Materials Needed for Foiling

Copper Foil Tape: This is very thin sheet-copper with a sticky-tape back. It is wrapped around the outside edges of the glass pieces as a soldering base. Available on a 36 yard roll (33m), in widths from 1/8" (3mm) to 1/2" (13mm). The width of the foil used must be matched to the thickness of the glass being wrapped, to allow a minimum 1/32" (1mm) overhang that is folded down onto both the top and bottom glass surfaces. The three most common foil widths are 3/16" (5mm), 7/32" (5.5mm), and 1/4" (6.2mm). New crafters usually find a wider foil easier to work with.

Solder: Solder is an alloy (mixture) of metals. It melts at relatively low heat and readily fastens one metal to another. The common Tin/Lead alloys used in glass crafting are 60/40 (60% tin / 40% lead) and 50/50 (50% tin / 50% lead).

Flux & Applicator Brush: Flux is a chemical used to deoxidize and clean the copper foil tape. "think about safety" and exercise great care when using flux, as it is a corrosive chemical. Ask for (and read) the Manufacturer Safety Data Sheet (M.S.D.S.) available from your flux supplier.

Antique Patina: This chemical is applied to the metal seams of a completed project to change the color from silver (the color of solder) to antique brass, antique copper, or classic black, depending on the patina used.

Standard Clear Glass: This low cost standard window glass is unquestionably the easiest and most forgiving to cut, making it the best glass for practice scoring. Available in 3/32" (2mm) or 1/8" (3mm) thick.

To your Success
Mike McDonough

Article Source: http://www.joannes-crafts.com