Commonly used stained glass terminology for glass artists and enthusiasts.
Antique Glass: In stained glass, this doesn't refer to the actual age of the glass, but rather the manufacturing technique. Antique glass is mouth-blown sheet glass with imperfections that resemble "medieval" glass, like streaks, bubbles, or wavy textures.
Cathedral Glass: Glass that is transparent and single-colored. It can have a smooth or textured surface and comes in various colors.
Cathedral Glass: Glass that is transparent and single-colored. It can have a smooth or textured surface and comes in various colors.
Copper Foil: This is a thin, narrow strip of copper, with an adhesive backing, used in the Tiffany technique of stained glass - invented by Louis C. Tiffany of Tiffany & Co. Copper foil is carefully wrapped and smoothed around the edges of glass pieces to join them via soldering.
Flux: A chemical compound that helps solder flow smoothly and bond to the metal. It cleanses the metal surfaces and improves the soldering connection.
Glow Glass: Phosphorescent glass that can be charged with black light or sunlight to glow in the dark under certain lighting conditions.
Jump Ring: A small, circular metal ring with an opening that can be squeezed closed. It is used to attach a hanging element to the glass panel.
Oxidation: An underlying chemical reaction that contributes to the natural aging process seen in solder lines. Can cause discoloration if left untreated.
Patina: A chemical solution that can turn silver solder a different color (bronze or black). A patina can also offer some protection against oxidation.
Solder (verb): To solder means to use a hot iron to melt a metal alloy to combine the stained glass pieces where the copper foil edges touch.
Solder (noun): The metal alloy, traditionally lead (lead-free is tin/silver), which is heated with a soldering iron to create stained glass art.