You may have heard about two common materials used in stained glass art: zinc came and lead came. But what exactly is the difference between these two? While both materials serve the purpose of holding glass pieces together, they have distinctive features that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the dissimilarities between zinc came and lead came, shedding light on their composition, appearance, and application in the world of stained glass. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a curious enthusiast, understanding these distinctions will deepen your appreciation for this timeless art form. So, let’s dive in and explore the unique characteristics of zinc and lead came!

Definition of Zinc Came

Zinc came is a type of metal strip that is commonly used in stained glass art to hold the individual glass pieces together. It is specifically designed to provide structural support and stability to the glass panel, ensuring that it remains intact. Zinc came is often chosen for its versatility and ease of use, making it a popular choice among stained glass artists.

Composition

Zinc came is primarily composed of zinc alloy, which is a mixture of zinc and other metals such as copper and titanium. This composition gives zinc came its distinctive strength and durability while also allowing for easy manipulation during the stained glass assembly process.

Appearance

In terms of appearance, zinc came typically has a silver or pewter-like appearance. Its sleek and metallic sheen adds a modern touch to stained glass panels, making it a preferred choice for contemporary designs. The color and shine of zinc came can enhance the overall aesthetic of the stained glass artwork, giving it a polished and sophisticated look.

Strength and Durability

Zinc came is renowned for its remarkable strength and durability. Due to its composition and alloy structure, zinc came offers excellent structural support to stained glass panels, preventing them from warping or bending over time. The sturdy nature of zinc came ensures that the stained glass artwork remains intact and can withstand the test of time, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Definition of Lead Came

Lead came is another commonly used material in stained glass art, often chosen for its traditional and classic appeal. Like zinc came, lead came also serves the purpose of holding together the glass pieces to create a stained glass panel.

Composition

In contrast to zinc came, lead came is primarily made of lead alloy. This composition gives it unique properties that differentiate it from zinc came. The lead alloy used in lead came usually comprises a mixture of lead, tin, and small amounts of other metals. This specific combination of metals allows the lead came to achieve its desired characteristics.

Appearance

Lead came is known for its dark and muted appearance, with a grayish-black color that is often associated with traditional stained glass designs. Its color adds an antique and vintage touch to stained glass panels, making it a popular choice for historical restoration projects or designs aiming to replicate the look of stained glass from a specific period.

Strength and Durability

While not as strong as zinc came, lead came still provides sufficient structural support to stained glass panels. It has a certain amount of flexibility that allows it to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of glass due to temperature changes. However, it is worth noting that lead came may be more prone to bending or warping over time compared to zinc came, requiring occasional maintenance and repair to ensure the long-term durability of the stained glass artwork.

Composition

Zinc Came Composition

As previously mentioned, zinc came is composed of a zinc alloy. The specific composition of this alloy varies among different manufacturers and brands but typically consists of predominantly zinc along with small amounts of copper and titanium. These additional metals contribute to the strength, malleability, and corrosion resistance of zinc came.

Lead Came Composition

Lead came, on the other hand, is primarily composed of a lead alloy that includes tin and trace amounts of other metals. The exact ratio of lead to tin can vary, depending on the desired properties of the lead came. This lead alloy composition gives lead came its distinct dark color and flexibility, allowing it to bend and conform to the shape of the glass pieces.

Appearance

Zinc Came Appearance

Zinc came boasts a sleek and modern appearance, with a silver or pewter-like color. Its metallic shine adds a contemporary touch to stained glass panels, creating a visually striking contrast between the glass pieces and the came. The clean and polished look of zinc came is especially well-suited for modern or abstract stained glass designs.

Lead Came Appearance

Lead came, on the other hand, has a more traditional and vintage look. Its color ranges from dark gray to black, depending on the specific lead alloy used. The muted and antique appearance of lead came complements stained glass panels with a historical or classic theme, lending an air of authenticity and nostalgia to the overall design.

Strength and Durability

Zinc Came Strength and Durability

Zinc came is renowned for its strength and durability. Thanks to its zinc alloy composition, zinc came offers excellent structural support to stained glass panels. It can effectively withstand the weight and stress placed on the glass pieces, preventing them from shifting or breaking. Additionally, zinc came is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring that the stained glass artwork remains intact and in optimal condition for years to come.

Lead Came Strength and Durability

While not as strong as zinc came, lead came still provides sufficient support and durability for stained glass panels. Its flexibility allows it to accommodate the expansion and contraction of glass due to temperature changes, minimizing the risk of glass breakage. However, lead came may be more susceptible to bending or warping over time, necessitating periodic maintenance and repair to ensure the long-term stability and structural integrity of the stained glass artwork.

Cost

Zinc Came Cost

Zinc came is generally more affordable compared to lead came. The cost of zinc came varies depending on factors such as the size, thickness, and brand. However, in general, zinc came is considered a cost-effective option for stained glass projects, especially for individuals working within a budget.

Lead Came Cost

Lead came, on the other hand, tends to be more expensive than zinc came. The cost of lead came is influenced by factors such as the size, thickness, and quality. Due to the materials involved and the traditional association with stained glass, lead came is often seen as a premium choice, commanding a higher price range compared to zinc came.

Installation Process

Zinc Came Installation Process

The installation process for zinc came involves several steps. First, the glass pieces are cut to the desired size and shape. Then, the individual glass pieces are carefully fitted into the channels of the zinc came, ensuring a snug fit. The came is gently soldered at the joints, creating a secure and stable framework for the stained glass panel. Finally, the soldered joints are cleaned and polished to give the zinc came a seamless and professional finish.

Lead Came Installation Process

The installation process for lead came follows a similar sequence of steps. The glass pieces are cut to size, and then the lead came is shaped and fitted around the edges of each glass piece. The lead came is overlapped and secured at the joints using soldering techniques. The panel is then reinforced with additional supports, such as metal braces or reinforcement bars, to provide extra stability. Lastly, the lead came is polished and finished to enhance its appearance.

Repair and Maintenance

Zinc Came Repair and Maintenance

Zinc came requires minimal repair and maintenance. It is highly resistant to corrosion, reducing the risk of deterioration over time. However, if any soldered joints become loose or damaged, they can be easily repaired by re-soldering. Additionally, regular cleaning with a mild detergent and soft cloth can help maintain the appearance of the zinc came, keeping it looking pristine for years.

Lead Came Repair and Maintenance

Lead came, despite its durability, may require more frequent repair and maintenance compared to zinc came. Over time, the lead came may develop cracks or become brittle. In such cases, the damaged sections can be carefully removed and replaced with new lead came. Cleaning and polishing the lead came periodically helps prolong its lifespan and prevent tarnishing.

Applications

Zinc Came Applications

Zinc came finds versatile applications in both residential and commercial settings. It is commonly used in the creation of stained glass windows, decorative panels, and even lampshades. Additionally, zinc came can be utilized in other art forms beyond stained glass, such as mosaics and jewelry making. Its strength, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice among stained glass artists and enthusiasts.

Lead Came Applications

Lead came has a long-standing history in stained glass art and is often preferred for traditional and historic restoration projects. It is commonly used in the construction of church windows, historical buildings, and architectural designs that aim to replicate the look and feel of antique stained glass panels. Its classic appearance and authentic feel make it an ideal choice for preserving the heritage and integrity of stained glass artwork.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both zinc came and lead came have their own unique characteristics and applications in the realm of stained glass art. Zinc came offers modern aesthetics, remarkable strength, and affordability, making it a versatile choice for contemporary designs. On the other hand, lead came exudes a traditional and timeless charm, lending an antique appeal to stained glass panels. While it may require more maintenance and come at a higher cost, lead came is often chosen for its historical significance and authenticity. Ultimately, the choice between zinc came and lead came boils down to personal preference, artistic vision, and the specific requirements of the stained glass project at hand.