Watkins Stained Glass

Glass Cutting

Cutting the glass from the pattern pieces is the next step in the stained glass process.
Each piece of glass is hand cut from the paper pattern using a glasscutter designed to cut stained glass. These cut pieces of glass are then placed back on the original cartoon work drawing, which has been placed, on the workbench and will now be ready for the glazing process.

TYPES OF GLASS:

ANTIQUE GLASS: This is hand or mouth-blown providing translucency, variety of color and texture. The methods and formulas used to make this glass are very similar to that done to create glass during medieval times. This glass had most often been made in Europe.

CATHEDRAL GLASS: This is machine rolled rather than hand-blown, which makes it less expensive. It is mechanically produced rather than hand made. These mechanically produced surface patterns aid in light diffusion. There are many textures available and hundreds of colors from which to choose.

OPALESCENT GLASS: This is an opaque glass with a milky-appearance and swirled colors within the piece of glass. It had been used extensively in older stained glass windows. It is also used because it provides maximum light diffusion and is difficult to see through, thus allowing non-glare and privacy.