Posted by SW Art Glass on 5/21/2025 to
Stained Glass
Stained glass caming is one of the most important structural components in traditional stained glass work. While the glass itself forms the visual focal point, caming provides the framework that holds each piece securely in place—defining both the strength and shape of a finished design.
In this blog, we’ll explore what caming is, the different types of came used in stained glass, how they differ in structure and application, and how to choose the right one for your next project.
Understanding Caming in Stained Glass
At its core, stained glass caming refers to the metal channels—known as came—that are used to join individual pieces of stained glass together. These channels have a grooved profile, typically shaped like an “H” or a “U,” allowing artists to slide glass segments into the openings and solder them together at the joints.
Unlike the copper foil method (popularized by Tiffany-style lamps), the came method offers more structural integrity for larger panels such as windows, doors, sidelights, and architectural installations.
Why Is Caming Important?
Caming serves both functional and aesthetic purposes:
- Structure and Stability: Came acts as a skeleton that provides strength to a stained glass panel. It absorbs stress, prevents flexing, and extends the life of the artwork.
- Visual Framing: The visible metal lines between glass pieces add rhythm, shape, and emphasis to the design.
- Design Versatility: Different came profiles allow for customization depending on the size, complexity, and intent of the piece.
Whether you’re crafting a small decorative panel or a large window installation, choosing the right type of caming is key to your project’s success.
Types of Came for Stained Glass
SW Art Glass offers a variety of high-quality metal came, each with its own characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Lead Came
Lead came is the most traditional and widely used form of caming. It is soft and flexible, making it ideal for projects with intricate curves or organic designs. Its malleability allows artists to shape it easily by hand or with came benders.
- Best For: Traditional windows, church restorations, residential stained glass panels
- Profiles: H-channel (to join two pieces of glass) and U-channel (for framing edges)
- Finish: Matte grey that can be darkened with patina
Note: Due to its softness, panels using lead came often require reinforcing bars for support on larger installations.
2. Zinc Came
Zinc came is stronger and more rigid than lead, making it an excellent choice for panels that need extra durability—especially those installed in doors or exposed to movement.
- Best For: Structural windows, sidelights, transoms, doors
- Advantages: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, sharp clean lines
- Profiles: Available in both H and U channels
Zinc came is often used along the borders of a leaded panel to provide added strength.
3. Copper Came
Less commonly used than lead or zinc, copper came offers a warm, reddish tone that complements certain glass colors and design styles. It is somewhat flexible and can be soldered just like lead or zinc.
- Best For: Accent work, decorative pieces, mixed-metal projects
- Aesthetic: A natural patina that evolves over time
- Use Case: Where visual warmth or contrast is desired
4. Brass Came
Brass came is known for its golden hue and strength, making it a favorite for decorative windows or when a polished, upscale look is required.
- Best For: Ornamental glasswork, upscale décor, mixed-metal designs
- Finish: Polished brass or antique patina
- Durability: Excellent for permanent installations
5. Reinforcing Bars
While not came in the traditional sense, reinforcing bars (also called rebar or support bars) are metal rods soldered into large stained glass panels to prevent bowing or sagging over time.
- Used With: Lead came panels that exceed ~2 sq ft
- Function: Adds strength without disrupting the design
- Installation: Integrated behind or across the panel and hidden with solder
How to Choose the Right Came
Choosing the right type of stained glass caming depends on a few key factors:
- Panel Size: Larger panels benefit from zinc or reinforcing bars
- Design Complexity: Curved designs are easier to achieve with lead came
- Aesthetic Goals: Choose brass or copper came when color and finish are essential to the visual impact
- Environment: Use zinc or brass in settings where durability and corrosion resistance are priorities (e.g., exterior windows, door inserts)
Tools You’ll Need for Caming Projects
- Came Bender: To curve metal channels accurately
- Lead Nippers: For trimming came to length
- Horseshoe Nails: For holding pieces in place during assembly
- Fid or Burnisher: To press glass firmly into came channels
- Soldering Supplies: For joining came intersections
- Patina and Polish: For finishing touches
Final Thoughts
Stained glass caming is more than just a building material—it's a key part of the art form that defines both the visual and structural qualities of your glasswork. Whether you're restoring a historical window or designing a modern panel, the right choice of came can elevate your craftsmanship and preserve your project for years to come.
Explore all of our Stained Glass Came at SW Art Glass to find high-quality lead, zinc, copper, and brass came, along with reinforcing bars and caming tools tailored to your needs.
