How to Blend Clear Coat in Glassblowing

Glassblowing is as much an art as the final glass product the glassblower makes. A glassblower takes raw glass from a semiliquid glob, much like melted honey, and forms it into a sphere that can be made into a vase or jar. Colors are applied in layers and then you need to apply and melt in a clear layer of glass for strength.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Apply the clear glass to the jar or vase you are working on. This is one of the final steps to the project's being completed. Once you have a nice even coat of the clear glass at the thickness of your choosing, you need to melt it in to the piece without ruining the colors underneath and making a mess of what you've already done.

2. Place the piece back into the furnace while it's still on the puntil (pronounced "punty") rod. Every process in glassblowing has to be done with precision in order not to ruin the piece. You want to get the piece very hot to melt the clear glass in while at the same time keeping a watchful eye on it so that your piece doesn't lose its hard-won shape and you end up starting over.

3. Take it out and use the marver and wet blocks to round off the end of the piece. Look for any spots that the clear glass didn't cover and patch those up. Put it back into the furnace until you are satisfied that the clear coat is melted and blended in.