How to Fuse Dichroic Glass
Fusing glass is the process of joining pieces of glass. A kiln is used for fusing and heating at high temperatures until the glass flows together. When fusing pieces of glass together, they need to have the same coefficient of expansion. Glass comes in COEs of 90, 104, and 33. This is the rate at which the glass expands and contracts. If you fuse different COEs together, the glass will crack. Fuse dichroic glass the same as any glass.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Kiln
- Kiln shelve
- Kiln wash or fiber paper
- Dichroic glass
- Base glass
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1
Use a glass kiln. There are a lot different brands of glass kilns. Glass kilns have the heating elements on the inside lid and are easier to fuse the glass in since they are made for that purpose. The newer kilns on the market are computerized and programmable.
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2
Place shelf in kiln. The shelf should be prepared with a kiln wash. Kiln wash is a protected wash used on the kiln shelf so the glass will not adhere to the shelf. A fiber paper is also available and comes in a roll or squares. Cut the paper to the size of the project or cut it to cover the shelf.
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3
Place the piece you wish to fuse on the prepared shelf in kiln. This will be a base piece of glass cut to the desired shape with the dichroic glass placed on top. Place a clear piece of the glass on top of the dichroic glass and the base glass. You now have three layers. The three pieces of glass need to all have the same COE.
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4
Prepare the kiln for firing. Close the lid and leave one peephole open. Set the program for slow ramp and cone 015. This a full fuse at 1,450 degrees. Hold the temperature at 1,450 degrees for 15 minutes or more if desired. The longer you hold at the higher temperature, the larger it will spread and round out. The spreading out will break up the texture of the dichroic glass, which gives an interesting effect.
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5
Open the lid once the temperature is reached. This is called "flashing venting." Cool down to 1,000 degrees and then close the lid. Cool down until the kiln has reached room temperature. This will take hours. Once room temperature is reached, you can remove the fused piece.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different dichroic glass and bases. Take a beginners' class in fusing glass. Read books on fusing glass.
