After the glass pieces are wrapped in foil or came, they are ready to be soldered together. First, the pieces are laid out on a "pattern board," fitted together in their final positions. Flux, a paste or gel, is applied to the areas that will be soldered. The flux cleans the surface of the metal and ensures a firm solder bond. Then hot solder - a mix of tin and lead in varying ratios - is applied with a soldering iron to fuse the metal-wrapped glass pieces together.
Once the solder cools and is cleaned, a polish, or "patina," is often applied. The patina changes the color of the solder and protects it from tarnishing.
|
