How to Use Copper Tape on a Pendant

Because solder will not stick to glass, copper tape is used to prepare the edges of pendants for creating a soldered frame. Copper tape comes in several widths and has a self-adhesive backing. Buy the width that is appropriate for your project. Copper tape can be found wherever stain glass products are sold. With the correct tools, your handmade pendants can be given a professional look with copper tape and a soldered frame.

Instructions

1

Cut a piece of tape so that it is 1/8- to 1/4-inch longer than the perimeter of your pendant.

2

Peel off just a bit of the backing from the end of the tape to get it started.

3

Center that end on one of the sides of your backing.

4

Wrap the tape carefully around the perimeter. Remove the backing as you go. Let the sides of the tape stick out for now.

5

Make sure that one end of the tape is overlapping the other end of the tape by 1/8 to 1/4 inch.

6

Fold down the edges of the tape with your finger.

7

Create corners by tucking and folding the tape under itself. This is just like making a corner when wrapping a gift.

8

Burnish and smooth down the tape with a bone folder.

9

Use a clothes pin to hold your pendant while you solder.

10

Brush flux onto the tape with a small paintbrush.

11

Heat your soldering iron with a chisel tip. Hold the tip of the iron against the tip of the solder. Go around the sides of the frame. Then do the backs and fronts. Apply consistent, dome shaped beads. Paint on more flux as needed.