Lead Came

• The traditional method of joining glass panes for making stained glass consists of using lead came. Came consists of slender rods of lead with grooves along the edges to accept a piece of glass. The lead is soldered at the joints. This method results in a heavier look, and the lead remains uniformly wide in each length.Zinc rods may also be used.
  
  

Copper Foil

• Copper foil works better for more delicate projects that need a lighter look, according to Art of Stained Glass. Louis Comfort Tiffany used copper foil for his well-known stained-glass lampshades, for example. A line of copper can vary in width along its length. In foiling, a length of copper foil is wrapped around the edge of each piece of glass and the pieces are soldered together, according to Creativity in Glass.
  
  

Tradition of Lead

• According to Art of Stained Glass, lead came will sag over time, requiring repair. Still, for painted glass projects, windows, and door insets, lead came remains the standard, both for the look and its ability to resist mechanical shock and cushion the pressures of glass expansion and contraction.