Reichenbach Multicolor COE 104 (RL-6209)

French Twist · #1 2011-04-23, 8:32am

I just got this glass. On the first bead I somehow managed to bring out a lot of different colors - esp. the purples. But I haven't been able to do it since. Before I waste anymore glass, I'd like to know if anyone has any helpful hints for drawing out the purple (and other colors) in this glass?

gemsinbloom · #2 2011-04-23, 8:35am

I only use the 96 and it is a really funky glass. I find I get can purples in one kiln and blues in another, no idea why. I tend to work it lower in the flame to get it super hot, cool and then strike. I cool and strike a few times.

French Twist · #3 2011-04-23, 8:43am

Thank you for your quick reply. Yes, I tried that - hot, cool and then strike (repeatedly) - but it didn't give me any purples. My kiln setting is always the same, so . . . hmmm?!

gemsinbloom · #4 2011-04-23, 8:57am

I can only get the purples in my one kiln and I have no idea why...

Did you get blues instead?

French Twist · #5 2011-04-23, 9:59am

On a larger, oval shaped bead I got a beautiful blend of greens (including a nice blue-green) with purple stripes and a beautiful gloss. But on the smaller beads - mostly green with a few off-color greens and browns. Still pretty, but no purple. Hmm. Now that I write this - I'm wondering if time in the heat is more important than striking. I'm thinking this because the larger bead was in the heat so much longer than the small ones. I'll try another large bead today and see if that's the answer.

mtnglass · #6 2011-04-23, 10:04am

I have found that you need to let it cool to the point that the color starts "blooming" or turning dark before you stick it back in the flame. The dark color will turn purple in the kiln or as it cools down.

Locococo · #7 2011-04-23, 12:18pm

I can't get out any color of Reichenbach 104 striking colors like Multicolor or Iris Orange.
I'm much more successful with the 96.
If you wanna get purples, try the Multicolor 96. R-736C

Elke

Jaterwunky · #8 2011-04-23, 1:57pm

Elke those are gorgeous... And here i am trying to get rid of my stash of 96.. Your making it hard!!!! Drat!!!!

French Twist · #9 2011-04-23, 2:01pm

Locococo, your beads are beautiful!! So - this is probably a stupid question, but can 96 be used with 104? Can a hothead handle 96 COE?

Thanks -

French Twist · #10 2011-04-23, 2:04pm

Mtnglass - Thanks for the reply. I just made a few small beads and discovered the blooming, as you called it. Glad to know what now looks black will (hopefully) be purple. Thanks!

2tumblingdragonz · #11 2011-04-23, 6:24pm

I'm wondering what kiln gives you the purples, I wonder if the kiln walls are different material affecting the ph or amount of oxygen emitted, or something like that?

namaste
Rowyn

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemsinbloom

I can only get the purples in my one kiln and I have no idea why...

Did you get blues instead?

Locococo · #12 2011-04-24, 1:35am

Quote:

Originally Posted by French Twist

Locococo, your beads are beautiful!! So - this is probably a stupid question, but can 96 be used with 104? Can a hothead handle 96 COE?

Thanks -

The beads shown were made on a base of Effetre black 104, decorated with Multicolor 96 frit.
Kiln annealed and never got problems with cracks.
Sorry, I never worked on a hothead, so no help here.

Elke

SilverRiverJewelry · #13 2011-04-24, 3:55am

The multi color seems to strike much better when the bead is rolled on a cool surface, just like the iris orange I have found.

French Twist · #14 2011-04-24, 7:10am

Thanks, Sonja. Just checked yesterday's batch of beads, and I got lots of beautiful blues and blue greans - but no purples. Now that I think about it, the larger bead that I made (and got pretty purples) was rolled several times - so your suggestion makes sense. Will try it today.