How to Make Glass Beads in a Kiln
Annealing softens resistant material, such as glass, and allows it to cure. When creating glass beads, a kiln works to anneal the beads properly. By firing glass in a kiln, glass beads become durable and do not break as easily. Working with glass beads requires some skill. The process is complex. The more you practice the better you will get at making designs for your beads. Begin slowly and create a basic, round bead. From there, you can learn to add detail and form distinctive pieces.
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Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Flame retardant clothing
- Plumber's torch
- Glass rods
- Bead release compound
- Steel mandrel
- Kiln
- High-temperature thermometer
- Clock or watch
Instructions
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Create the Glass Beads
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Set up your work area. When creating glass beads you will need a well-ventilated area. Put on protective goggles and flame retardant clothing.
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Turn on the plumber's torch and set it to the highest available setting. Push the tip of the rod into the flame on the torch, moving it back and forth evenly to heat the glass. Spin the rod as it heats. Continue to heat the rod until you see a ball form on the end of the piece.
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Dip the steel mandrel into the release compound. A mandrel is a rod used to shape glass or metal. Mandrels come in all sizes. You want a thin, mandrel designed for beading. A release agent, referred to a bead release or sludge, is a compound the keeps glass from sticking to the metal. Both products sell at most craft or hobby stores.
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Wrap the melting bead of glass around end of the mandrel. Insert the mandrel tip into the molten glass and begin turning the rod. This will wrap the glass around the end of the steel. As you turn the mandrel, layers of glass will form on the tip, developing into a bead.
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Dip the wrapped tip of the mandrel into the flame to help shape the bead. This will take practice to perfect.
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Pull the finished bead out of the flame and allow it to cool. Do not set the piece down until the molten glow fades or the bead will be misshaped.
Using the Kiln
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Set the beads inside the kiln about 1/4 inches apart. You can heat many beads at once.
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Shut the kiln door and turn on the heating element. The key to properly annealing glass in a kiln is temperature control. Use a high-temperature thermometer to monitor the temperature of the unit. Follow the directions provided with the product to set up the thermometer.
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Raise the heat on the kiln five degrees every minute until the temperature reaches 945-degrees.
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Heat the beads for 30-minutes at 945-degrees.
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Lower the kiln temperature six degrees per minute until the thermometer reads 600-degrees.
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Remove the beads from the kiln and allow them to cool at room temperature for at least three hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Creating glass beads works with extremely high temperatures. Take all safety precautions necessary to protect yourself. Keep a fire extinguisher close by and a bucket of cool water in case you are burned. If possible, take a class in glass beadwork as opposed to trying this process on your own. Creating beads takes practice. Do not attempt to learn this at home alone. Read the instructions provided with all products before using. This includes the torch and kiln.
References
- Photo Credit wood beads, colored beads image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
