How to Fuse & Slump Glass
Fusing and slumping glass is a way to create art or craft items by assembling different shapes and colors of glass and then using a kiln to melt, or "fuse," the pieces together into one solid piece of glass. The final shape is then created by placing the fused piece over a ceramic or stainless-steel mold, such as a bowl, and reheating the fused piece in a kiln until it becomes pliable and "slumps" into the mold, giving you a glass bowl.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Place a kiln shelf on your work table beside a sketch of the piece you want to make. Place an oversized piece of shelf paper over your shelf to keep the hot glass from sticking to it.
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Cut out each piece of glass with glass cutters, following your sketch. For difficult cuts, it is better to cut your piece too large than too small. Cut one additional piece the full size of the artwork for the background.
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3
Grind down the edges of the pieces where required for shape, using your glass grinder.
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4
Wash all pieces of glass in warm water, and dry them with a lint-free cloth. Handle the glass with lint-free gloves after cleaning to prevent contaminating the glass.
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5
Place the full-size piece of glass on the shelf paper, and place the rest of the glass on top, following the artwork. Add pieces of glass around the perimeter of the piece to maintain two layers of glass to prevent the sides from creeping in as the glass melts.
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Program the kiln to provide the required firing segments, depending on the size and shape of the piece and the manufacturer of the glass.
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Carry your kiln shelf to the kiln, and place it on the floor of the kiln. Check to see that all the pieces are where you want them. Close the kiln lid, and start the kiln to fire the piece.
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8
Paint the slumping mold with a coat of kiln-wash to keep the glass from sticking to the mold. Place the cooled, fired piece of glass on the top of the mold so that it does not hang over the sides, and place it in the kiln.
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Reprogram the kiln for a slump firing with the type and size glass you are using, and start the kiln.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to design so that you have at least two layers of glass throughout the piece.
Start with transparent glass, because it is much easier to work with.
Create designs without tight curves, which are hard to cut.
Keep detailed records of each firing so that you don't repeat mistakes.
Do not reach into the kiln while power is turned on.
Do not open the kiln to peek while it is firing. It is harmful to your eyes and the kiln.
Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when working with glass.
Do not remove pieces from the kiln until they reach room temperature.
Use only glass with the same Coefficient of Expansion (COE); otherwise your piece of glass is likely to break.
