Stained glass is actually a false name for a kind of art encompassing many various ways of decorating glass for window panes, mirrors, lamps or other projects. Stained glass may well be made from many pieces of colored glass cut into a design and soldered together with lead or copper cames (metal strips). It could be painted, etched, actually stained with various metal oxides or even sandblasted. Sandblasting is a fascinating way to include texture and interest to your stained glass art project. As opposed to adding colored, sandblasting gives a unique frosted or abraded look. This can be used as a decorative “frame” for your stained glass project before painting and setting it in the kiln, or you can generate the entire design through sandblasting alone.
Sandblasting equipment can be rather high priced, so you will most likely would like to borrow or rent the equipment. You might think about paying a professional to sandblast your prepared design. Be willing to make several calls and be clear about what you would love to have done. You will be charged a set fee per square foot of the glass project.
There are four basic elements to the sandblasting unit. The sandblasting unit fits an air compressor that act as the motor of the unit and provides compressed air to the sand mixing unit. This highly pressurized sand is then forced through a soft tube into a sealed compartment where it is forced through a nozzle. You will do the sandblasting through a set of long rubber gloves that extend within the unit where you are able to move your stained glass project around and control the nozzle during sandblasting.
You will need to create your pattern on a special type of removable backed adhesive paper called “transparent resist”. You may likewise try regular contact paper, but it is not as robust or easy to employ for your stained glass project as the resist. Draw your design on the transparent resist paper with a pencil.
Don’t forget that the cut out portions will be the frosted design on your glass project. Be create, try out different furrows and shapes. When you’re happy with your design you should tape it to your cutting mat and cut it out carefully using a craft or razor knife. Next, gently remove the paper backing and roll the resist or get hold of paper unto your piece of glass smoothing it out as you go along. Be careful not to leave any air pockets or lifted edges where sand might get into and foil your design.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for sandblasting (if you are renting the bits and pieces, otherwise drop it off to the studio and wait for the dramatic results). Carefully peal off the transparent resist and viola, a beautiful piece of stained glass art! You are now ready to apply stained glass paint and fire the piece in a kiln if that is what your design demands; otherwise your stained glass project is ready for framing or hanging.
Stained glass artwork is a satisfying hobby that not simply provides hours of enjoyment, but also creates attractive accents for your property, or gifts for loved ones that will bring pleasure for years to come.