How to Use Dichroic Glass
Dichroic glass is an extraordinary, fascinating and appealing glass used by artisans to create individualized pieces for use in their designs. Also known as fused glass, it is commonly used for jewelry projects. The glass's appeal is its appearance once fused and fired. Upon inspection of a section of fused glass, the colors change in vibrancy, appearing as two or more colors depending on the angle the glass is being viewed from. Jewelry makers covet dichroic glass for the value it adds to their projects. Using dichroic glass can be tricky while becoming adept at the technique, however, once mastered, it becomes second nature.
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Things You'll Need
- Black base glass
- Glass cutter
- Fusing glue
- Dichroic glass sheets
- Clear base glass
- Hemostats
- Glass kiln
Instructions
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1
Cut or break a section of black base glass and lay it on your work area. This will be your starting point for the piece you're making.
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2
Choose and cut sections of dichroic glass from sheets to layer color on the base glass for the piece you're making. Dichroic glass pendants, beads and other items are usually made with several layers of glass.
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3
Apply a thin layer of fusing glue to the top of the base glass, allowing it to dry just until tacky to the touch.
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4
Attach a layer of colored dichroic glass to the top of the base glass. Allow the fusing glue to dry completely.
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5
Repeat the fusing steps with as many layers of glass as desired for the project to get the color effect you want.
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6
Apply one more thin layer of fusing glue to the top layer of dichroic glass, allowing it to dry until tacky to the touch.
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Cut a piece of clear base glass and place it over the top of the layers of dichroic glass. This strengthens the glass, adds depth, gives it a smoother finish and a professionally made appearance, increasing its value when being used in a jewelry project.
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8
Use hemostats and grab the glass layers from the sides to place them into the kiln. Not every kiln fires at the same heat. It will be important for you to be familiar with the temperature and timing of the one you are using to avoid the project being destroyed. Dichroic glass is fired usually in three stages lasting 30 minutes each. The first stage is 500 degrees, the next is 1000 degrees, and the final stage is 1500 degrees, for a total firing time of 90 minutes.
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Remove the piece from the kiln once it has cooled enough to touch. It is now ready to have a bail attached to it for use in a necklace, or bracelet.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need to create a design ahead of time for when it is time to cut the glass. Dichroic glass sheets are not inexpensive and not planning ahead can waste glass and money. Hold the sheets of glass next to each other to effectively determine which colors will complement each other. Make sure you use enough layers of glass to ensure the piece will not be fragile.
A kiln can cause third-degree burns or a fire if not used properly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions when using the kiln. Do not have the kiln near anything flammable or combustible.
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Comments
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how do you tell the "right from wrong" side of dichroicglass.
