Clean the window by washing of dirt with a dishwashing liquid, followed by alcohol or an ammonia-based window cleaner to remove any residue. A clean surface ensures your paint spreads smoothly over the glass surface. Line the floor and walls below the window with old newspaper to protect from spills.
Sketch the design for the window on a piece of paper and select the appropriate colors to complete the design. Ask the child to help choose the preferred design from magazines or books. You can also ask the child to sketch the design and assist him with the fine details.
Stick a paper pattern on the outside of the window or use a stencil and apply the colors with a paintbrush or an applicator sponge. Apply each color individually and with care to avoid smudging or mixing colors. Leave the paint to dry.
Choose the stained glass pattern to use and select the stained glass. Consider the texture, colors, coatings, transparency and ease of cutting. Add an extra 25 percent of the required glass when making the purchase to allow for the waste factor.
Trace out the pattern by placing your glass over the pattern for transparent glass. For dark glass, use a light box to see through to the pattern. Leave room on the pattern lines for the thickness of copper foil.
Place the glass on a flat surface at room temperature. Hold the glass cutter in a vertical position and cut along the pattern lines with minimal pressure to avoid accidental breaks. Foil the glass by folding the copper wire around each piece of glass. Ensure adhesion of the copper wire by pressing the foil along the edges of the glass with a burnisher or a tongue depressor. Re-assemble the pieces back onto your pattern after foiling.
Apply flux lightly along the copper lines, ensure no pits or bubbles appear for a clean finish. Heat your iron rod to 68 degrees with the temperature controller. Dip the tip of your iron in solder and move it along the fluxed copper lines until you cover the copper foil. The solder holds the glass pieces together while the flux covers the copper foil.
Attach the stained glass to your child’s window frame with glazing.