Lead came soldering

Lead came soldering is the technique used to join lead strips in stained glass, ensuring the structure and sealing of colored glass pieces.

About this subject

Lead came soldering is an essential process in traditional stained glass fabrication, especially when using lead strips as frames for glass fragments. Lead came is a lead profile shaped like an H or U that wraps around the glass edges, and the joints are soldered with tin or a tin-lead alloy. This technique dates back to the Middle Ages, when stained glass windows in Gothic cathedrals, such as those in Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, were assembled with soldered lead. The process requires a heated soldering iron, flux (usually resin paste or acid) to clean and prepare the surface, and molten solder that flows into the joints. Soldering not only fixes the pieces but also seals the assembly against weather. Unlike the copper foil method popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany, lead came is more robust and used for large panels. Safety is a concern: lead and flux can be toxic, requiring proper ventilation and gloves. Today, lead came soldering is practiced by restorers and stained glass artists, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. A curious fact: in historical stained glass, the solder was often pure lead, while today a 60% tin alloy is used for better flow and lower toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lead came?

Lead came are extruded lead strips, shaped like an H or U, used to join and frame pieces of glass in stained glass. They provide structure and sealing.

How is lead came soldered?

Soldering is done with a heated soldering iron, flux (resin or acid), and tin-lead solder. The flux cleans the surface, and molten solder flows into the joints between the came strips.

Is lead came soldering dangerous?

Yes, it requires precautions because lead is toxic and flux can release fumes. Work in a ventilated area, wear gloves, and wash hands after handling.