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Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

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Old 2005-07-13, 11:59am
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Default Using Reduction Frit

Using Reduction Frit



Use reduction frits to create a metallic luster similar to a raku effect.

Review of Flame Control

For the most frequently used neutral flame, the general shape of the whole flame is rather straight. Adjust the oxygen and propane gases until the flame has a small, crisp looking inner dark blue flame with its very tip ever so slightly fuzzy. This inner blue flame will be about 1/4” to 3/8” long on most torches.

If the tip of the inner dark blue flame is very fuzzy and the general shape of the whole flame is slightly barrel shaped, you have a reduction flame.

If the tip of the blue flame is extremely sharp and well defined and the torch starts to make a whistling sound and the overall shape of the flame is needle like, you have an oxidation flame.

Application Of Frit

To use, place frit granules on a marvering pad (always wear a mask when using powder frit). Using a neutral flam, heat glass enough to pick up the frit and melt it fully into the surface for best compatibility. Form the glass to its final shape, and allow it to stiffen, but still remain hot. Then, quickly heat the surface of the glass until molten. Avoid allowing the inside to become molten or the glass will probably loose its shape during the following steps. Quickly change the flame to a strong reduction flame (excessive fuel gas, lacking in oxygen) and rotate the glass in it. The reduction frit should start changing within two seconds and continue to change for up to ten seconds. You must flame anneal the glass in this reduction flame. If you change the flame to a neutral or oxidation flame, the metallic raku effect will disappear and you will have to repeat the process.

Powder covers the glass with a continuous luster. Large frit makes a broken, mottled pattern. Frits contain lead and therefore have a wider compatibility range than other glasses. Reduction frit does not work with borosilicate (hard) glass, but does work with Effetre (Moretti) Vetrofond, Lauscha, Bullseye, Uroboros, Spectrum and Thompson Enamel.

Note: When you change to a reduction flame, the flame will probably increase in length. Be sure nothing is in its way. Also, the flame will feel hotter to you, but it is actually a cooler flame to the glass. The cooler flame eventually stops the process because the glass will cool and no longer be molten. The metallic oxides will not be able to get to the surface. This is why you must quickly change the flame to a reduction flame and immediately put the glass in it. Practice is required. Timing is very important. If you are not satisfied with the look, repeat the above procedure.

Glossary

Frit: Crushed colored glass that comes in various grit sizes. Finely ground frit is power.

Marvering Pad: Graphite pad or paddle used to shape glass or hold frit. Graphite has the advantage that it can be preheated to avoid thermal shock or be placed close to the flame to avoid heat loss when applying frit.

Annealing: Heating glass to a certain temperature either in the kiln or in the torch flame to relieve internal stress.


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