poked dot bubbling clear

shari-kim · #1 2010-09-28, 8:34pm

was wondering if someone could help me figure out something.... why does the clear have little bubbles in it? what am i doing wrong

Toni Lutman · #2 2010-09-28, 8:55pm

Not all clears are created equal.

Some are better than others. Some almost always scum.

Some almost never scum. Some scum less when you work cooler. Some batches within the same type are better than others.

So to better answer, which clear are you using?

Otter's Flame · #3 2010-09-28, 9:03pm

Toni is right, all clears are not created equal but for small dots, whatever clear you are using you are probably heating the clear dot too much and boiling it. Finding a clear that doesn't boil so easy will help but try working cooler and further out in the flame.

Otter

shari-kim · #4 2010-09-28, 9:44pm

Thanks, i might be working too hot.... i dont know what clear i use, just the cheap one

but i'll try cooler, i've done it many times before but im trying to make owl eyes (with DH) and i keep getting many many tiny bubbles so you cant see the one bubble i desire!

lonerp · #5 2010-09-28, 10:26pm

Many small bubbles can form on the surface of the color you are putting clear on, if the surface of the base bead is too cool

In my experience the base bead needs to be "cool", but the very surface just needs a quick flash before dotting on the clear.

j2canoe · #6 2010-09-29, 4:25am

If you are using moretti clear stringer - there was a batch about a year ago that is just FULL of teeny tiny bubbles. It doesn't matter what you do with it - you have bubbles that look like you used baking soda. I use it only when I want that effect now - you can't tell by looking at the rod. The only difference I can see is that they are more "white" looking when placed next to good stringer.

Elizabeth Beads · #7 2010-09-29, 9:51am

Double Helix Aether clear is perfect for capping poked dots. No bubbles, no scum.