How to Keep Copper Inclusions from Oxidizing in Fused Glass
Copper makes a great inclusion when fused in glass, but it will oxidize and turn a dull red color during the fusing process. However, you can easily clean and prepare copper for inclusion in fused glass projects in a few simple steps.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Copper sheet or wire
- Detergent soap
- Pickle solution or lemon juice
- Large pot or crock pot
- Super Spray (or other product) or clear glass paint
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut your copper sheet or wire to the shape you want for your inclusion.
-
2
Clean your copper by washing it with detergent and water.
-
-
3
Place the copper in a warm pickle solution bath in a large pot for about 15 minutes. You can use a commercial pickle designed for metalsmithing, or just use simple lemon juice. A small crock pot is an excellent tool for pickling copper.
-
4
Remove the copper item from the pickle using copper tongs to prevent getting any oils back on the cleaned copper. Pat dry with paper towels or use a hair dryer.
-
5
Coat the copper on both sides with Super Spray -- a commercially avaialble chemical compound -- or similar metal-treating product. Alternately, you can use a clear glass paint to coat and protect the copper. Spray or paint the copper in one direction, then spray or paint a second coat perpendicular to the first.
-
6
Allow the copper to dry, place your the inclusion within your fused glass design and fire according to your usual schedule.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Super Spray and similar products can be purchased at art glass stores and online.
Be sure to wear a mask when working with chemical sprays.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
