I tried so many different ways including fitting large globs of glass next to each other like huge dots. Frit doesn't work because with clear the edges catch even the tiniest hint of an impurity. Essentially the has rough edges. Stringer and noodles work better. The best way is to get a fairly large glob of hot molten glass on the end of the clear rod. The bead should be cool enough that the initial glow has faded for a few seconds, so it would be like the temp it is just before it goes into the kiln. Then you have the glob at a hot glow, wait 3 seconds (1 kangaroo, 2 kangaroo, 3 kangaroo) and smoosh it all the way around the bead.
BTW, I melt off the very tip of the rod and have cleaned the clear rod in advance. Otherwise it will scum up.
My favorite clears have been classic Lauscha formula, the stiff one and now Zephyr which "melts like butter" and stays clear and beautiful.
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Yes, I am FosterFire Bead Release.
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