover, they do not require cutting out individual pieces of glass and attaching them to the sketch. Therefore, when painting glass with acrylic paints, you get a durable and solid image. In addition, stained glass made with paints can be inserted into a double-glazed window, which will save much more heat than if soldered stained glass is inserted into them.

Glass painting fits much more easily into any apartment interior, while soldered stained glass windows require carefully selected furnishings. In addition, painted glass perfectly transmits light, creating a slight kaleidoscope effect.

Other types of stained glass

Stained glass on glass using paints is the easiest to do at home, but there are other types and methods of such work.

The most common of them:

• classic soldered stained glass;
• Tiffany stained glass;
• fusing;
• frosted stained glass;
• Plastic Lead stained glass windows;
• stained glass windows made using casting technique;
• film stained glass window made using SGO technologies;
• faceted stained glass;
• bending;
• combined stained glass;
• stained glass window made by etching;
• laser engraving.

If you decide to decorate glass with stained glass, then before starting the main work, practice on small glasses, so to speak, get your hands on a little.

Hello, dear readers!

I won’t lie – I often like to “get away” from city life and spend a couple of weeks at my summer cottage.

I didn’t particularly bother with the arrangement of this place, but recently I wanted to change something in the appearance.

I decided to start with the windows. And you know, I really liked the result. Now my house stands out clearly from others.

Now I’ll tell you how to make stained glass on glass with your own hands. I will also tell you what materials may be needed for this.

DIY stained glass window

Stained glass on glass is a great way to decorate the interior, giving windows and interior door inserts nobility and sophistication. And if earlier this was a very labor-intensive and expensive process, accessible only to a few craftsmen, today it is really possible to do it yourself.

A similar effect is easy to achieve through the use of stickers or glass painting techniques with special paints.

The use of stained glass in the interior

Many centuries have passed since stained glass glass was invented, and humanity still admires the narrow and long windows of temples and cathedrals, palaces and houses of the rich nobility of the Late Middle Ages. In those days, any glass was an expensive luxury, especially stained glass. They were made on the basis of a cellular metal pattern, into which pieces of smalt and colored Murano glass were inserted exactly corresponding to the pattern.

The word "stained glass" is of Latin origin, where vitrum means "glass", but is now used to refer to colored designs on glass. Until now, numerous pilgrims and sightseers of historical monuments are impressed by the images of saints on glass that transmits light through colored cells.

Breaking stained glass with biblical scenes in an Orthodox church or Catholic cathedral was considered blasphemy, especially since they were created over decades.

Stained glass painting has long gone beyond the scope of religious buildings. Today, stained glass on glass is again in fashion, and a wide variety of subjects are used. Artists specializing in stained glass painting are offering more and more new techniques that reduce the cost of creating glass inserts shining with colors.

This special, highly artistic decor can give the interior of an apartment a more expensive and respectable look.

And today stained glass is widely used wherever it is appropriate:

• window glass;
• large shades of ceiling lamps;
• false windows with lighting;
• interior doors;
• glass partitions for zoning large areas;
• elegant table tops for small tables in the living room;
• frameless glazing of interior spaces;
• translucent screens between 2 adjacent rooms;
• multi-level and suspended ceilings;
• sliding cabinet doors;
• fireplace screens;
• table, floor and wall lamps;
• *transparent inserts in ceilings;
• inserts on wall niches;
• art objects and souvenirs.

Note!

You can choose transparent or opaque stained glass, depending on the overall purpose.

If it is important that light partially penetrates into the room, but what is happening behind the partition cannot be seen in detail, choose opaque glass for stained glass:

• stained glass screen in the bathroom (in the shower);
• glass partition between kitchen and bathroom;
• impenetrable interior doors with insert in the bedroom;
• partition between toilet and bathroom.

Attention: It is worth considering that colored impenetrable stained glass only partially transmits light, so it is inappropriate in an apartment where there is already insufficient lighting.

But on the south side, a stained glass window made by yourself will become an appropriate light filter, for example, stained glass on glass, photo:

Advantages and disadvantages of stained glass inserts

Anyone who wants to make stained glass on glass with their own hands can master the art of stained glass painting. It is useful to master the technology of glass painting to decorate your personal space, and then you can use it as additional income.

And although beautiful stained glass is a real art, you don’t have to be an artist; many craftsmen use ready-made sketches for intricate drawings with clear boundaries on the glass.

Making stained glass yourself is a fascinating process, reminiscent of children's “coloring books”, where, within the finished contours, each cell of the picture is filled with a certain color. And it also resembles a children's kaleidoscope with colored glass between the mirrors, where it is so fascinating to observe amazing patterns.

An important advantage is that each stained glass window is unique, even if a ready-made sketch was used. Any image is obtained as a result of the choice of one or another technique, method of application and selection of dyes and cell boundaries.

Getting a selected picture of stained glass on glass is an interesting activity that even a schoolchild can master. It’s fun for the whole family to make, being careful when working with glass, the edge of which can be temporarily covered with masking tape.

If you work with acrylic paints, you don’t need any special equipment. The traditional technique of making stained glass windows from glass and metal requires a separate workshop. And some glass etching methods involve the use of chemicals.

Helpful advice!

Drawing on glass, with proper organization of work and a ready-made sketch, can be completed quite quickly. And if you have artistic skills and a subtle taste, then making stencils and stained glass windows with your own hands is an excellent hobby or a way of creative self-realization.

In this case, you can try which stained glass windows will be most interesting:

• drawn;
• cut;
• glued;
• soldered.

The simplest methods of applying a design have their drawbacks - the design may not be durable. The simplest loose image has to be made between two glasses in a frame, kept as a souvenir so that it does not wash off.

But this applies more to children's creativity. And if you decide to decorate your apartment with real works of art, using special glass paints, the stained glass window should be elegant and attractive.

It is unlikely that “something” special will come out the first time; you will have to practice several times to practice mastering the technique.

Attention: Remember that any glass can break, including stained glass. Therefore, it is advisable to first consider whether there is a possibility that the insert will be broken. In some cases, it is better to use a ready-made folding film, which will prevent fragments from flying away, for example, if you do not carefully slam a glass door.

Varieties of techniques for performing stained glass painting

Stained glass on glass used to be done using the most labor-intensive method, when a metal pattern consisting of cells was made. Then a piece of glass of a certain color, cut exactly to the shape of each cell, was inserted into each free gap.

The most difficult thing was to make symmetrical images - the metal patterned mesh might not match in outline, and each fragment was cut separately. The glass had to be fixed, and also in such a way that there were no gaps allowing air and water to pass through.

The classic soldered method is still used today, but less expensive, labor-intensive and inexpensive stained glass glass painting techniques are applicable in everyday life.

The most popular techniques today include:

• frosted stained glass;
• "Tiffany";
• using the casting technique;
• using the fusing technique;
• using the Plastic Lead technique;
• frosted stained glass;
• film stained glass windows SGO;
• bevel technique;
• “etching” technique;
• “bending” technique;
• laser engraving;
• painting with acrylic paints;
• combined stained glass windows.

It’s worth taking a closer look at how to make stained glass on glass with your own hands using the most affordable methods.

1. We put together pieces of cut out colored glass to form a mosaic canvas. Each fragment of the composition is inserted into a metal stencil frame made of tin or sheet copper.

The metal parts will have to be soldered, but this has to be done without glass, so it is important to think about how to secure the glass in these cells. The finished drawing will resemble real expensive stained glass.

2. Pieces of colored translucent film are laid out on the glass, like an applique, in a pattern thought out in advance - along the contours drawn with a special disappearing marker.

Next, a special paint in the form of a dark border, or any resinous solution that sets quickly, is applied along the borders with a tube. The finished image is covered with another glass of exactly the same format and carefully glued along the edges.

Double glass with an internal pattern is quite practical, it is inserted into a frame or wooden window frame.

A similar method - inserts of thin colored glass (transparent, frosted or sandblasted) are also inserted between two glasses. Such double or triple colored glass for stained glass is the heaviest, so it is not recommended for furniture doors.

3. On sale you can find ready-made colored smalt, which in the form of fragments cut and polished along the edges is simply glued to the glass. Plastic crystals or artificial “pebbles” for embroidery with a flat back are also suitable, as well as small gems or flat beads.

They can be planted on glass with “liquid nails”, for example, in the form of a grapevine. This method is easy to decorate vases, glassware and souvenirs.

This method is suitable for those inserts that do not need to be cleaned - pebbles and smalt can be accidentally scraped off. However, such a Hand-made stained glass window sparkling with crystals on glass looks luxurious, especially with backlighting.

4. The design on smooth or sandblasted glass is applied with special paints that require heat treatment. After firing in the oven, a durable stained glass pattern is obtained that is not afraid of cleaning.

A similar method is an imitation of stained glass painting, which uses acrylic paints without processing in an oven. The pattern will be durable, but such glass should not be washed. Such stained glass windows are successfully used in windows with double frames with a pattern facing inwards, where the glass is not washed as often as on the outside.

Where can I get stencils for stained glass?

The beauty of the initial sketch determines the final result. And if you try to draw “something there” yourself, such a stained glass window is unlikely to be highly artistic. Even if you take more advantageous subjects - roses, peacocks or fish, it is important to maintain the proportions of the picture, color balance and overall composition.

The choice of plot should be justified by the functionality of the room. Fantasy flowers, angels, beautiful half-naked maidens, Amazons, and leopards are suitable for the bedroom. An elegant abstraction and symmetrical patterns that harmonize with the overall theme of the room are suitable for the living room.

If you are looking for stained glass windows suitable for a bathroom, select stencils with aquarium fish, something with a marine theme.

Note!

Any abstract image or neutral theme, for example, a firebird, is suitable for the partition of a passage corridor.

The image for a certain interior style is selected in accordance with the characteristic theme for such a design:

• sakura branch - for Japanese style;
• "rocalia" curls - for Rococo;
• the stroke of the whip is typical of Art Nouveau;
• intricate abstraction – Art Deco, etc.

It is best to use ready-made stencils, which can be purchased:

• in art stores;
• from artists who master this technique;
• print popular “pictures” from the Internet (the uniqueness of your stained glass windows will suffer).

For those who know how to draw, it is best to take your favorite illustrations as a basis, choose a suitable plot and develop your own sketch.

Attention: It is important to consider the scaling of images, since transferring a small sketch onto a large glass will result in distorted proportions and a lot of empty space. Therefore, a small sketch is first drawn into squares - for a better enlargement of the drawing.

Sometimes at the completion stage you have to add elements to fill the voids. Ready-made stencils for life-size stained glass windows do not require modification. Traditionally, stained glass designs look beautiful, combining a thin graphic frame and floral ornament.

Tip: Do not rush to fill the stencil design with paints. If you have a choice, experiment with color in your drafts. Sometimes replacing the background or central elements not only changes the overall impression of the picture, but also creates an aura in a room with stained glass windows. For example, cool blue or purple flowers should be replaced with warm shades for the living room or cold ones for the bathroom.

What paints should I use for stained glass?

1. A solution based on nitro varnish NTs-2141 (or similar, other marking). You will need artistic oil paints and solvent. Nitrovarnish is diluted in a separate container with the addition of a solvent (less than half).

A pea-sized amount of artistic paint or a drop of pigment for construction work is added to the finished emulsion. We check the intensity of the paint on the glass; if it is not enough, add more.

The glass must first be degreased by wiping it with a solvent such as acetone. A high-quality varnish for bending should be transparent, spread well, and not form bald spots on the glass.

2. A solution based on BF-2 glue. The emulsion is diluted with a solvent and any alcohol-soluble dye. For example, they use ballpoint pen paste - blue, purple, green and red.

The glue and solvent are mixed in a glass jar, into which the dye is added drop by drop to the required saturation. We try it with a brush on the control glass.

3. Gelatin-based and fabric dyes. Gelatin (5-6 g) in the form of a paste is brewed with hot water, into which diluted liquid paint is gradually introduced.

You can first draw an image, then outline the boundaries, but it is better to first make a “decoration” grid. Such a pattern requires fixing - after the bend has dried, the glass is coated with colorless nitro varnish.

Helpful advice!

Stained glass painting with silicate paints is used by artists for heat treatment. Special chemical components are used to create a mirror or matte surface on stained glass windows. Some techniques are not available for home painting, for example, engraved stained glass, which is created using special equipment.

The simplest method is to use ready-made stained glass or mirror self-adhesive.
source: http://strport.ru/mebel-i-predmety-interera/vitrazh-na-stekle-svoimi-rukami

DIY stained glass windows. Create your own stained glass window at home

This page is dedicated to those who decided to try making stained glass windows with their own hands. Here you will find a description of manufacturing technologies, materials and tools used.

Below is an illustrated step-by-step instruction that will allow you to make stained glass with your own hands using the chosen technology.

Tiffany stained glass windows are made from fragments of colored glass.

Filled stained glass window. You create your masterpiece using glass paints and contour paints.

The first step to making stained glass with your own hands

To make stained glass windows with your own hands, you need to decide on the technology. Then study the materials and tools you will need. And finally start manufacturing.

Technology selection

Tiffany

Real stained glass windows are made from pieces of colored glass. They are both the most beautiful and the most difficult to make. Currently, the most popular manufacturing technology for colored glass is Tiffany technology.

Do-it-yourself stained glass windows using Tiffany technology will exceed all your wildest expectations. Detailed description.

Film stained glass

Film stained glass is a kind of applique. Only instead of colored paper, film is used. The leaders in quality sold by us are films from English manufacturers Decra Led and Rega Led.

To simulate a seam, self-adhesive tin tape is glued between the fragments. The work done by the hands of professionals turns out very beautiful, despite the fact that the film is inferior in appearance to glass.

Filled stained glass windows

Filled stained glass is glass on which the outline of the design is applied with thick paint and is 1-2 mm wide and high. The contour forms areas into which thinner paint is subsequently poured.

Making Tiffany stained glass with your own hands

Required tools and equipment:

• Roller glass cutter. Rotating head, roller with automatic wetting.
• Nippers, at least two types, for breaking off small and long parts.
• Machine for processing glass edges. We chose Kristall 2000.
• Light table. Height 80 cm. Tabletop – glass, lamps under the tabletop throughout the entire area. Not necessary for small items.
• Soldering iron
• Black felt-tip pen with thin tip
• Protective glasses
• Skillful hands

Materials required for work:

• Glass selected according to the sketch. Typically, for 1 m2 of stained glass, with parts having a curved shape, at least 2 m2 of glass is required.
• Special copper or brass foil.
• Tin POS-61.
• Soldering acid.
• Patina. Depending on the desired color of the seams - black or copper. To obtain a copper seam, you can use an aqueous solution of copper sulfate.

Sketch and drawing development

When developing a sketch, you should remember that glass is a rather fragile material, which means it is quite capricious in processing. For example, it is impossible to cut a part with an internal corner using a glass cutter. For such parts, a special jigsaw is required, but due to its high cost, it is not considered here.

After the sketch is ready, you should make a drawing, which some call “cardboard”. It is a sheet of paper or film with a life-size outline of a stained glass pattern.

If you will be working on a light table, the paper should be transparent enough so that the outline of the design is clearly visible through the art glass when the lamps under the table top are turned on. If the contours of the parts are transferred to the glass in another way, the transparency of the paper does not matter.

When assembling it yourself, be sure to follow all safety rules. Work only with safety glasses.

Cutting fragments from art glass

When cutting out a part, if it has a curved shape, the initial pieces of glass are chosen in such a way, if you are not a professional, that they extend beyond the contour of the part by at least 4 mm on each side.

By running the glass cutter roller across the glass, you make a scratch, which is supposed to break the glass. The cutting pressure should not be too strong. If the line along which you intend to cut the glass has one or more bends, you should lightly tap under the scratch left by the glass cutter.

If possible, the part that needs to be obtained should be firmly fixed on the table surface, and the likelihood that it will remain intact will be greater. The inner radius in the parts is cut out in several stages. In order to maintain the dimensions and not end up with a product that ultimately does not fit into the space prepared for it, you should start from the perimeter of the product.

The internal details of the future stained glass window should be divided into fragments. Each fragment should also start from the perimeter. The parts located inside the fragments are cut out in place, after soldering the external ones.

Parts processing

Processing the edge of the part After the part is cut out, it must be processed on a Kristall machine. The edge of the part is processed so that sharp corners do not damage the copper tape. With this procedure, you can correct the shape of the part.

Before soldering, the end of each part, around the entire perimeter, should be wrapped with copper or brass tape.

The finished, turned and wrapped parts are laid out in accordance with the drawing and, to begin with, they are grabbed in several places with tin. Before soldering, the seams are wiped with soldering acid.

Assembly

After the last part is prepared for soldering and placed in its place in the overall composition, you can begin soldering the stained glass. Try to distribute the tin evenly across the seams, achieving a smooth, convex seam. It is necessary to solder on both sides.

The Tiffany stained glass window, made by your own hands, is ready.

DIY stained glass windows

I would like to remind you that classic stained glass is a work of fine art made from pieces of colored glass. Filled stained glass windows are an imitation, but with the right approach, they look very decent.

The main advantages of stained glass windows are the relative ease of manufacture and almost any shape of parts.

To make a stained glass window you will need:

Developed independently on opaque paper.

2. Contour.

The outline is used to simulate a seam between stained glass parts. As a contour, a special contour paint with a thick consistency or a special contour tape is used. Contour paints are available in various colors. Such as: black, copper, gold, etc.

3. Base.

Filled stained glass can be made on any hard surface. But the main surface is, naturally, glass. The base can be a simple piece of glass, a glass or a vase.

4. Stained glass paints and varnishes.

When choosing paint, it is important to consider how you will apply the stained glass paint. Both thick stained glass paints and glass varnishes can be poured onto a horizontal surface. From a surface located at an angle to the horizon, liquid paints and varnishes can spread.

Note!

Glass varnishes are used when the product must remain more transparent. Paints such as Gallery Glade, produced by Plaid, are much thicker than varnishes and allow you to work even on vertical surfaces. Using thick paints you can achieve the effect of glass relief and create multi-colored stains.

5. Paint distributor.

Since any liquid has its own surface tension, paint often has to be forcibly distributed over the surface of the part being poured. The distributor has the appearance of a pencil, with a tip sharp enough to be able to drive the paint into the sharpest corner of the fragment being poured.
source: http://www.aghouse.ru/vitraji_svoimi_rukami/

How to make stained glass with your own hands, draw on glass

Previously, only cathedrals, theaters, and mansions of rich people were decorated with stained glass, but times are changing and today this type of art is available to everyone.

Stained glass can be used to decorate doors, loggias and balconies and various interior items. Colored glass and various paints are used as materials for stained glass windows.

There are several ways to make stained glass:

First way

Use pieces cut from a single colored sheet of glass. Each piece is part of your composition. The cut pieces of glass are fixed into a pre-made metal stencil; after attachment, the stencils are soldered, resulting in a stained glass image.

Second way

The stained glass window is made from colored smalt glass and two sheets of transparent glass. A design is laid out from smalt on a transparent sheet of glass, and covered with a second transparent glass on top. Stained glass is fixed into frames made of wood or metal.

Third way

Stained glass is laid out from ornamental details (cast glass), then the fragments are fastened together with resin.

Fourth method

Transparent glass is painted with paints. After applying the design, the glass is fired in a furnace at a temperature of 540 - 5600C.

Fifth method

Multi-colored smalt is placed on a transparent sheet, attaching them to the surface of the glass using synthetic glue.

Sixth way

Imitation of stained glass - painting on glass with paints that do not require heat treatment.

But, unfortunately, most of these methods are not entirely suitable for home use, and are mainly used in specialized stained glass workshops.

To create stained glass at home, the sixth method is suitable using paints for painting on glass.

So how to make stained glass at home with your own hands?

To do this, we will need paints that can be used to paint on glass. Fortunately, the variety of decorative products is so great that finding such paints is not difficult.

Below we have provided just a few addresses of stores where you can purchase paints for glass painting. Not so long ago, paints for painting on glass appeared, the use of which does not require high-temperature treatment.

It is enough to apply them to the surface and wait until they dry.

We will need:

• drawing;
• sheet of glass;
• glassograph;
• contour paste in a tube (it imitates the lead tape used in
• stained glass windows, and allows you to determine clear contours for the drawing);
• paints for painting on glass;
• brushes (soft, high quality, it is advisable to wash them first so that the lint does not come out during the work)

Glass painting process

Clean the surface to be painted using warm water and soap or an alcohol-based cleaner.

Using a glass pencil (glassograph), apply a design to a previously dried surface. If it is difficult for you to apply a design directly to a glass surface, you can make the design you like on white paper, which we then place under the glass.

Helpful advice!

Using contour paste that imitates lead (for convenience, it is usually available in tubes), we separate areas of the pattern that are different in color

We are waiting for our outline to dry completely

Apply the paint with gentle, light movements of the brush; if a more intense color is needed, then apply the paint in several layers. After waiting for the previous one to dry.

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

A colorful stained glass window can decorate a living room, a bedroom, or a corridor. Ordering such products is too expensive, but you can make similar decor for your home yourself. A stained glass window of any complexity can be created with your own hands without any special problems: the artist needs high-quality glass, paints, and sealant. The step-by-step instructions below will tell you in detail about the rules for making stained glass.

Materials for creating illuminated stained glass windows

The basis of the work is glass, but its choice must be approached very carefully. The surface of the material must be perfectly flat; the presence of air bubbles or waves is unacceptable. The selection of other components for work should be approached no less responsibly: the result obtained depends on their quality. In order to make stained glass on glass, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Whatman paper (must correspond to the size of the decor being made);
• glass;
• stained glass paints;
• black silicone for aquariums (can be replaced with rubber sealant);
• wooden blocks (for the frame);
• corners;
• LED cord, fasteners and power cord with adapter.

After purchasing all the elements, you can safely start making bright home decor.

How to make a stained glass window from ordinary glass?

You should not do many elements, especially if such a task is being performed for the first time. After receiving a beautiful sketch, the following work is carried out:

1. The pencil drawing is outlined with a thick marker for ease of subsequent transfer of the image.

2. Glass is placed on top of the paper, whatman paper is fixed to the glass with tape.

3. The sealant is prepared: the sharp nose is cut off, as shown in the attached video tip. This will help you draw lines more accurately and conveniently.

4. The pattern is transferred to the glass.

5. The image is colored using stained glass paints along the prepared contours.

To obtain the most beautiful and “lively” stained glass window, it is recommended to use additives when applying paints, dilute one color with another, and lighten areas. All these techniques are demonstrated in a master class on making stained glass at home. The finished decor shows how original and bright the play and shade transitions look.

Preparing a frame and decorating a room with stained glass

The dimensions of the frame are determined according to the dimensions of the glass itself: it will be glued directly to the wooden frame. To securely connect the beam, you need to saw it in the corners to get a reliable lock between adjacent elements. Next, drill holes at the joints and hammer dowels into them.

After assembling the frame, it is sanded and painted.

It is secured along the inner side using plastic duralight fasteners.

Once fixation is complete, it is connected to the power cord with an adapter. The glass is glued to the frame, the glass is additionally fixed at the front with metal corners, and metal fasteners for dowels are installed on the frame at the back. At this stage, the stained glass window will be completely ready for installation.

Stained glass windows have been making people admire their indescribable beauty for many centuries. Despite the fact that the origins of this type of art are hidden in the depths of centuries, even today it has not lost any of its relevance and relevance. This is quite logically explained by the fact that such decor, when beautifully and carefully executed, can bring not only comfort and homely warmth to any room, but also a special originality of interior design.

Stained glass on glass can be created with your own hands even by a novice craftsman, provided, of course, that he chooses a technique that is available for execution, of which there are quite a lot in stained glass art. Nowadays, in specialized stores and art salons you can find everything you need to make stained glass paintings using modern simplified techniques, which are much easier to perform, unlike classical technology. This became possible thanks to modern developments and special materials that can very reliably imitate the “classics”.

A variety of stained glass styles and techniques accumulated gradually, taking into account the secrets of old masters and new established practices. Many are still used today, and they definitely need to be considered before deciding which option is best suited not only in terms of design, but also in terms of the complexity of the technological process itself.

What are the types of stained glass according to technique and style?

To make stained glass, you can choose designs in various styles, both “covered with noble antiquity” and ultra-modern. Compositions in Gothic, Ancient Egyptian, and Indian styles do not lose popularity. Abstract, Art Nouveau, Art Deco styles, and others corresponding to different eras and cultures, art movements find their supporters.

Each of the existing styles is capable of displaying the commitment of the owner of an apartment or house to a particular era with its plot, shapes and color scheme. All stained glass styles have their own requirements and canons that must be observed when performing them.

For a long time, the ideal option was considered to be a style with classic designs, where the choice of subjects and materials was limited. In connection with the development of art and the advent of new techniques, the possibilities for making stained glass have expanded significantly. Therefore, instead of the calm plots of the classics, expressive colors and drawings of modernity and abstraction began to be used more and more actively.

Quite often, masters in their works use several styles and techniques that can revive and complement each other, which helps to organically fit stained glass into the overall decor of the house.

Sometimes a stained glass window for a separate room is chosen as setting the style for the entire interior, while the rest of the room’s objects are only its addition and frame. Thus, the stained glass picture becomes the center of the interior.

Prices for stained glass film for windows

stained glass film

If the plans of the residents of the house include decorating rooms in different styles, then stained glass windows can combine them into one composition. Glass paintings that decorate windows can create an amazing special color and light atmosphere that will change depending on the intensity of natural light. In addition, false windows with artificial lighting, which are often installed in bathrooms or on staircase landings, can also be decorated with stained glass.

However, before choosing a stained glass style, you need to decide on the technique in which it will be made.

Stained glass techniques

As mentioned above, there are many techniques for making stained glass, but several of them can be called basic:

Classical technique

The classical technique of stained glass has been known since the Middle Ages. The paintings made from it consist of glass fragments of different shades and installed in metal frames.

In terms of manufacturing, this option can be called the most difficult, and usually it is trusted to be completed only by experienced professional craftsmen. To make such a picture you will need a large number of different tools designed for cutting and processing glass, welding or welding metal frames, as well as a well-lit, spacious, separate workplace. All this is worth purchasing and equipping only if you plan to practice this art professionally, since a special tool is not cheap. And, to be honest, work skills are also required at a very high level.

English or film technique

The film or English technique consists of applying a special self-adhesive film of various colors to the glass, according to a pre-prepared pattern.

Stained glass made using film technique

Each of the fragments in such a stained glass window, after gluing them, is framed with lead tape. If the glass with this stained glass window is installed in, then lead tape is glued to both sides. Lead tape does not require soldering; its cut ends are laid overlapping each other and rolled with a roller.

The advantage of film technology is that all work is carried out on solid glass, which does not require cutting into individual fragments and their complex processing.

In addition, stained glass using the English technique can be made much faster than the classic one, and even a novice craftsman can make it on his own with a careful approach.

"Fusing"

“Fusing” cannot be called a new technique for making stained glass paintings, since it has been used since glass began to be produced, having, of course, undergone significant improvements over time.

Very beautiful and original stained glass windows made using fusing technology

The name of the technique “fusing” comes from the English word “fusion”, which translates as mixing or alloy. This is exactly the process that happens to glass during the manufacture of stained glass using this method. It will not be possible to make stained glass using this technique at home, since its production requires special equipment for melting glass, which can only be achieved at very high temperatures.

Stained glass made using this method has no seams and does not require the use of metal frames.

The process of creating a stained glass picture occurs as follows:

• On transparent glass of the required size, laid on a prepared sheet with a pattern, a mosaic of pieces of colored glass is laid out on a special glue.
• Next, this workpiece is sent to a special furnace, where the process of sintering individual glass fragments with each other and with the base on which they are laid out takes place.

The fusing technology consists of gradually heating the mosaic and simmering it at a temperature of 800 degrees - this is precisely the level necessary for melting and sintering individual pieces of glass together. Melting occurs under strict control, since the moment the product is ready cannot be missed, otherwise the process of changing the structure of the material will begin - devitrification, in which the glass crystallizes.

• When the structure of the stained glass window becomes homogeneous, the stained glass window must be cooled.
• Then another annealing is carried out, that is, the glass is heated and then cooled.
• “Fusing” includes not only melting and sintering, but also glass processing techniques during these processes. In addition, if the desired result is not achieved, then postforming is performed, which consists of another heating and giving the stained glass a convex or curved shape.

At the end of the work, you get a glass picture, made of glass of different shades, securely and hermetically sealed together. This technique is used to make stained glass windows made in various styles, as it gives almost unlimited possibilities in creating paintings of any subject.

"Tiffany"

The Tiffany stained glass technique is carried out in a way somewhat similar to the classical one. In order to make a picture using this technique, a life-size template drawing is prepared in two copies, one of which is cut into separate fragments, from which pieces of glass of different colors will be cut.

In many ways, the Tiffany technique repeats the “classics”

The edges of the glass pieces are processed and ground smooth. Then, each of the stained glass elements is edged with copper tape, the ends of which are soldered together. The next step is to connect the framed fragments together according to the pattern using tin soldering carried out with a powerful soldering iron.

Unlike the classical one, the Tiffany technique uses only copper tape, which is much more flexible and stable than a lead profile and is more easily amenable to a given deformation, with subsequent retention of shape, which allows it to border even small parts of a stained glass window. Thanks to this, the Tiffany technique is used not only for stained glass windows, but also for the manufacture of many different interior elements, for example, lampshades for table lamps and chandeliers.

Table lamp shade made using the Tiffany technique

All parts “clad” in a copper frame, after soldering the ends of the profile, are rolled with a roller before joining into the overall composition, during which the tape compresses the glass fragment.

Video: a master working on a stained glass window using the Tiffany technique

Sandblasting technology

Sandblasting stained-glass windows are made using special equipment that supplies a stream of air with sand under high pressure.

Creating superimposed paintings using this technique is done as follows:

• A transparent sheet of glass is prepared, onto the surface of which a design stencil is applied and secured.
• Open areas of the stencil are treated with sand supplied by a thin stream under high pressure. As a result of such exposure, the surface loses its transparency and becomes matte.
• After completion of the work, the stencil is removed from the glass, and an exquisite airy pattern remains on the surface.

This type of stained glass does not require the installation of frames and complex shaped glass cutting, as well as gluing film. But, as already mentioned, a prerequisite is the presence of special equipment. If desired, of course, you can replace the stream of sand with sandpaper, but in this case you will have to make it from thin metal, since cardboard is a fragile material, it will begin to wear out and will not allow you to reproduce the exact design. In addition, manual work will take a lot of time, and the quality and depth of drawing will still not be the same.

Casting technique

This infrequently used stained glass technique can be called one of the most complex, since each of the mosaic fragments is blown or cast from colored glass by hand. In the process of such piece-by-piece manufacturing, glass fragments are given a special designed texture, which contributes to certain optical effects, the play of refraction of light rays, which creates the effect of pronounced volume. The fragments are then assembled into a single picture using mortars and metal reinforcement.

Stained glass made using cast technique

Making stained glass using this technique at home is very problematic, since it requires, in addition to equipment, very specific technological skills in glass processing. As a rule, such stained glass windows are original works of art, and are practically not used in private housing construction.

Etching technique

The technique of creating a relief pattern on glass by etching involves the use of hydrofluoric acid, which has the ability to have a destructive effect on the main component of the glass mass - silicon dioxide.

When acid is applied to glass, its layers begin to break down. In order for the substance to melt only those areas of the glass sheet that are needed, a stencil made of acid-resistant material is applied. Stencils allow you to create clear single-layer or multi-layer designs on a glass surface, with pronounced relief of varying depths. The more layers there are in the relief, the more voluminous it is. In this case, the acid is applied to different parts of the picture as many times as the number of layers suggested by the selected pattern. Single-layer stained glass is done in one step, and in this case, applying acid simply clouds the glass, making it dull and rough.

It’s not worth taking on such work on your own without practice. Working with such a strong acid requires extreme caution, as it can easily damage the skin or mucous membranes. All operations are carried out in special protective equipment, in a well-ventilated non-residential area, equipped accordingly.

Painted stained glass

The good thing about the painted stained glass technique is that it can imitate any other method of making a glass mosaic picture.

One of the most accessible techniques is glass painting.

The process of working on it includes several stages:

• Making a design and preparing glass of the required size.
• The glass is placed on the table on top of the stained glass pattern laid out.
• According to the drawing, an outline is applied to the glass using paint of the selected shade. Black is usually the color chosen as it makes the elements of the design stand out perfectly. After completing this stage, the paint should be allowed to dry thoroughly.
• The outlined fragments of stained glass are painted with stained glass paints.

How to create a stained glass picture yourself using this technique will be shown below in the instruction table. In the meantime, we can say that this is one of the most accessible technologies at home, and you can even involve a child in making such a painting - he will be very interested. And the costs, compared to all other techniques, are minimal.

Contour pouring technique

The poured technique, just like the painted technique, can imitate any method of making stained glass, and with its help you can create a picture in a wide variety of styles. This technology is also great for beginners who have decided to decorate their home with stained glass. In order to reproduce any image on glass, it is necessary to prepare a drawing and stained glass paints, which are usually produced in tubes with a special spout - for ease of application and distribution of the composition over the surface.

Pattern made using contour filling technique

The first thing to do is to transfer the outline of the drawing onto the glass using the tracing method. Before carrying out the following work, you must wait until the contour paint has completely dried.

After this, the space inside the outline is filled with paint of the desired color. If necessary, it is distributed using a brush. The paint is poured in a fairly thick, even layer of 1÷1.5 mm, and as it dries it should give a smooth surface without artistic strokes. If, according to the drawing, individual fragments of the stained glass window need to be given volume with the help of color, then it is necessary to prepare in advance paint of different shades, which is poured onto the glass, according to the sample drawing.

It should be noted that there are other techniques for making stained glass. Many of them include two or even more basic technologies, so they can be safely called combined. For example, to simplify the painted or poured method, colored film is used instead of paints. That is, first, according to the design, a film is glued onto the glass, leaving a gap of 3–5 mm between the fragments. Then this gap is filled with black stained glass paint, which creates the edging of individual fragments of the overall mosaic.

Check out, as well as photos and videos in a special publication on our portal.

Stained glass styles

Stained glass windows can be made in various styles, but when choosing a design based on this criterion, you should, of course, rely on the design of the entire interior in order to create a harmonious combination of all elements.

Stained glass styles can have many subtypes, and because of this, it is sometimes quite difficult to determine the most correct classification of the design. In this case, it is recommended to rely on image features, color scheme and canonical characteristics.

Antique style

The basis of the ancient style is the ancient Greek and Roman origins. The uniqueness and harmony of the elements of these trends have not lost popularity in our time, and, in addition, many details of later styles were borrowed from antiquity.

Stained glass windows made in this style usually consist of numerous fragments, and can be made using any of the techniques described above. If you decide to adhere to a certain direction, then an important condition is compliance with the characteristic features inherent in this particular style:

• The drawing should resemble an antique mosaic containing Greek ornamental elements - these are drawings of amphoras, nymphs, columns, landscapes with architectural structures that have details characteristic of buildings of that time - colonnades, porticoes, triangular pediments, etc.
• Quite often, when making stained glass windows of this style, mixed techniques are used, using not only glass fragments, but also film, ceramics, metal and mother-of-pearl.
• Antique motifs are used in stained glass windows installed as false windows in the bathroom, when decorating interior glass, and, of course, for window openings with natural lighting.

Ancient Egyptian style

This interior and stained glass style has never gone out of fashion since Napoleon brought it to European culture after his campaign in Egypt. Stained glass in the ancient Egyptian style has not undergone any significant changes since that time, maintaining the geometry of the pattern and warm colors.

• The colors characteristic of the ancient Egyptian style are warm ocher, sand, coral, orange and yellow shades, which go well with brown, rich ultramarine blue, cobalt, khaki and grass green, especially when framed in black.
• This style uses traditional ancient Egyptian ornaments, scenes from the life of the pharaohs, images of sacred animals, as well as famous hieroglyphs.
• For stained glass in this direction, poured, Tiffany, fusing, film, and also classical techniques are suitable.

The Egyptian style of stained glass is usually used to decorate bathrooms, balconies or kitchens, and quite rarely for living rooms or bedrooms, due to the oversaturation of details.

Gothic style

The Gothic style arose in Western Europe during the Middle Ages, and actively developed in the XII ÷ XV centuries. Over time, it became more complex, enriched with various elements and shades.

"Cold" Gothic style

• In the initial stage of the emergence of the style, stained glass windows depicted mainly paintings with religious motifs, and later figures of symbolic animals, knightly tournaments, and hunting scenes began to appear.
• Gothic stained glass comes in deep, rich hues such as dark green, burgundy, ultramarine, magenta, violet and black.
• Fragments of the painting are framed with gold, patina or blackened copper, everything that can emphasize that this element of the interior belongs to Gothic motifs.
• The most optimal techniques for making stained glass in the Gothic style are poured, painted, Tiffany, classic, film, and combined.

It must be said that for an ordinary apartment this style of interior design will be gloomy and will not bring comfort and warmth to the house, since it can most likely be attributed to a cold, monumental movement in art. The Gothic style is more suitable for large reception halls and the high ceilings of Catholic churches.

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stained glass film DELUXE

Indian style

Indian stained glass originated many centuries ago as a decoration for window openings in wealthy Indian homes. Later, like many other styles, it was enriched and somewhat diluted with subjects and motifs from other countries, but on the whole it retained its originality.

• Indian style is distinguished by the brightness of colors that lift the mood - these are orange-red, bright yellow and green, light blue and other shades that seem to be illuminated by the sun from outside. Stained glass may contain a large amount of gilding.
• Indian stained glass windows include images of deities against the backdrop of water and lush plant or mountain landscapes. The most popular element of Indian floral patterns is the so-called paisley - “paisley”, which is present in almost any picture of this style.

Classic designs in Indian style - paisley or, otherwise, “paisley”

• To create this stained glass window, the classic Tiffany technique is used, painting and pouring.

Art Nouveau style

Art Nouveau firmly came into fashion after an art exhibition held in Paris in 1900, and has probably forever established itself among the most popular styles, both in art and in architectural design.

The main idea of ​​this style is the primacy of form, that is, the postulate “form is more important than content” is taken as a basis.

• Art Nouveau style is characterized by smooth lines, lightness, sophistication and sophistication. This could be a marine or plant theme, as well as a light romantic theme.

Stained glass windows made in the Art Nouveau style often have forged gratings entwined with dense green vegetation interspersed with flowers, or flowerpots with bouquets of unusual shapes installed in them.

• Stained glass windows of this style are made in pastel, soothing colors, and therefore fit perfectly into any interior design, becoming its center and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in the room.
• Stained glass can be made using Tiffany, pouring, film or painting techniques.

Art Deco style

Over time, complex intricate interweavings of plants, forged trellises, various scenes from the life of knights and religious themes were replaced by simpler forms of modern styles. One of them, which many people liked, is the art deco style.

Art Deco - the predominance of large details and symmetry of the design

This trend appeared in the 20s of the last century, and was especially popular until the 60s. Today, the art deco style is also quite often used in the design of modern apartments and houses.

• The designs of this stained glass style are distinguished by the symmetry of the arrangement of elements, clear lines and pure colors, perfectly matched to each other, as well as a repeating pattern.
• The Art Deco style is performed using any of the techniques described above, since the design usually consists of large fragments that can be cut out of glass or film, and also etched with a special acid or filled with paint.

Stained glass in abstract style

Abstractionism, as a recognized style, appeared in 1910, after the watercolors of French artists presented at the exhibition. Over time, it entered European fashion, and it began to be used for the manufacture of various elements for interior decoration, including stained glass.

The abstract style can be chosen for various interior solutions, as it combines several areas of stained glass art.

• Abstract art is distinguished by the numerous regular and irregular shaped fragments, the brightness and richness of colors, which give expression to the entire room where the artistic panel is located.
• Stained glass in an abstract style is made using painting, fusing, film and pouring techniques.

Having chosen a technique suitable for execution, it is quite possible to make a stained glass window of this style yourself - there are simply no limits to imagination here.

Children's stained glass

The most interesting and touching is the children's stained glass style. The variety of themes and motifs of children's motives gives great scope for the imagination of parents, and it is quite possible to involve children in the process of sketch preparation. Most often, such stained glass windows depict characters from favorite fairy tales and cartoons, as well as stylized animals.

• Children's stained glass should have clear shapes so that the child can immediately see what is depicted on it. You need to think through the drawing so that it consists of smooth lines that can make the picture soft and calm, but at the same time bright, attracting attention.
• Stained glass can be placed on a clock or a mirror built into a closet, but you should not place it on a window, especially if the apartment is located above the first floor. The window is a high-danger zone, and the child will even unconsciously be drawn to a beautiful bright image.

• In addition, for safety reasons, you need to carefully consider the technique of painting. It should not consist of separate pieces of glass, even if they are very well fastened together. Sharp relief protrusions must be completely eliminated.

The picture should not be boring and uninteresting. For children's stained glass, film, poured and painted techniques are well suited, and even better if the picture is applied to safe synthetic glass.

Find out how in a special publication on our portal.

Making stained glass with your own hands

The simplest of all the techniques for making stained glass at home, which are accessible to beginners, are painted and film. It is these techniques that will be discussed in more detail.

Creating a stained glass window using glass painting technique

Illustration
	The first step is to take measurements of the glass on which the stained glass will be applied. Based on these dimensions, you need to choose the finished drawing you like or, if you have enough experience, do it yourself. If the finished drawing is taken from the Internet, then it is printed on ordinary A-4 sheets in any graphics editor, using the multi-page printing function (for example, the Publisher application included in the MS Office package is great for this). Then the fragments are joined and glued along the lines using tape to recreate a single pattern.
	In this case, the drawing is done independently, by hand. At the same time, it is important to ensure that each of its details is well highlighted and the boundaries are drawn.
	Glass is placed perfectly evenly on the finished sketch, onto which the entire drawing will be transferred. Glass must be thoroughly degreased using alcohol or ammonia solutions.
	After cleaning the glass surface, the applied compounds are thoroughly wiped, since the “working area” should not only be free of greasy stains, but also be absolutely dry.
	The next step is to trace all the contours of the design on the glass according to the template placed underneath it. These borders are usually applied with black paint, as it highlights all the fragments well and makes the final drawing clearer. For stained glass, as mentioned above, special stained glass paints are used. The applied contour must dry completely, otherwise you can ruin all the work done by accidentally smearing the paint when performing further operations.
	After the borders have dried, they move on to coloring the finished drawing. This process can be compared to a children's coloring book, where each of the elements must acquire its own color. This stage of making stained glass must be approached creatively, but also with extreme care. This tinting is usually applied with thin brushes - previously applied and dried borders will not allow the paints to spread.
	Colors should be as pure, bright as possible, and be in harmony with each other. If you intend to give the drawing a special picturesqueness, then darker or lighter shades are best applied later, after the main, base colors have dried. Otherwise, it may turn out to be dirty, and all the work will go down the drain.
	The finished stained glass window should look aesthetically pleasing and neat, and harmonize well with the interior style. Glass decorated in this way can be carefully inserted into the frame of, for example, an interior door, or used to decorate furniture doors.

Creating stained glass using film technology

This technique for making stained glass involves the use of film and lead tape. Typically, for film technology, stylized designs with clear shapes are chosen - art deco style. With a careful approach, it is probably even easier to create such a stained glass window than using paints.

Illustration	Brief description of the operation performed
	Most often, a drawing for stained glass using this technique is printed on a printer using the already mentioned graphic applications. This way you can get precise and clear lines and shapes of all, even the smallest fragments. If the work is being done for the first time, you should not take an overly complex design with intricate elements. The lines of the drawing should have a width of about 4÷4.5 mm.
	After printing the drawing on sheets, they are carefully glued together. All lines must match perfectly, since the aesthetics of the final result depends on this.
	The next step is to thoroughly clean the glass prepared to size from dust and dirt and degrease it on the side on which it will be applied to the design. Then the glass is wiped dry.
	Dry glass is placed on a prefabricated sheet with a pattern. It is important to immediately achieve the required evenness of laying the stack relative to the graphic design, so that the work does not go skewed relative to the “canvas”. It is advisable to ensure reliable fixation of the glass so that accidental movement does not occur during further operations. It is recommended to use small pieces of thin double-sided tape (shown by arrows) for this purpose, placing them in places where they will not interfere with the stained glass pattern.
	To work, you need to prepare such special tools as a roller, a squeegee with a felt pad, a narrow knife with removable blades, a clamp, scissors, and metal rulers of different lengths. The materials you will need are stained glass self-adhesive film of different colors and a special lead self-adhesive stained glass tape of a suitable shade.
	The glass placed on the drawing must be thoroughly degreased again on the outside with an alcohol solution, and then wiped dry with clean microfiber, which is guaranteed not to leave small fibers on the surface.
	Next, work with the film begins. Experts recommend using high-quality English-made film “RegaLead” for installation, but it is several times more expensive than products from other companies. Inexpensive films may not be resistant to ultraviolet rays, so they can fade very quickly if the stained glass window is located on the sunny side.
	The film is cut for each element separately according to its size. Here, of course, the best option would be to organize desktop lighting from below. If it is not possible to do this, then you will have to measure each fragment with a ruler and adjust it in place.
	The film is measured and cut out a little larger than the fragment of the design, and its edges are adjusted after gluing.
	Before gluing each fragment, the place where it will be applied is thoroughly wiped (degreased) and dried with a microfiber cloth.
	Next, if the fragment is a strip, then the backing begins to be removed from the cut piece of film, from one edge. The edge of the part is fixed to the glass, smoothing it with a squeegee with a felt nozzle. The other edge of the fragment is stretched, which makes it possible to position it exactly along the lines of the drawing.
	Then, with a clear and quick movement, the strip of film is pressed against the glass with a squeegee. This operation must be carried out quickly so that even the slightest dust does not have time to get onto the surface of the glass, otherwise the effect of neatness may be irretrievably lost. Excess film along the edges of the glass is cut off with a sharp knife. The glue on the back of the film sets almost immediately, but not at full strength, so it is possible to correct unevenness if it was accidentally created.
	This photo clearly shows two parallel strips glued to the glass. One of them has already been cut exactly, according to the ruler, and the second has just been glued, and its edges have not yet been processed.
	The film should be 1.5÷2 mm on the black stripe. A long ruler is laid exactly along this line, a sharp knife is drawn along it, and the excess part of the film is carefully removed. Later in the process, the black lines of the design will be covered with lead tape, which is applied last.
	If a speck of dust does get under the film, you must try to remove it. To do this, carefully lift the edge of the fragment, peeling it off the glass, and use the tip of a knife to carefully remove the speck of dust so as not to damage the material. It is strictly forbidden to carry out this operation with your fingers, since fingerprints will certainly remain on the adhesive layer of the film and will be clearly visible in the light. Having removed the speck of dust, the film is again stretched and pressed using a squeegee.
	This illustration clearly shows two finished fragments of the future stained glass window.
	Further, the work continues according to the same principle. If the design element has a curved configuration, then its adjustment is carried out on the spot.
	To do this, a larger piece of film is cut out, and after gluing, the excess sections are carefully cut off exactly along the black lines of the picture. Here, of course, it is very important to have a “full hand” so that the manipulations with the knife are carefully verified, and the edges turn out smooth, exactly according to the laid template.
	If the intended drawing contains several small fragments of different colors nearby, then you can proceed in two ways. In the first case, the entire multi-colored area is covered with a film of the same color, and then the excess fragments are cut out. This way you can significantly gain in the speed of manufacturing stained glass, but lose in material consumption.
	You can do it differently, in a more professional way, when each fragment of the picture is covered with a separate piece of film and cut out separately. Here, material savings are achieved, but the work, especially in the absence of experience, will take more time, and in addition, there is a high probability of making a mistake. Therefore, if the second method of work is chosen, slightly larger fragments of film are glued to individual elements.
	The cuts are also made along the black lines of the template drawing. In no case should you allow overlaps between the films of neighboring fragments, since when the temperature rises, the material tends to expand, and if there is no gap between the individual elements of the mosaic pattern, deformation may appear on the surface. And over time, the film will completely begin to peel off from the glass. Therefore, there should be a gap of 1.5÷2 mm between the fragments.
	The remaining parts of the design are cut out and fixed on the glass using the same technique.
	In the illustration you can clearly see how elements with complex patterns are glued.
	When all the color fragments are filled with film, proceed to gluing the lead tape. This framing material can be of different colors - ribbon is produced in gold, silver, copper with a variety of intermediate shades. Lead tape can be matte or glossy, it is plastic, as it consists of 98÷99% pure lead, so it easily takes any given shape, and it is very comfortable to work with. The lower part of this stained glass material is also coated with a special adhesive composition, which has excellent adhesion to glass.
	Each piece of stained glass is framed with ribbon. When joining several lines of tape at one point, the edges must be overlapped, that is, if the cuts extend to the edge of the entire composition, then they are overlapped by a segment framing the entire edge. In the middle part of the picture, the edges of the tape should also overlap each other. After gluing, the tape is carefully rolled on top with a roller.
	Straight lines of stained glass, framed with lead tape, must be aligned using a ruler and squeegee - this process must be carried out immediately, while the glue is still wet.
	A simple way to align straight lines allows you to make them perfectly straight. To do this, apply a ruler to the strip of glued tape, install it exactly according to the template, and then draw the angle or edge of a squeegee between the ruler and the tape, which will finally install the tape in the given place.
	As mentioned above, each of the edges of the tape should overlap with the next glued segment. For example, if a round area with fragments is being pasted over, then for this purpose a single piece is taken and, after laying out the circle, one edge of the tape is overlapped with the other, and then rolled with a roller. The cut edges must be closed so that during cleaning you do not accidentally touch or peel off any of them. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully think in advance which fragment to glue where and when. You need to try to plan the sequence of gluing in such a way that at the end of the work, only one open edge of the tape remains.
	After this, all the glued tape is rolled using a roller.
	Next, using a special clamp, which is usually included in the set of accessories for creating stained glass windows, you need to go through all the joints, pressing the strips of tape against each other. This is done to avoid the formation of cracks with the subsequent entry of moisture or detergents into them during operation.
	The tape is pressed on both sides of the joint, which, by the way, gives the overall composition the naturalness of a real stained glass window - the visual effect of a “forged joint” is obtained. Complete sealing of joints and overlaps will ensure the longest service life of the created stained glass window.
	After this, the stained glass window must be carefully treated with a detergent, but it must be applied not to glass with a finished pattern, but to a microfiber cloth. The stained glass window is wiped very carefully, in the direction only along the lead tapes, in order to avoid their shifting, since the glue has not yet completely polymerized.
	Next, you can remove the template pattern from under the glass.
	The finished stained glass window should have straight lines and be very neat. Only in this case will it look impressive and become a full-fledged decoration of the room, an eye-catching center of interior design.

If one of the simple techniques is chosen for manufacturing, then you can master them quite quickly. However, before you start making the final version of the stained glass window, you need to practice a little in order to “get your hand” at least a little. Perhaps this creative process can captivate someone so much that after completing one painting on glass, a novice master will want to do this work professionally.

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