Working in dark or dimly lit areas can be a pain, especially when you’re trying to see small details. A lightbox is a great way to get even lighting so you can see what you’re doing.
If you are looking for the best lightbox for stained glass artwork then you should read this article. When it comes to lightboxes for stained glass, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to make sure that the lightbox is large enough to accommodate your project. Secondly, you’ll want to make sure that the light is bright enough for you to see clearly.
We’ve rounded up some of the best light boxes for stained glass on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Best Lightbox for Stained Glass
Award | Design | Stained Glass Tools | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Pick | Best Pick | Check Price | |
A4 Lightbox | Check Price | ||
Big Working Surface | Check Price | ||
For Professionals | Check Price | ||
All Purpose Lightbox | Check Price |
1- Cricut BrightPad Go Flexible LED Light
Best PickOverall Best Pick
The Cricut BrightPad Go is a handy little lightbox that is perfect for stained glass projects. The pad is flexible, so you can easily move it around to get the best light exposure for your project. The LED light is bright and provides good coverage, so you can see what you’re doing. The On/Off switch is conveniently located on the side of the lightbox.
It is cordless and has a 1.5-hour good battery life. It has 4200 lumens LED light brightness. It is extremely thin and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. The glass is clear and allows for a bright, even light source.
The size is perfect for stained glass projects. The battery life is impressive, and it charges quickly. The only downside is that it is a bit pricey. Overall, the Cricut BrightPad Go is a great product for stained glass projects.
Reasons to Buy
- 4200 lumens LED brightness
- Good quality
- Scratch proof
- Good battery life
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricy
My Verdict:
This lightbox is a perfect choice for those who are new to stained glass art. The LED light brightness is so high that you can trace every tiny inch of a glace.
2- Huion LED Artcraft Tracing Light Pad Light Box
A4 Lightbox
If you are sucked up with an A3 lightbox then try this A4 lightbox with a bundle of features. The Huion 17.7 Inches LED Artcraft Tracing Light Pad Light Box is a sleek and stylish way to get a perfect tracing every time. This light box is super thin and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go.
The best part about this light box is the adjustable brightness feature. You can control how bright or dim the light is, so you can always get the perfect tracing. The smart memory feature also remembers your last brightness setting, so you don’t have to adjust it every time you turn on the lightbox.
You will also get a bulldog clip in the box that will help you to grip your glass. With just 0.59kg weight, this light box is also incredibly portable. And with 1100 lux of brightness, you’ll never have to worry about your tracing being too dark.
Reasons to Buy
- Build quality is good
- Compact and portable
- Lightweight
Reasons to Avoid
- Only 1100 Lumens
My Verdict
It is for those who want to get an A4 lightbox for their stained glass working. The light is adjustable so you can adjust it according to your needs. Also, the smart memory system will allow you to remember the light settings for the next project.
3- Huion A2 Large Tracing Light Box
Big Working Surface
If you’re looking for a light box that’s large enough to accommodate your stained glass projects, the Huion A2 is a great option. It has a huge work surface, and the LED lamps emit very little heat, so you won’t have to worry about your heated hands while working.
With 1100 lux of brightness, it’s perfect for tracing intricate designs. And the large size makes it easy to work with larger pieces of glass.
Plus, the lamps can last for up to 50,000 hours, so you’ll be able to use this lightbox for years to come. Additionally, the A2 is extremely bright, with a brightness of 548.8 cd/ m2. So if you’re looking for a light box that’s large, bright, and long-lasting, the Huion A2 is a great choice.
Reasons to Buy
- Build quality is good
- Big working area
- Non-heated screen
Reasons to Avoid
- Not proper A2
My Verdict
If you are looking for a big-size lightbox then this pick is for you. The 12.6-by-20.5-inch surface space is enough for large stained glass projects. I like that the LED lamps emit very little heat because I have had problems in the past with other light boxes getting too hot and making my hands sweat.
The 50,000-hour lifespan for the lamps is impressive and a definite selling point. I also appreciate how bright this lightbox is.
4- US ART SUPPLY Lightmaster Lightbox
For Professionals
The US ART SUPPLY Lightmaster Professional A3 LED Lightbox is a top-of-the-line lightbox that is perfect for those who love to create stained glass art. This lightbox comes with an adjustable stand that makes it easy to position the box at the perfect angle, and it also has a built-in storage tray to keep all of your supplies close at hand.
The LED lights are bright and evenly distributed, making it easy to see your work as you progress. The lightbox also comes with a power adapter and a carrying case, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
Overall, the US ART SUPPLY Lightbox is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality lightbox that is easy to use and transport.
Reasons to Buy
- Comes with warranty
- A2 working surface
- Comes with some free stuff
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy & for professionals
My Verdict
This lightbox is for those who are interested in professional work. If you are a novice, then you should go with other options that I have reviewed above. The LED light settings are good, but if you are looking for something more affordable, then I would recommend the Huion A2 Large Tracing Light Box.
5- Portable A4 Tracing LED Light Box
All Purpose Lightbox
This light box is amazing! It’s so thin and lightweight, I can take it with me anywhere. Plus, the eyesight-protection feature is great for when I’m working on my stained glass projects. The 4 magnets and non-slip pads keep it in place, and I don’t have to worry about it slipping or falling over.
And the step-less dimming feature is awesome- I can adjust the brightness to suit my needs. This is definitely the best light box I’ve ever used! With memory settings, it will always start at the previous light intensity setting.
Super bright and even light, no flicker & no shadow. The built-in sensor automatically adjusts brightness according to the surrounding environment.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy on eyesight
- Portable
- Great build material
Reasons to Avoid
- USB wire is not included in the Box
My Verdict
If you want to use a LED lightbox for other purposes too then try this one. It is very thin, only 5mm which makes it portable to be taken anywhere. You can use it for multiple purposes such as art, crafts, Sewing, stained glass, quilting, photography, and more.
What to Look for in the Best LightBox for Stained Glass?
When you are looking for a lightbox to help you see your stained glass projects, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
LED Light Settings
The first is that you should make sure that the lightbox has adjustable LED lights. This way, you can get the perfect amount of light for your project, whether you are working on a small piece or a large one.
Flicker-Free Lighting
Another important feature to look for is flicker-free lighting. This is especially important if you are going to be using the lightbox for long periods of time, as it can help to prevent eye strain.
Portability
Another thing to consider is portability. If you plan on taking your lightbox with you to different places, then you will want to make sure that it is lightweight and easy to carry.
Size
Finally, you will want to consider the size of the lightbox. If you are working on large projects, then you will need a larger light box, while a smaller one will suffice for smaller projects.
Conclusion
It is recommended that you should use a lightbox when working with stained glass art. If you cut the glass without a lightbox you are more likely to make mistakes. It is also difficult to see the pencil lines when working without a lightbox.
A lightbox will help you achieve straighter cuts and cleaner lines. Choose a lightbox that has adjustable LED lights, and flicker-free lighting, and is the right size for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lightbox?
A lightbox is a tool that is used to place a piece of stained glass on top of a light source in order to trace the design onto the glass.
How do I choose the right size Lightbox?
The size of the lightbox should be based on the size of the stained glass piece that you are working on. If you are working on a small piece, then you will need a smaller lightbox. If you are working on a large piece, then you will need a larger lightbox.
Can you cut glass on a lightbox?
Yes, you can cut glass on a lightbox. However, it is important to use a cutting mat or something similar to protect the surface of the lightbox from being damaged by the glass cutter.
How do I clean my Lightbox?
To clean your lightbox, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can also use a mild soap and water solution if needed.