Everything You Need To Start Stained Glass

If you’re new to stained glass or looking to upgrade your workshop, you might be wondering: What are the best tools for stained glass? Below I’ve listed the stained glass supplies and equipment I use when creating pieces for my shop.

Some of these are linked through Amazon, which means if you purchase something through my link, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps support my art and lets me keep making more stained glass designs. I also regularly order from Creative Glass Guild- a glass shop based in Bristol with an easy to use website and very quick shipping (I make no money from these links).

Glass Cutting/Grinding Tools

  • Glass Cutter – I prefer the pistol grip, my fingers bend backwards so I found the pencil style cutters are less comfortable. I like the TOYO cutters as they have an oil reserve and they are very reliable
  • Running Pliers - To run the score to break the glass.
  • Silberschnitt Running Pliers- Special running pliers to help with curves. Since getting these I no longer use my standard ones. I absolutely love them and think they are worth the extra money.
  • Grozing Pliers- to help break the glass. I initially started with the standard grozing pliers but since I got my narrow nose pliers I do not regularly use them.
  • Narrow Nose Grozing Pliers- I find these are much easier for breaking glass and can use them to take very small pieces of glass off.
  • Glass Grinder- I started off  this small glass grinder from Amazon and it is great for beginners/hobbyists. I then moved on to 'The Grinder' which I love but it is much more of an investment- it has a face shield and light which is very handy.

Copper Foil & Soldering Supplies

  • Copper Foil Tape – Copper foil comes in different widths and backing. I mostly use 7/32 width but you may need thinner/thicker depending on thickness. The foil comes in copper backed. black backed and silver backed. I very rarely use copper backed.

  • Soldering Iron – A temperature-controlled soldering iron is essential for smooth, even solder lines. You can get cheaper irons which are not temperature controlled but you will struggle to bead the edges without being able to reduce the temperature.

  • 60/40 Lead Solder – also known as 'K' grade solder. I use the solder sticks because it's cheaper.

  • Flux- I have tried a few different types of flux and currently do not have a strong preference for any. The advantage of the liquid flux linked is that you can put it in a watercolour brush pens which is very convenient.

  • Wire- I make loops with tails to hang my pieces. You can use copper wire and tin it yourself but I find having pre tinned wire saves time.

Painting Supplies

  • Pebeo Glass Paint– this is a great option if you don't have a kiln. Once baked in the oven it is very hard wearing.

  • Nail Art Brushes– to get a good finish I use nail art brushes as the paint is a very similar consistence to nail varnish. The dotting tool is great for small circles. 

Stained Glass Finishing Products

My process is: 1)Wash with CJs flux remover 2)Polish with polishing cloth 3) Patina if using and then rinse with water 4)Let dry 5)Wax with carnauba wax 6)Buff with microfibre cloth (do not leave wax to dry)

Flux Remover- I use CJs which is used like washing up liquid. It gives a great shiny solder and also perfect to use before patina. I find when I use it I need to do minimal polishing.

Polish Cloths- I do not use any products when polishing my pieces. I find I get a great finish from using a jewellery polishing cloth after using CJs.

Black Patina – Used to change the colour of solder lines. There is also copper patina but it's notoriously difficult to get a good finish so I personally don't use it. I have tried other brands of black patina and it did not give a solid black finish.

Wax– A final polish makes the glass shine and protects the solder from tarnish. I apply the wax, wait a few minutes (no longer or it's very hard to remove!) and buff with a microfibre cloth.

Studio & Safety Essentials

  • Safety Glasses – Protecting your eyes is non-negotiable when cutting and soldering stained glass. They must be worn at all times, glass sometimes decides to shatter when you aren't expecting it to!

  • Nitrile gloves – Flux and patina are very nasty chemicals, ensure you are protecting your skin.

  • Mask- If your space is well ventilated then you don't necessarily need a mask but as a migraine sufferer I choose to use one to avoid triggering headaches. If you are using a mask you need to make sure it has vapour filters.

  • Fume Extractor- I use this with an open window to reduce flux fumes.

Pattern Making

  • Ipad and Apple Pencil– I draw all my patterns digitally on my iPad using my Apple Pencil. I draw my designs in Procreate.

  • Circut Vinyl Cutter– I started off by just cutting directly over my patterns but a vinyl pattern is brilliant for grinding/cutting accuracy and saves me a lot of time especially on more complex patterns. 

    • Cutting Mats- Standard grip works well, I find with the stickier ones you can't get the vinyl off!
    • Vinyl- Colours completely up to you! I tend to just get a mixed pack of cheap vinyl and it does the job

✨ These are the stained glass tools and materials I personally use in my studio every day. Whether you’re a beginner starting your first project or an experienced artist looking for reliable supplies, these products will help you get beautiful results.

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