First Plating Project

[cherokee]

I ordered one of Barry Masser's books and chose the "Sundown" project.  I was able to get most of the glass suggested in the book with the exception of the sun and sky.  Here's the beginning:

First level:


Sundown Level 1 by Broken China Treasures, on Flick

Second level:


Sundown - level 2 ready for foil by Broken China Treasures, on Flickr

and third level:


Sundown Level 3 by Broken China Treasures, on Flickr

I have finished soldering the three levels and will try to post pics of those shorly.

It's been a lot of fun and a great learning project.  I'm already thinking of my next plating project!

[Anne]

ohhh, looking forward to seeing this as a finished product.  Cool Tanya!

[ct4mom]

Oh that is so cool Tanya! Cant wait to see it finished.

[Audrey]

That is going to be soooo cool.

[Kev]

I can't wait to see this!

[Evelyn]

wonderful project - can't wait to see it finished

[memaribeth]

Me too, what they said!  hehehehe

How exciting... I can't wait to see it finished!

[Joe]

I'm liking the looks of this! this may be a stupid question....but what exactly is "plating" ?

[Pea Swee]

Joe, not a dumb question. Plating is when you layer glass atop each other.
http://www.robertoddy.com/Articles/CommonGroundFall97.html
This is a great read on plating...

Can't wait to see this finished too.

[glasisfun]

What an exciting project, I am looking forward to seeing the finished piece as well!  thanks for the reading tip, I had not heard of it either.

[Tina]

Isn't it amazing what you can do when you layer two different types of glass???

[Kev]

We have a new member that has just joined us that does alot of plating and has written books. Barry Masser, screen name "Plated Glass Designs".

[cherokee]

We have a new member that has just joined us that does alot of plating and has written books. Barry Masser, screen name "Plated Glass Designs".

That's great!  This is a pattern from his book.  I would love to have a critique!!

[PiscesGlass]

Whoo hoo, another "plating" addict, it's fun eh!  That's great news that Barry Masser is a member here too! 

As with everyone else, I can't wait to see how this turns out.  Maybe this will inspire me to do another plated project.

De

[glasisfun]

I went to the website and purchased the beginning miniature book, but am confused on several things... Can any of you help me that have done the complete process before?

One, how can you hang it?  It seems with the border being the only area one layer thick and then the suggestion that a frame be attached to it.... doesn't that make it awful unbalanced to hang?  Doesn't the weight of the border bend it along the border?  Is there something else done on the back side of the border to make it stronger?

Two, I understand that you foil the entire outside edge, but with one continuous foil?  Each foiled individually or the layers foiled together?  How do you avoid getting flux between the layers at this point?

Three, I am assuming that each piece is cleaned, waxed and finished with patina (except the outermost edge) before assembling, but how do you keep the flux out?

I am going to attempt a piece or two because I think it looks so very cool, but would really love to get some insight from Barry Masser or anyone else who has completed these works.

[Anne]

I can't answer any of the questions above, but adding to this thread has me wondering if you've finished your project Tanya?  Would really like to see it done as I've never done any plating  (to that degree) either.

[Marsha]

Can't wait to see the finished piece!!!

[Rebecca]

I went to the website and purchased the beginning miniature book, but am confused on several things... Can any of you help me that have done the complete process before?

One, how can you hang it?  It seems with the border being the only area one layer thick and then the suggestion that a frame be attached to it.... doesn't that make it awful unbalanced to hang?  Doesn't the weight of the border bend it along the border?  Is there something else done on the back side of the border to make it stronger?

Two, I understand that you foil the entire outside edge, but with one continuous foil?  Each foiled individually or the layers foiled together?  How do you avoid getting flux between the layers at this point?

Three, I am assuming that each piece is cleaned, waxed and finished with patina (except the outermost edge) before assembling, but how do you keep the flux out?

I am going to attempt a piece or two because I think it looks so very cool, but would really love to get some insight from Barry Masser or anyone else who has completed these works.

One - I have had one hanging in my window for 8 or 9 years and it is fine.  I soldered Handy Hangers to the sides of the border.

Two - Each piece of glass is foiled individually, just like usual.  You don't get flux between the layers while foiling.  (giggle)

Three - I tin all of the edges that should be soldered, then join them WITHOUT FLUX.  It ain't pretty, but it can be done solder to solder.  One the edges are sealed (no openings that flux can get in) I add a tiny bit of flux and make the solder pretty.  But don't dunk to clean afterwards, it's not waterproof.

Rebecca 

[glasisfun]

 

I am going to try one of the small simple ones to see if I can get the hang of it.  I really like the look of them but have never seen a finished one up close to turn it over and examine it.  Learning by doing will be interesting.
thanks for the assistance on getting started!!  I figured that someone who reads this forum would be able and willing to help!

[PiscesGlass]

I went to the website and purchased the beginning miniature book, but am confused on several things... Can any of you help me that have done the complete process before?

One, how can you hang it?  It seems with the border being the only area one layer thick and then the suggestion that a frame be attached to it.... doesn't that make it awful unbalanced to hang?  Doesn't the weight of the border bend it along the border?  Is there something else done on the back side of the border to make it stronger?

Two, I understand that you foil the entire outside edge, but with one continuous foil?  Each foiled individually or the layers foiled together?  How do you avoid getting flux between the layers at this point?

Three, I am assuming that each piece is cleaned, waxed and finished with patina (except the outermost edge) before assembling, but how do you keep the flux out?

I am going to attempt a piece or two because I think it looks so very cool, but would really love to get some insight from Barry Masser or anyone else who has completed these works.

Rebecca answered nearly all of your questions (sorry I'm so tardy).  I've also never had a problem with a plated panel hanging unevenly..they hang just the same way that a non-plated panel does.  They are a bit heavier due to the added glass..and on round designs I tend to use a "sling method", outside finished edge is H channel lead with a 14 ga wire soldered in at one side, traveling under the panel and soldered in at the other connection point.  Have not had a problem with it, but a word to the wise..I usually attach the one length of chain and hang from one hook.

If there are multiple layers of glass (all the same pattern piece) you may indeed foil them as one. 

I usually patina and clean the areas of the plating that I will not be able to get to later, but I don't polish those areas...I guess you could if you wanted to, but I found that the polish made it harder to solder them on.

If you should need more flux..use it as sparingly as possible..I use a Q-tip. As Rebecca said, not a great idea to submerge the project after the plating is put on.  You can clean it though, I just wouldn't flood it with water.

De

[glasisfun]

thanks De, I went to one of your earlier posts and checked out all the pictures your posted of one you did some time ago.  I think I understand it.  Maybe it is just me, but the directions in the book seem confusing, maybe when I get started it will "gel" in my mind.

thanks for the tips and insight!

I have sort of a radical idea I want to try, and if you never see another post from me on it, you will know it did not work........

[PiscesGlass]

Your very welcome.  And if you get 'stuck' with the book, just come on in here and ask!  I'm sure that any one of us that have had experience with plating will be happy to help.  Don't give up!  I want to see what you're doing! 

[Tina]

As others have stated, we are, indeed, fortunate to have Barry Masser as a member of this group.  A gifted stained glass artist, Barry has been a huge influence on me along my journey in glass.  His generosity of spirit and willingness to go the extra mile to help me with design challenges and glass suggestions have been a godsend on more than one occasion!!!

Re your questions:

1.   Don’t be concerned regarding the weight of the glass on a plated panel – just follow the directions, and put a frame of glass on the main level of the panel.  For example, on my “Tree” panel (Barry’s “Sundown” pattern and my first plated project), I built the glass framing from black waterglass and soldered it to the zinc framing as usual.  Added an extra layer of confetti glass on the front for a bit more of a leafy effect.

In “Folly Sunrise” (taken from one of our vacation pictures), there are two plated layers, and the framing was accomplished with an amber antique glass. 

The background and details on Bella’s feathers required textured glass plating for a more realistic effect and to make the background recede, thus highlighting the flowers and bird.

2.   When I did the “Sundown” panel, I foiled each piece individually as usual, and then, if I recall correctly, I used very little flux, tack soldered the levels together, and then filled in with more solder to “smooth the lines” a bit.  Be sure you patina the top of any layer BEFORE you attach the layers together, as failing to do this can be very noticeable in certain angles (don’t ask me how I learned this one the hard way )

3.   I did not wax my layers before assembling them as I believe this makes for much more difficult soldering, but maybe this is just personal preference. 

You might want to contact Barry directly with any more questions.  Good luck finishing your project, and let’s see some pictures!!!

Tina

[Kev]

Nice pieces Tina!

[Joe]

Beautiful!

[ct4mom]

Those are great Tina...I like the tree!

[glasisfun]

Very nice work Tina... thanks for all the advise.  I will let you know how it turns out.

[mmcoffey]

Very pretty pieces! :)