How to Maintain Texture While Fusing Glass

School glue can help keep the texture of glass.

Fusing glass is the process of stacking two pieces of compatible glass on top of each other and heating until they fuse together to form one. This technique can create some interesting designs for jewelry, bowls or sculptures. Using textured glass creates an added dimension to the design in the fused piece. However, when the glass heats up, it is often difficult to keep the texture in the glass. Using the correct types of glass with the right preparation are the keys to keeping the texture in the fused glass.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of dichroic glass
• Small bowl
• White school glue
• Water
• Plastic spoon
• Soft paintbrush
• Clear frit with same coefficient of expansion (COE) as the dichroic glass
• Piece of clear glass
• Kiln

Instructions

1. Place the dichroic glass on your work surface with the textured side up.

2. Mix one part school glue to three parts water in a small bowl. Stir well.

3. Coat the textured side of the dichroic glass with the diluted glue mixture using the paintbrush. Use smooth strokes; avoid leaving clumps of glue or puddles.

4. Sprinkle the clear frit on top of the painted dichroic glass before the diluted glue dries.

5. Stack the clear glass on top of the dichroic piece.

6. Fire in the kiln at 1,250 to 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Crack the top to follow the progression of the firing. Turn the kiln off when the piece has fused and crash cool to 1,100 F.

7. Close the kiln top. Allow the glass to cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Always let the glass cool before opening the kiln. Opening the kiln while the glass is still hot can cause it to crack.