What Width of Foil Do I Use

by Jaki
(Duluth, MN)

I am doing a project that has small pieces of glass as well as larger pieces. Some pieces are considerably thicker than others.
Help....how does one wrap a small piece (area of small fingernail), and if glass is of different thicknesses, can one use foils that have different widths on the same project as long as their backing is the same?


Answer

Hi Jaki,

Wrapping small pieces simply takes patience. I would suggest using Edco foil, as it is softer and more pliable than Venture foil. Using a softer foil makes the job much easier. I'd also suggest using 5/32 foil, or even 1/8 (if it will wrap around the glass). The narrower the foil, the easier it is to wrap around smaller pieces of glass.

As for widths of foil, you can use as many different widths as you want. I usually use at least 2 if not 3 widths, depending on the thickness of the glass and the effect I want. You can use a wider foil for accent if you have an area that you want to stand out. For instance, you might have a tree that you want to be the focal point of your panel. Wrap the tree pieces in a wider foil to make it stand out. On the other hand, when I'm foiling a geometric panel that has different thicknesses of glass, I might use 1/4 on the thickest pieces, 7/32 on the medium thick pieces and 5/32 on the thin pieces. Doing this will keep the solder seams a consistent width. So...what I'm telling you is to use whatever sizes you need to use, to get the effect you want.

I always use 1/8 on jewels, gems and globs. Anything wider covers too much of the glass. On the subject of jewels, gems and globs, lightly grind the edges before applying the foil. If you have read my copper foil tutorial, you will know that I am not an advocate of grinding unless it's absolutely necessary. It is necessary for jewels, gems and globs, as the edges are so smooth that the foil tends to slip off if the edges aren't roughed up.

I hope this has helped you,
Sue