Use the fused glass Black Outline or White Outline to create different looks. Firing glass enamel paints: Fire to a full fuse of at least 1450º F or cone 015-016 in a ceramic or a glass kiln. Fusing glass enamel paints will hold their color to a much higher temperature when used on ceramic or porcelain bisque.
Full Answer
What do you need to fuse glass?
As stated before, all you need to fuse glass is fusible glass and a kiln. However, there are endless tools that you can use in the fusing process that help you shape the glass, achieve certain textures or colors, or simply decorate your item once it’s fused. The most common glass fusing supplies and tools include:
How to choose the right fused glass for your project?
Samples of each glass color must be fired to reach their mature color. The fused glass artist must also keep in mind glass thickness. Thickness affects transmitted light, modifying the value of transparent and translucent glass.
What is glass fusing and how to do it?
In this tutorial I would like to show an easy way to create some interesting glass objects using a technique called glass fusing. Basically you melt together two or more pieces of glass to obtain your final piece. Between the two glasses you add pieces of color glass and/or special high temperature pigments.
What kind of glass should I use to make furniture?
Fusible sheet glass is the easiest kind of glass to work with as it can be easily cut into many different shapes or used as the base of a piece. It comes in many different colors from opaque black to clear, transparent glass.
How do you color fused glass?
1:139:35Fused Glass Color Swirls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe secret here is we've got 3/4 inch of glass. So we have to really give it a chance to warm upMoreThe secret here is we've got 3/4 inch of glass. So we have to really give it a chance to warm up slowly and to a full fuse. So the next thing I'll do is put it in the kiln.
Why is my fused glass not shiny?
A: This dull white crystalline substance on the surface of your glass is known as devitrification. This is one of the most talked about glass fusing problems around. It can occur when your glass remains in a temperature range 1000F-1300F too long. You need to minimize the time spent in this temperature range.
Can you use stained glass for fusing?
You can always use fusing glass in a regular stained glass project, but you do not want to use regular stained glass in your fusing projects. If you also choose to try fusing glass with other COE numbers, you will need to keep that glass separated from the 96 COE glass. Clear glass is used in many fusing projects.
How many layers of glass can you fuse?
When firing a single layer of glass the edges will contract to become ¼" thick. If fusing three layers of glass your glass will expand to become ¼" thick. Unless you are damming the glass, two layers are ideal to maintain your projects original size and general shape.
What is fire polish in glass fusing?
Fire polishing is the simple technique of returning glass items to the kiln to melt them just enough to give a smooth, polished appearance. It typically takes place at a temperature that ranges from 1300 F/700 C to 1400 F/760 C. For best results, fire polishing should take place after fusing and before slumping.
Why is my fused glass cracking?
Thermal shock cracking is a common occurrence during glass fusion. It occurs when one part of the glass is heating or cooling faster than another part. This causes a difference in expansion rates and hence creates cracks and fusions.
What temperature do you fuse glass?
Glass fusing is the process of joining compatible sheet glasses together in a kiln until the glass fuses at approximately 1490 degrees Fahrenheit. It grants you the power to create colorful, dynamic works of glass art that are completely unique.
Can you fuse glass without a kiln?
Can you melt glass without a kiln? There are two ways to safely melt glass without a kiln: lampworking and using a microwave kiln. Lampworking involves the use of a torch to melt glass to the point of being easily manipulated. A microwave kiln melts glass effectively for small fusing projects.
Can you fuse glass in a microwave?
Not only can microwave ovens fuse glass, but most ovens can do it in less than 10 minutes.
Can you fuse glass twice?
Some glass styles can be fully fused many times without any noticeable changes. Other glasses have a tendency to change under repeated or prolonged firings.
What does 9999 mean in Glass Fusing?
AS FAST AS9999 means AS FAST AS THE KILN can go - after you program it in, you will typically see FULL on your controller. These below TARGET TEMPS are standard in the Glass Fusing industry. However, you should ALWAYS test fire and you need to know your kiln.
How do you get rid of bubbles in fused glass?
If glass is heated too rapidly, the edges of larger pieces can soften and fuse before their interiors do. This earlier fusing of edges may trap air between layers, resulting in bubbles. You can reduce unwanted air bubbles by adding a pre-rapid heat soak to the firing cycle.
What temperature does UGC glass fire?
The colors kiln fire in the 1425F to 1550F firing range depending on the surface on which they are applied. Surfaces include - float glass, porcelain, terra cotta, recycled glass, specialty glass, pre-fired pottery and most any glass that can fire within that range. The colors can fire to much hotter temperatures when used on surfaces other than glass.
How many ounces of medium in a UGC kit?
Plus (2) 8 oz bottles of Medium, Basic Instructions for UGC products, Color Chart and a fired color sample chip (pictured) of the colors in the kit.
How many ounces is a UGC medium?
This kit also includes an 8 oz Medium, basic UGC instruction sheet for use, a full color chart of the entire Artisan line, and a fused color sample chip ( pictured above ) of the kit colors fired on top of (left) and in between glass (right).
What is detail color?
Detail colors are high pigment content powders that are mixed with the Medium to the desired consistency and applied over color or directly on to glass with a brush, a writer pen, a stamp, a calligraphy pen or any tool where you want fine detail on your artwork. They can also be used for silkscreening.
Is NT glass safe?
The NT color line is the most popular line of kiln fired glass color for many reasons. They come in powder form and are all non-toxic, food-safe, and safe for the environment. Even the metallic colors are safe. The NTs fire to rich, glossy, vibrant color, semi-opaque to opaque. The NT line is mixed with UGC Medium to the consistency ...
Functional Design
Tabletops, dinnerware, benches, stairs, or even high tech lenses—fused glass can make it.
Torchwork
Beads, jewelry, pendants, ornaments—the possibilities of kiln-glass don't end in the kiln.
Color Lab
Bullseye's extensive palette and accessory glasses offer artists the chance to make their own custom colors.
Stained Glass
Bullseye's ring mottle and lustre sheet glasses are game-changers for traditional and architectural glass projects.
Gallery Art
Kiln-glass enjoys a strongly-represented presence in the world of fine art. To learn more about influential contemporary artists, visit the website of Bullseye Projects or The Corning Museum of Glass.
What torch is used to melt glass?
Glass needs a pretty high temperature to begin to melt. A regular butane or propane torch normally is not powerful enought. Therefore here I am using a MAPP torch normally used as a tool by the people who fixes and repair refrigerators. It's normal use there is to melt copper to join together two pipes.
What happens if you paint glass?
This is easily found out cause if the glass is painted the color will vanish in the burning step. The glass pieces are broken into smaller bits using a hammer. Involve the glass pieces in newspaper and use googles and gloves in this step since you do not want to risk injuring yourself.
What do you need to know about glass fusing?
Glass Fusing 101: Supplies, Tools and Equipment You Need. Glass fusing is a beautiful form of art that can be easily made by anyone. There are so many glass fusing techniques that your level of expertise does not matter. If you get into it, there will always be room for improvement and you’ll never get bored.
What is the best way to fuse glass?
For those who need more space and are planning on fusing glass on a regular basis either as a hobby or professionally, an electric glass kiln is by far the best option.
How long does it take to fuse glass in a microwave?
Microwave kilns are usually made out of silicon carbide, have a chamber of up to 6 inches of diameter and tend to work quite well. In a matter of about 10 minutes, most of them are able to fuse small pieces of glass just like a regular kiln does. This is the cheapest option and it’s recommended for those who are just planning on fusing very small pieces of glass in small quantities at a time.
How much does an electric glass fusing kiln cost?
To summarize, electric glass fusing kilns come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can cost as low as US$300 or as much as US$16K. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on their size, capacity, voltage, maximum temperature, heat distribution requirements, controller types and many other characteristics that you might need. ...
What is millefiori glass?
Millefiori glass are small, round pieces of glass with floral patterns. These pieces are usually used for decoration, but they can be used to create full pieces of art by fusing a bunch of them together. These 4 types of fusible glass are the most common ones. However, you can find fusing glass in literally any color and size, ...
What do glass artists use to make molds?
When glass artists work with molds, they commonly use either crushed or powdered glass in different colors. Adhesives: Adhesives are liquids you can apply on top of pieces of glass to make crushed or powdered glass stick to their surfaces.
What is fusible glass?
Fusible glass. Fusible glass comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Here’s the main kinds of fusible glass and some factors you need to consider before buying them. Fusible sheet glass is the easiest kind of glass to work with as it can be easily cut into many different shapes or used as the base of a piece.
How to prevent glass from fusing?
To prevent this from occurring, check the placement of all the glass pieces and insure they are sitting properly on the base. Since the edges of the glass fuse before the center of the glass, cut your base glass 1/8 larger than the top layer to allow air to escape. Second, check the glass prior to fusing.
How to glue a glass fusing project together?
A: To hold your fusing project together, mix one drop of white glue to three drops of water (a 1 3 ratio). Apply a very thin amount the back of the glass using a brush and allow the glue to dry thoroughly before firing.
How long does it take to fuse glass in a microwave?
Now there are new kiln options, including the The Fuseworks Microwave Kiln. This device works in most household microwaves and can fuse glass in about 3 minutes. Here are some common questions we get on fusing in this modern-day kiln.
How to avoid gray edges on glass?
Cold working involves using either a grinder or glass saw on a piece of glass. These can be avoided by thoroughly cleaning the glass before refiring the piece. Keep a bowl of clean water near your work area and soak the glass right after doing the cold work procedure. This will keep the edges damp and allow the piece to be cleaned easier. Scrub completely and let dry before proceeding with the refiring process.
Why does glass crack after firing?
A: Cracking glass either during or after firing can be caused by a several things: thermal shock, heating up the glass too fast and compatibility. Thermal shock occurs either by taking the piece out of the kiln too soon, or by opening the kiln and exposing the hot glass to cool air.
What happens if glass is cracked in a kiln?
If the glass cracked in the kiln and it has an S shaped crack, the piece has heated too quickly. Slow down! Finally, If the crack occurs along the line where the two pieces of glass meet, then the two touching pieces are not compatible. Make sure the glass you are using have the same COE (coefficient of expansion).
How thick does glass need to be to be heated?
A: Glass naturally wants to be inch thick when heated. Your glass will shrink or expand to obtain this depth. A good tip to remember is that if your piece is less than inch when you start, it will shrink up to reach this depth. If your piece is larger than inch when you start, it will want to flatten out to reach this depth.
What can you make with fused glass?
Fused glass is one of the easiest and most exciting techniques for beginners. There’s lots of things you can make with it… jewellery, plates, coasters, sun catchers, clock faces… or small windows and panels for your home. There’s also many different creative things you can do. You can fuse it flat or with a texture.
What is a fusing glass?
What is fusing? – Fusing is heating two or more pieces of glass in a kiln so that they melt together. – The temperature for melting glass is from 1400F/760C to 1500F/815C. The top heat depends on what type of glass is being fired, and what result you’re after.
How many layers of artglass can you fuse?
It is a generic schedule for a full fuse on two layers of artglass up to 1foot square (30cm sq).
How thick is glass?
This is a good video explaining the fact that glass likes to be 1/4 (6mm) thick. It also helps understand how it behaves in a kiln.
How many layers of glass melts in a fire?
Fire three layers (3/8inch/9mm) and the square would become rounded and bigger as the volume of glass melts and pushes outwards.
Can glass break in a kiln?
It has to be glass that won’t break when it’s heated up and cooled down in the kiln. Sadly this means that all your leftover bits from other projects will probably not be suitable for fusing. All the pieces have to be compatible with each other for successful fusing.
Related Questions
Do glass colors change in kilncasting? How do Bullseye colors look after firing? Do all Bullseye glasses perform the same in the kiln?
Helpful Resources
About Our Glass TechNote 4: Heat and Glass Kilnforming Project Notes Form Get a Reaction: Bullseye Copper-Bearing Glasses Get a Reaction: Bullseye Reactive Glasses What to Expect from Opaline Striker Frit
What are the important details when fusing metals with glass?
It is important to know the COE of your glass and rates of expansion.
Do metals need annealing?
The general rule is that smaller pieces of metal and glass need less annealing. The larger the glass thickness and the larger amounts of metals, the slower and longer the annealing schedule needs to be. C. Find out if the metal is a pure metal like Brass, Copper, etc. or if it is an alloy, which is a mix of different metals.
Can alloys change glass?
Alloys can vary widely and can significantly change the expected results when fusing between glass. We sell a full line of jewelry size metal inclusions that are test fired for you so you do not have to worry about metal content and we also offer metal wire and sheets in copper and brass to give you freedom of design.
