How to Use a Drop Mold to Slump Glass
Fused glass must be slumped to turn the sheet of lovely art glass into a usable plate, bowl or vessel. Drop molds use gravity to create a fused glass plate or bowl. This tutorial will explain how to use a drop mold and a glass fusing kiln to create fabulous art glass to be used daily or on special occasions.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Drop mold.
Gather your tools and materials. Select the drop mold that you want to use for your project. Here we have selected a drop mold that is rectangular with an oval drop in the center made from bisque.
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2
Kiln stilts.
Drop molds use gravity to create a shape. If you use tall stilts, the glass will slump to be used as a bowl. If you select shallow stilts, the result will be a slumped plate or platter (depending on size and use). Decide how deep you want the piece and collect the stilts or kiln bricks that are a corresponding depth.
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3
Shelf primer for glass fusing.
Prepare the drop mold with kiln wash. Be sure that the mold is well prepared and that the sides of the mold are thoroughly coated. If the glass sticks even a little bit due to a thin kiln wash coat, then the glass will break rather than slump.
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4
Drop mold on stilts.
Place the kiln bricks or stilts into the kiln. Place the mold on top of the bricks or stilts used.
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5
Prepared Paragon Kiln.
Place the glass on top of the prepared mold. Fire using this schedule as a guide:
Ramp ºF/Hr Target temperature Hold for
1 200 1000 5 min.
2 Full 1250 12 min.
3 Full 960 1 hour
4 150 750 0
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1
Tips & Warnings
Drops molds can be bought commercially where glass fusing supplies are sold or made from a variety of materials. In this example, we used a bisque picture frame as a drop mold.
Never leave a kiln unattended when firing.
Always take fire safety measures when using a kiln.
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- Photo Credit © GeltDesigns 2009 All rights reserved.
