Technique for leadlighting

HOW TO BUILT A LEADLIGHT

Creating an artistic leadlight window is a complex procedure. You have to follow various stages and one has to know exactly the outcome of each stage in order to prepare the next step

First of all you have to draw a design on paper. Now you have to draw it to size on thicker paper. After you got the pattern drawn on the glass

The pieces are cut-out with a glass-cutter.

Second step will be, that all pieces are assembled with the help of lead came.

The lead came used is a H-profile, which one cuts with a special lead knife in appropriate pieces.

After the whole panel is finished leading, all intersections are soldered.

The leadlight has to be reinforced and sealed with a special glass-cement. Whiting powder is used for cleaning and will make the leadlight shine. The final stage will be the polishing of the window.

Each stage requires a high level of skill and is very time consuming, but the finished product is definitely worth the effort.