How to Put Stained Glass in a Rock Tumbler
A rock tumbler can be used on stained glass pieces either to make them resemble sea glass or to smooth the edges for use in mosaics and tiles. The process differs slightly depending on what effect you would like to achieve. For a sea glass effect, you will need to use coarse-to-medium fine grit and tumble for a few days to a week or so to roughen the surface and round the sharp edges. When tumbling glass to take off the sharp edges for mosaics, all you need is water with a little soap.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Rotary style rock tumbler
- Silicon carbide grit, coarse to medium fine (optional)
- Water (optional)
- Soap (optional)
- Mesh strainer
- Bowl
- Paper or cloth towels
Instructions
-
Sea Glass
-
1
Place the stained glass pieces into the rock tumbler.
-
2
Add the grit till the tumbler is about three-quarters full. Leave more space if there are larger pieces of glass so they have room to tumble.
-
-
3
Turn the rock tumbler on and leave it running for about 3 days before checking the glass to see if it has been tumbled to the correct roughness.
-
4
Turn it back on, if needed, for another day or so depending on how much longer it might require.
-
5
Pour the contents of the rock tumbler into the mesh sieve with a bowl underneath to catch the grit. Clean the tumbled glass with water and dry.
Mosaic Glass
-
6
Pour stained glass pieces into the rock tumbler.
-
7
Fill it about three-quarters full with water and add a drop or two of soap.
-
8
Tumble the glass for about 30 minutes before checking it to see if the sharp edges and corners have been dulled.
-
9
Run it longer if necessary; otherwise pour the contents out into the sieve and clean the glass with water before leaving it spread out to dry.
-
1
