Surface Etching a Design

Surface etching is another technique that an artist may use to obtain contrasting colors within an individual piece of glass. A special type of glass called "flashed" is used for this process. Flashed glass is manufactured by applying a very thin layer of a darker color onto the surface of a lighter colored sheet of glass. The darker thin layer (the "flashed" layer) can be etched, engraved or sandblasted away to reveal areas of the lighter color underneath in whatever design is desired. For example, an artist may use a blue flashed on clear, then etch a design by removing some of the blue surface color to create a design of clear "stars" on a dark blue "sky" background. We used this technique for the stars in the Garden of Gethsemane window on the front cover of this book.

Final Inspection

After every glass component has been cut, shaped, painted, etched or otherwise prepared, it is time to assemble or "lead up" the stained glass window. However, not before one final, and very important inspection is made. All finished glass components are arranged back on the light table, or fixed to the viewing easel, exactly as they will be assembled and the artist will make one final review of the work.

Article continues... Assembly or "Leading-Up" the Window

Or jump to another section of the article through one of the following links: