How to Fuse Mosaic Glass Tiles in a Kiln

Mosaics are an ancient technique. Examples of mosaics are found in ancient Egypt and the Roman era. You can find beautiful examples of mosaics in Pompeii. The mosaic methodology transcends generations. Kiln formed, fused glass mosaics are a modern permutation of the classic art form. Fused mosaic tiles make great accent pieces for kitchen back splashes, bathroom showers and any other place where you use tiles. Make the kiln formed mosaic to the exact size you need for your project. Kiln formed mosaics are easier to install as accents than creating an actual mosaic.

Things You'll Need

• Fusible glass
• Glass powder or frit
• Glue gun
• Glass fusing kiln

Instructions

1. Sketch a design for your fused glass mosaic.

2. Cut an 8-by-8 inch square piece of clear fusible glass. Cut two pieces of glass 8 inches long by 1 inch wide. Cut two additional pieces of glass 6 inches long by 1 inch wide.

3. Place the four strips on the outside of the clear glass to create a frame. Glue the glass frame with a hot glue gun. Set the frame aside until the glue dries.

4. Cut small pieces of glass. Assemble the small pieces of fusible glass into your sketched pattern. Fill the spaces with glass powder.

5. Fire the glass to full fuse according to the recommendations of the glass manufacturer for the fusible glass you are using in your project.
   For glass with a coefficient of expansion (COE) of 90, use the following firing schedule as a guide. Heat the kiln up at a rate of 600 degrees per hour until the kiln reaches 1,490 degrees. Hold the kiln at 1,490 degrees for 15 minutes. Drop the temperature of the kiln as fast as you can until the kiln reaches the annealing temperature of about 950 degrees. Hold the temperature of the kiln at 950 degrees for about 10 minutes. Lower the temperature of the kiln 150 degrees per hour until the kiln reaches 750 degrees. Hold for a minute or two and then allow the kiln to return to room temperature before opening the kiln and removing the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• You can vary the size of the mosaic. Adjust the size of the base plate and frame to increase or decrease the size of the fused mosaic tile.

• Never leave a kiln unattended when firing.

• Kilns vary. Keep records of your firing schedule and the result for future reference.

References

• "A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass"; Brenda Griffith; 2007
• "Warm Glass: a Complete Guide to Kiln-Forming Techniques"; Philippa Beveridge, Ignasi Doménech, Eva Pacual; 2005
• "The Fused Glass Handbook"; Gil Reynolds; 1987