How to Flatten Glass Bottles

You can flatten a glass bottle in a toaster oven in thirty-two hours' time. You can use flattened glass bottles as a spoon rest for cooking, a serving platter, or as a wall hanging.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toaster Oven
• Glass Bottle
• Salt
• Flat Metal Tray

Flatten Glass Bottle in Toaster Oven

1. Move the toaster oven to open counter space so that no sides of the oven are in contact with any object. Place the metal tray into the oven and sprinkle a teaspoon of salt on the tray. Place the bottle in the oven and turn it on to 200 degrees for two hours. This will heat the glass you want to flatten.

2. Turn up the heat to 500 degrees, but not to broil because you want both heating elements to be on. Heat the bottle at around 500 degrees for 10 hours. After 10 hours the glass should be completely flat.

3. Turn the temperature down to 200 degrees for 15 hours. This will cool down the glass and stabilize it so it is less likely to crack or break after flattening.

4. Turn the oven off and let the bottle cool in the oven for five hours. After the bottle is completely cool it is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a u-shaped piece of wire in the neck of the bottle before flattening, with the bent portion sticking out. When the bottle is flattened and cooled, you can use the wire to hang the bottle on the wall.
• Use caution when working with glass. Glass can easily shatter and possibly explode. Use extreme caution when working with glass and toaster ovens. Paper labels can burn during flattening, so monitor your bottle to avoid open flames. Use of professional glass equipment is highly recommended. Flatten glass bottles at your own risk.

Resources

• Flatten a Bottle in Your Oven Video