Best Stained Glass Making Supplies AI pick

Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.

AI pick (line): Canfield 60/40 Solder

Every copper-foil project needs solder, and Canfield's 60/40 wire flows smoothly and builds clean, rounded beads on foiled seams.

Not for: Anyone making jewelry, dishes or other items that touch skin or food should use a lead-free solder instead.

Canfield 50/50 Solder (line)

50/50 has a wider working range, which suits tacking lead came joints rather than beading foil seams.

Not for: Copper-foil work, where 60/40 beads more easily.

Solder alloy: 60/40 tin/lead for copper foil; 50/50 for lead came joints; lead-free for anything worn or handled often Alloy sets the melting range. A narrow range gives smooth foil beads. A wider range is easier for came joints.
Flux type: Use a flux made for stained glass, and wash it off the same day Leftover flux corrodes the solder and stops patina from taking evenly.
Soldering iron capacity: Roughly 80–100 W with temperature control Low-wattage hobby irons cool down along long seams and leave lumpy beads.

Electronics solder with a rosin core, which is too thin and leaves residue that blocks patina.
Acid-core plumbing solder.
Non-adjustable low-wattage craft irons.

Stained glass workers usually prefer 60/40. 63/37 is eutectic and sets instantly, which makes smooth raised beads harder to form.