When To Use U-Channel Lead or Zinc To Frame A Piece

by Maria
(Lafayette LA)

How big can a piece be before you have to go from using copperfoil and soldering to using lead channels to frame a piece? I want to make suncatchers and hanging window panels.

Answer

Hi Maria,

You should use lead or zinc around any copper foiled piece that is over a total of 2 square feet in size. However, if you plan to use a wood frame, you do not have to put anything around the outside other than your normal edge beading. The wood frame will give the panel all the strength it needs.

Other than lead or zinc, you could also use brass came. It gives a nice finish to pieces finished with copper patina. Ball chain and twisted wire are other options to finish the edges and, at the same time, give the panel strength.