All Things Glass Stained or Melted

WHO We ARE

Brazos Glassworks is a working stained glass studio located in historic downtown Bryan, Texas. We are located at 202B West 26th Street in a wonderful old building built in the early 1900's.

Brazos Glassworks is owned by Barbara and Debbie. Barbara does stained glass and fusing,while Debbie does the mosaics, jewelry, and a bit of fusing.

Clean Solder, Makes Great Patina

Can't seem to get the right look with your patina, not dark enough or it is blotchy? Sometimes it is just a matter of making sure your solder lines are clean and shiny before applying your black patina. If your solder lines are dull you can clean them up with extra fine steel-wool. To get good even results on zinc you must thoroughly clean the zinc with extra fine steel-wool as well. Then apply the patina sparingly with a cotton ball and do not go over the zinc.

Patina and Zinc

Another reason for the patina to not take on zinc is that the patina is too strong; so just add a little water. Use the patina full strength on the solder lines. When the cotton ball becomes black, get a fresh cotton ball, keeping the solution fresh. Do not let the patina dry on the glass. Put it on fast and then clean it off.

Copper Patina

Getting a truly shiny copper finish requires two basic things. The solder lines are very clean and shiny before applying the copper patina. Apply with a cotton ball and keep the solution fresh when applying. After rinsing thoroughly dry and then apply a finishing wax. This will make the copper shine and protect it.

Getting an Antiqued Silver Look!

For an antique silver look to your patina, used pewter patina. Apply with a cotten ball, keeping the solution fresh. After applying, use a small piece of steel wool to remove some of the patina. This will allow low spots to be dark while, bring a silver shine to highlights. Rinse well and dry.

If you do stained glass, you know you hate to discard any scrap glass. But what can you use it for?
Have you tried mosaics? Mosaics are great ways to incorporate glass and will fit any style or taste. Mosaics can be fun and funky or classic and elegant.
How do you make a mosaic. It is really easy.
1. Pick a pattern.
2. Pick something to put the mosaic on. You can use wood (make sure you seal it), glass, metal, a purchased object, an old worn object,a terrracotta pot, or a stepping stone. Just about anything that doesn't move can become a mosaic. If you are just starting out, I suggest a flat surface. Curves can be daunting for a new mosaic artist.
2. Pick your tessarae. (That's a fancy word for what you are gluing. Tessarae can be scrap glass, ceramic tiles, broken pottery, glass tiles, shells, pebbles,or stones.
3. Pick your glue. There are many types, you can use PVA, mastic, or a cement mortar. I personnally prefer WeldBond. It adheres to most surfaces, dries crystal clear and is easy to use.
3. Choose your method. For the beginner, the direct method is the way to go. The direct method is glue the tessarae directly onto the piece.
4. Trace your pattern or design onto your piece
5. Prep you surface. If you are using PVA or WeldBond glue, the easiest way is to mix up a batch of 1/2 glue and 1/2 water. Brush the mixture on the surface that is to receive the mosaic. Let dry your pattern will still be there.
6. Start Gluing. Leaving small spaces (about 1/8 of an inch) in between the tessarae.
7. Let you piece dry 24 hours minimum.
8 Grout. Use a sanded grout for great results. You can use white or colored grout. Hint if your tessarae is light use a dark grout. If your tessarae is dark use a light grout.
9. After the grout has set about 10 minutes, wipe the piece to remove grout from tessarae.
10. Let grout dry, then clean the piece and seal. This is a must if it is going outside.
11. To seal use a penetrating grout sealer. Dab on, let set 3 minutes, then wipe your piece clean.
12. Enjoy!

See how easy it is.