Preparation

• 1). Purchase "H" lead, which has a channel on two sides for the glass to slide into, for the interior of a project. Use "U" lead to surround the outside of the stained-glass project by sliding the outside edge of the stained glass into the one channel, providing a finished look.
  
  
• 2). Stretch the lead to provide strength and pull the kinks out of it. Stretch lead by placing one end of the lead in a lead vice and pulling, standing on one end of the lead and pulling the other end straight up, or by two individuals taking an end and pulling it until it becomes rigid and straight.
  
  
• 3). Assemble the lead and glass tools so everything is within reach. A comprehensive list of tools needed can be found at Warner Stained Glass -- The Leading Technique.
  
  

Build a Leaded Window

• 1). Assemble a hanging panel or stained-glass window by placing the bottom left hand side of the pattern up against a forty-five degree angle edge on your work space.
  
  
• 2). Cut two "U" lead came and secure them in place, with the channel facing inwards, for the bottom and left edge of the pattern. Insert the piece of stained glass, which is the bottom and left-hand side piece, into the channel of the lead.
  
  
• 3). Surround that piece of glass with "H" lead fitting the stained-glass piece into one side of the channel. Insert the next piece into the other channel of the "H" lead and surround that piece with another section of "H" lead.
  
  
• 4). Continue building your stained-glass project in this manner. When all pieces of stained glass have been inserted, use two pieces of "U" lead of the correct length for the top and right-hand edges of the piece. Slide the outside edges of glass, on the top and right-hand side of the piece, into the channel.
  
  

Finishing Techniques

• 1). Use the soldering iron, flux and solder to solder together each intersection where the lead meets. Start by applying a small amount of flux to the joint, place the soldering iron flat side down onto the joint and apply a small amount of solder. According to thestorefinder.com, "You will solder all the joints on the front of the panel then turn it over and repeat the process on the back. Inspect both sides to make sure you haven't missed any and you have nice, smoothly soldered joints."
  
  
• 2). Use putty or cement to glaze the lead-came stained-glass project. The process of working the glazing material between the glass and lead came strengthens the piece. Glaze one side, let sit for at least four hours, and turn the piece over to glaze the other side. There is a detailed tutorial for glazing a leaded window at InlandCraft.com.
  
  
• 3). Apply black patina to all of the lead and solder joints to make the dull lead and shiny joints turn black. According to Free Patterns for Stained Glass, "Some people add 1 tbsp. white vinegar, others add 1 tsp. salt to 1 to 4 oz. of black patina to make it come out darker and shinier. Pour some patina into another container before adding the vinegar or salt, and dispose of any that is left when you are finished."