These are the essential tools and items you will need to get started:
1. Glass cutter
The glass cutter is used to score the top surface of the glass so the glass can break in the way and shape you want it to.
The running pliers helps to run or break the glass at the score line.
The combo pliers is used to groze the glass or to chip away at the glass as to shape it. It can also be used as breaking pliers to break the glass away from itself at the score line.
The grinding stone is used to remove sharp edges from the glass after breaking.
The copper foil is used to wrap the edges of the glass pieces and is where solder flows onto to bond the glass pieces together.
6. Solder
Solder flows onto the copper foil which gives strength and holds the glass pieces together.
The soldering iron is used to melt the hard solder so it can form over the copper foil.
8. Flux
Flux is used to help flow the solder onto the copper foil so they can bond together.
9. Glass
Glass can be stained glass which you buy already made with different colors and texture combinations. Glass can also be mirrors that you can use for any project. Glass sheets come in clear, color, mirrors, or any combinations. We typically use a standard thickness of about 1/8" and this is what you will mostly find at stores and online shops.
There’s a way to save on glass and it might not be necessary to buy glass just yet. First you can practice on some cheap glass before buying actual stained glass. Try practicing with old picture frame glass first. Mirrors are also great practice glass and are widely available everywhere and often times free. Play around with these free/cheap glass first to start getting used to the tools and materials.
Alternatively, you can take a look at our beginner stained glass kits below to see which kit is right for you. These were created with the beginner in mind and all items were thoughtfully chosen to get you the correct tools you need to start your very first project. Pick your kit and get it shipped directly to your door.
