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| Leadlight Innovations |
| Create your own lead-light designs using this new technique. |
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We used a new DIY product called Leadlight Overlay to make an attractive lead-light design mirror. The product pack consists of adhesive lead strips and coloured film. The lead is made in 3mm, 4mm, 6mm and 12mm widths while the film comes in three finishes -- transparent, grained and streaky, which are available in many different colours.
The kit can be used to decorate mirrors, windows, glass in doorways, fanlights, etc, and is very simple to use. The leadlight overlay is safe and easy to use and glass cutting is not required (great for kids).
1
Lay your plain mirror on a backing board, with the transfer paper on top. Lay down a sheet of tracing paper over this and then transfer your design across. (scale your design to the required size of your project from templates provided). Use a ruler to help you draw the long, straight border lines. There are stencils to help you out with the curves. Nominate and mark the chosen lead widths and the film colours you will be using.
2
Clean the surface of the mirror with a cloth to remove fingerprints and grease marks. Make sure you also don't touch the underside or adhesive of the film. Grease and oils on your fingers can show up on your finished piece.
3
Cut out the film shapes using the design template supplied. Peel back a small section of the film and line up with the transferred design. Using your finger, attach the peeled off section to the mirror. Use a sponge to smooth the rest of the film out onto the mirror.
4
Now apply the lead, following the marked design (the lead comes on a continuous roll). It's easiest to start with the long, straight lines of the border. Simply peel off the protective backing and follow your design lines on the mirror.
Once a length of the lead is laid down you can hold it in one hand and guide it with the other. At the end of the line you simply cut it off with a craft knife. Bed the lead down with the supplied burnishing tool. This makes sure that the lead has stuck firmly to the glass. At junctions push the lead down and score with the same tool.
5
Next, apply the lead "blackener" to give an aged look to the finished mirror. Any spills can be quickly wiped off with a sponge. Wear gloves to protect your skin while you are doing this.
6
Polish is then wiped on and buffed off to give a clean, shiny finish to your mirror, which can now be displayed in the location of your choice.
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Cost
Our "fish design" mirror comes in kit form and includes templates, design, lead film and lead burnishing tool. It costs approximately $95 plus postage and handling.
Extras needed include a mirror, craftwood (for a frame if desired), polish and lead blackener. Our mirror cost $38. IKEA stores sell a wide variety of mirrors. Windows range from $30 for a small motif to $120 for a window size around one metre x 700mm.
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More Info
For further information contact Colleen & Alf Haddock at:
Leadlight Innovations,
9 Ben Lomond Rd Minto Heights NSW 2566
Ph/Fax: (02) 9603 1113
E-mail: leadlight@hn.ozemail.com.au
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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