Are you looking for accurately dimensioned lead came that works smoothly, solders well and is suitable for both new stained glass and historic restoration? Cascade Metals is a trusted international manufacturer of professional lead came. At Fenix Glas you can order Cascade H, U, Y, lantern and steel-reinforced profiles in single lengths or 25 kg boxes.
Cascade lead came combines clean lead, precise dimensions and controlled manufacturing. Fine milled lines in the heart and channels help the glass slide smoothly into the profile. A light oil coating protects fresh lead against rapid oxidation and supports good workability and solderability.
Consistent profile dimensions help produce neat leading and a predictable fit around the glass.
Milled lines in the heart and channels allow glass to slide easily through the lead came.
The protective oil coating limits oxidation of fresh lead and supports efficient processing.
Choose from H, U, Y, lantern and steel-reinforced profiles for a wide range of applications.
Cascade manufactures its lead came entirely in-house, allowing the company to control both the alloy and the shape of every profile. For restoration work, properties can be adjusted with elements including tin, antimony and copper, depending on the required strength, flexibility and ageing characteristics.
This matters because good restoration lead must do more than work well today. It should respect the original craftsmanship, age naturally and perform reliably as part of the window for many years.
The letter describes the profile's cross-section. The numbers generally indicate its width and heart. Always check the complete product specification before ordering.
The standard connecting profile between two pieces of glass. Available in many widths and heart sizes.
Commonly used around the outside edge of a panel or wherever a single channel is required.
Used to install a stained-glass panel between the panes of an insulated glass unit (double glazing).
For three-dimensional applications such as glass lanterns, boxes and other 3D objects.
Adds stability to larger panels and applications requiring additional structural support.
| Application | Commonly suitable choice | What should you consider? |
|---|---|---|
| General stained glass | H profile for joints, U profile for outside edges | Glass thickness, face width, heart size and panel dimensions |
| Fine or curved designs | A narrower H profile | Profile width, line design and enough flexibility without unwanted kinking |
| Large panels | Wider H profile or steel-reinforced lead | Span, wind pressure, reinforcement and installation |
| Edge finishing | U profile | Required outside dimensions and installation in a frame or rebate |
| Stained glass inside double glazing | Y profile | Construction, glass thickness and available space inside the insulated glass unit |
| Lanterns and other 3D work | Lantern lead | Angle, channel direction and connection to adjoining sections |
| Historic restoration | A profile and alloy matching the original window | Ask for advice Historic dimensions, hardness, appearance and structural requirements |
Restoration is about preserving the original work. Every historic window is unique. The new lead must match the old profile, remain workable and age naturally with the window.
Cascade works with restoration studios, conservators and heritage specialists. In addition to standard profiles, the company can develop alloys and profiles for specific restoration requirements. Learn more about Cascade and historic restoration →
Vitrail France selected traditional Cascade restoration lead when releading historic clerestory windows.
Custom offset and steel-reinforced profiles, combined with project-specific conservation alloys.
A special European profile developed for the required flexibility and traditional appearance.
Atelier Domstad uses European Cascade profiles in the restoration of historic stained glass.
Suitable for repairs, courses, hobby projects, tests and studios needing a specific size in a limited quantity.
Ordering single lengths together with glass or other products, or choosing a profile that cannot be coiled? Add an extra 2 metre lead box so the profiles can be shipped straight and separately.
View single Cascade lead profiles →
Extra lead box for the Netherlands →
Extra lead box for Belgium →
The practical choice for professional studios, production work and restoration companies with regular demand. The number of metres per box varies according to profile size.
If you want to make a stained-glass panel stronger, apply stained-glass putty to both sides of the panel. The putty is worked between the glass and the flanges of the lead came. This fills the small gaps, stiffens the complete panel and helps make it weather-resistant.
Fenix Glas supplies Eikenaar & Verboom universal water-based stained-glass putty in 4 kg tubs. It has been developed for the durable sealing of both newly made and restored stained-glass windows and requires less application pressure, making it suitable for vulnerable panels.
Watch how stained-glass putty is applied. Open the video on YouTube →
Lead is hazardous. Work cleanly, wash your hands thoroughly after handling lead, and do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area. Prevent the creation and spread of lead dust, keep the workbench clean and follow all applicable workplace and safety regulations. Professional studios must use appropriate control measures and personal protection.
Watch the video about working safely with lead. Open the video on YouTube →
Cascade lead came is precision-manufactured for new stained glass and restoration work. It is available in different shapes, widths, heart sizes and hardnesses.
H came joins two pieces of glass and U came is generally used around the outside edge. Y came is used to install stained glass between the panes of an insulated glass unit. Lantern lead is intended for three-dimensional applications.
Steel-reinforced lead adds stability to larger panels or areas requiring additional structural support. It does not automatically replace every other reinforcement or installation technique.
This depends on the glass thickness, desired line design, panel dimensions, wind load and historic or aesthetic requirements. Fenix Glas offers profiles in many widths; ask us for advice if you are unsure.
Yes. Fenix Glas supplies selected Cascade profiles in single lengths of approximately 196 cm. Many profiles are also available in 25 kg boxes for larger professional requirements.
Yes. Cascade supplies standard profiles and develops special profiles and alloys for restoration. Its lead came has been used at Notre-Dame, the Parliament of Canada, Milan Cathedral and the Rijksmuseum.
The oil film helps protect fresh lead against rapid oxidation and supports workability and solderability. Only clean the came in a way appropriate for the next stage of the process.
Apply stained-glass putty on both sides. Working the putty between the glass and the lead flanges fills small gaps, stiffens the complete panel and helps make it weather-resistant.
Fenix Glas supplies Cascade lead came to professional stained-glass studios, restoration specialists, educators and hobbyists throughout Europe. Order single lengths for smaller projects or choose a 25 kg box for professional use.
Looking for a historic profile size, a specific hardness or steel-reinforced lead? Send us the cross-section, face width, heart size, required quantity and details of the application. We will be happy to help you select the right profile.
