How to Make Fused Glass Shapes
Make fused glass shapes free-style or with a glass fusing mold. These can be used for jewelry pendants, dishes, vases, candle holders or numerous other decorative household items. Fusing glass requires a kiln and glass or glass frit (granulated glass) with the same thermal coefficient of expansion (COE). Glass with different COE can crack while cooling because it cools at different rates. Kiln wash or shelf paper is important to prevent the glass from sticking to the mold or kiln shelf.
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Things You'll Need
- Kiln wash or kiln shelf paper
- Kiln mold or kiln shelf
- Kiln brush (to apply kiln wash)
- Glass or glass frit
- Safety glasses
- Glass cutter
- Glass pliers
- Glass grinder
- Soap and water
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Latex or nitrile gloves
- Kiln glue
- Kiln furniture
Instructions
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1
Paint the mold or kiln shelf with kiln wash, or place a piece of shelf paper to cover the shelf. Make sure the mold or shelf is fully covered to prevent the glass from sticking when it fuses. This may require a few layers of kiln wash. Allow the kiln wash to dry completely between each application.
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2
Cut the glass into shapes for the design using the glass cutter and pliers.
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3
Smooth the edges with the glass grinder.
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4
Wash the pieces of glass in soap and water and dry them thoroughly to remove any fingerprints and grease or oil from the glass cutter. Handle the glass pieces with gloved hands after washing to avoid getting fingerprints on them.
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5
Arrange the glass pieces on the kiln shelf in the pattern for your design. Use kiln glue to keep the layers in place if needed. Layer the glass frit in the mold, if using glass frit. Mound the glass frit along the middle of the mold to keep sharp edges from forming along the sides of the mold as it fuses.
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Set the kiln for the fusing program as per the manufacturer's instructions. A full fuse requires temperatures between 1,450 to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit (F), tack fuse 1,350 to 1,450 degrees F, and slump fuse 1,200 to 1,300 degrees F, while a kiln mold fuses between 1,500 to 1,600 degrees.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety glasses when cutting and grinding glass.
Do not leave the kiln unattended while it is in use.
