|Stained Glass • Fusing • Mosaics • Jewelry Supplies|
Fusing glass in a kiln is a fascinating technique that enables artists to create unique and gorgeous projects. The following fusing rules and firing instructions should provide you with enough information to make a variety of projects, creating an appreciation for the complexities and potential of fused glass, and paving the way for more intricate designs and ideas.
When glass is heated inside a kiln it expands, and when it cools it contracts. When fusing two or more pieces of glass together, they need to expand and contract at the same rate. Otherwise, when the glass cools, one glass will pull on the other and cause the piece to crack along the seam. Even if the glass survives the cooling process, there is still a risk it might still crack if you try to reheat it in a kiln or even place it in a sunny window. Stress from incompatible glass is always in the piece. Do not try to refire broken incompatible glass.
When heating glass to full fuse, anything with less mass will shrink up, anything with more will spread out. This movement can be controlled somewhat by fusing slower, and not going to full fuse.
|Brittle Zone Tack Fuse Full Fuse|
Glass Fusing Stages For Mini Kilns
Use for table top kilns, pieces 1/4" thick, and 3" - 6" in diameter (larger pieces should be heated and cooled slower to prevent thermal shock.
Suggested SuppliesBasic Supplies
Listed with Delphi item numbers for quick reference
#6955 Studio 8 Fusing Beginner Kit (see image to right)
Kiln Parts All glass fusing kilns have basically the same parts:
Jennifer BonesteelThursday, July 30, 2015
I want to use the twisted rope to make holes right through my glass, once fused is there an easy way to remove the fired rope from in between the glass. Right now I have put the glass into water and then used a fishing line to try and push strands through.
Jennifer BonesteelFriday, February 13, 2015
I am new to fusing glass. I have used kiln paper and I have used kiln wash, my pieces come out rough on the back. How do you prevent that from happening/ Thanks
Jennifer BonesteelWednesday, June 25, 2014
I am new to glass fusing and hae been trying out different pieces of glass to make pendants. Using the ripple glass I am having an issue. What's happening is the ripple glass seems to be slipping out fromthe clear glass on top -- most of it covers well but the sides or top seem to pop out of the clear glass even though they are the same size or even sometimes a bit larger. Any tips on this? Does the thickness of the clear glass matter? Kate