Copper Foil for Stained Glass - Choosing Correctly

Choosing the correct copper foil for your stained glass project can be somewhat confusing.

For beginners in stained glass art, determining the appropriate size and type of copper foil is definitely confusing. Those new to this art form often have questions about which foil is the best option. Luckily, Caveman Glassworks provides some useful suggestions on copper foil for stained glass and choosing correctly.

Copper Foil Tape

Choosing Foil Width:

You may be tempted to use very narrow copper foil, but it won't be as sturdy. Narrow foil can't hold as much solder. For most stained glass projects, standard 7/32" width foil will work well. However, varying the foil width can add visual depth and interest. With thicker glass, 1/4" foil will look proportional. To create special effects, apply the foil then use a razor to trim it narrower in places. You can make elements recede by gradually slimming the foil lines. Use narrow 3/16" or 5/32" foil sparingly for these subtle details. As long as you don't use thin foil throughout, the project will remain structurally sound. The key is strategic use of different foil widths to add dimension and depth.

Choosing Foil Thickness:

Foil thickness is measured in mils. The thinnest foil available is 1 mil. Lower quality foil tends to tear more easily, especially around curved surfaces. However, high quality 1 mil foil is much more resistant to tearing. Though delicate, with care it can be worked without damage. While cheap foil is cost effective initially, spending a little more on good quality foil prevents the need to patch tears later, which takes considerable time. For most uses, 1.25 mil foil strikes the best balance between flexibility around interior curves and durability.

Choosing Color of Backing (Adhesive Side)

When selecting the proper copper foil, one of the last considerations should be the color of your backing material. The general guideline for this is to think about the final appearance. If you are not applying patina, silver-backed foil will complement well. For copper or black patinas, copper-backed or even black-backed foils are good options. With opalescent glass, the foil color is not as critical since it won't be as visible. However, for transparent glass, the backing shade is very important because if it doesn't match, it will be noticeable in an unappealing way rather than how you intended.

I hope this helps and good luck to you on your upcoming project. 

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