Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Lampworking Tip n Tricks => Topic started by: Kaz on March 05, 2009, 08:24:58 AM

Title: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Kaz on March 05, 2009, 08:24:58 AM
I know you put a pen or something up to it and then look at the reflection to see if there is a gap but can't remember which way round. And am I right that the uncoated side goes nearest the flame in order to encase the dichro coated side? I have made one dichro bead that was OK but I think it was more by luck!
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: julieHB on March 05, 2009, 08:31:56 AM
Kaz, yes you need to put the coated side to the bead, so the dichroic coating is not exposed directly to the flame (unless it is dichro on black, of course  ::)).

I normally hold the glass up to a lamp at an angle that gives full reflection from the piece - if there is a strip along the edge with no reflection you are looking at the uncoated side (the see-through edge is the clear glass you are looking through). If there is a solid reflection along the whole piece you are looking at the coated side.

When working with fusing I normally take a cd-marker and doodle all over the dichro piece - that way I know immediately know later which side is up (The pen marks burns away).
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Mary on March 05, 2009, 09:05:22 AM
Kaz, yes touch the surface with a pen or pokey tool point. If there is a gap in reflections that's the uncoated side (try it with a mirror, they are coated on the back too). If the reflections touch, it's the coated side.
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Kaz on March 05, 2009, 09:27:44 AM
Thank you - may even have a play this evening!
Kazx
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: GlassOcean on March 05, 2009, 09:39:52 AM
Are the strips COE 104 Kaz? 
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Kaz on March 05, 2009, 10:34:29 AM
Oh yes!
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: GlassOcean on March 05, 2009, 10:56:40 AM
Oh No!  Another thing to put on my v.long wish list!!! 

Are they from Martin? 

Actually don't tell me.......no do tell me......AARRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Kaz on March 05, 2009, 12:04:50 PM
Here you go
http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/Shop/CategoryProducts.aspx?CategoryId=66
I have the mixed pack (clear not black) which is on page 2.
I think they are having a sale next week from Tuesday for beadmaking stuff so maybe these will be in?
Kazx
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Trudi on March 05, 2009, 01:15:19 PM
Make sure you melt glass around the sides and a clear over the top (Lauscha is best) to stop the scumming! If you can get fused strips it's much easier!!
Title: Re: Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips
Post by: Kaz on March 05, 2009, 01:15:52 PM
Those are fused strips ???