HOW ALUFAB METALS FABRICATES STAIN GLASS
Stained glass, as an art and a craft, requires the artistic skill to conceive an appropriate and workable design, and the engineering skills to assemble the piece.
As a material, stained glass is glass that has been colored by adding metallic salts during its manufacture.
The colored glass is crafted into stained glass windows in which small pieces of glass are arranged to form patterns or pictures, held together (traditionally) by strips of lead and supported by a rigid frame. Painted details and yellow stain are often used to, six-step required to complete staining a piece of ART.
DECORATIVE GLASS APPLICATIONS
“Stained glass” refers to glass that has been colored by metallic oxides during the manufacturing process. Different additives produce different hues, allowing artisans to strategically produce glass of specific colors. For example, adding copper oxides to molten glass will culminate in green and blue tones.
AluFab Metals has made significant advances in its technologies, creating a range of decorative glass applications that are increasingly specified by architects who seek distinctive, colorful, or visually interesting designs.
A beautiful stained glass window can be used both for privacy as well as for decorative purposes stained glass windows are not just for churches, synagogues, and cathedrals.
AluFab Metals can design and supply Stain glass for homes, hotels, businesses, and religious institutions.
1. CARTOON
AluFab Metals’ artist initially makes a sketch of the overall composition of a window. Then full-sized drawings for the whole window or for different sections (panels) of the window were made. These full-sized drawings are called cartoons. Generally, the shapes of the individual glass pieces, the details to be painted, and the colors of the glass where indicated in the cartoon.
2. CUTTING
Different colors of glass were chosen for separate parts of the design, and the outline of each piece was then painted on the surface with white lime wash. Pieces were cut into rough shapes using a dividing iron, the heated tip of which was applied to the surface of the glass, causing it to break.
The pieces were further reduced to the desired size with a grozing iron—an iron bar with a slot at each end that was used to chip away at the edges of the glass until the exact shape was created
3. PAINTING
After the glass pieces were cut and shaped, they were painted with a pigment formed by mixing iron oxide and ground copper with powdered glass. Wine, urine, or vinegar was added to help apply the pigment to the glass.
4. LEAD
Pieces of glass are held together with narrow strips of lead to form a panel. These strips are referred to as “lead came.” Lead is used because it is flexible and provides the adaptability needed for fitting around the various shapes of the glass pieces.
5. GLAZING
“Glazing” is the term for assembling a panel of stained glass that can then be set into a window. After separate pieces of glass are painted and fired, they are placed in position on the cartoon and joined together with lead came to form a panel. The sections of came are then joined together with solder, an alloy of lead and tin that melts easily at a low temperature and sets quickly.
6. CEMENTING
The panel is then cemented to help secure the glass within the leads and to waterproof the window. A semiliquid cement is applied with a brush and then is covered with a layer of chalk or sawdust to absorb excess liquid. The panel is then scrubbed down with a dry brush until the cement only remains under the lead.
STAIN AND LED GLASS WINDOWS FROM ALUFAB METALS
The first stage for AluFab Metals to start the production of a window is to make or acquire from the architect or owners of the building, an accurate template of the window opening that the glass is to fit.
The subject matter of the window is determined to suit the location, a particular theme, or the wishes of the patron. A small design called a Vidimus (from Latin “we have seen”) is prepared which can be shown to the patron.
A scaled model maquette may also be provided. Our designer will take into account the design, the structure of the window, the nature and size of the glass available and his or her own preferred technique
STAINED GLASS DOORS FROM ALUFAB METALS
Nothing makes a stronger, more beautiful first impression than custom stained glass entry doors. AluFab Metals specializes in custom stained glass doors, and we offer a range of options to meet every style and price point.
Our stained glass panels can be inserted directly behind an existing door window saving construction time and costs. AluFab Metals can build a new, custom door with stained glass that fits your specifications and design choices. We specialize in standard and made-to-order stained glass door panels in any size or shape you desire. We also specialize in stained glass interior doors for your home, church, mosques, or office.
AluFab Metals’ team of design specialists will help you choose a stained glass door design that is perfect for your home, church, chapel, or cathedral.
We provide our clients with design consultations. We invite you to transform your entryway with a timeless stained glass front door from AluFab Metals, and experience excellence in artistry and craftsmanship you will enjoy for years to come.
A scaled model maquette may also be provided. Our designer will take into account the design, the structure of the window, the nature and size of the glass available and his or her own preferred technique