Hi all, I have made some dark red beads with gold foil on them, when I encased them I am getting a milky look in places on the encasing.
Does any one know what I am doing to cause this.
Rita
Could it be tiny bubbles? Check the end of your clear rod before you apply the encasing, and if it looks "scummy" use tweezers to pull the frothy bubbly bit off. It helps if you take care not to overcook the glass.
If it's not bubbles, sorry I don't know!
I've never used gold so I don't know if its a gold specific problem..?
Otherwise I agree with Mary, teeny tiny bubbles can look like white milky streaks. Its important to get your encasing glass very, very hot without burning or boiling it. When it gets really hot it can bubble and get scummy - and leave white streaks. If you find its the first area of clear you have put on your bead, it could be scum from the cut or used end of the rod. Heat the rod and pick off the end with tweezers before use, you'll save some problems later ;)
Is it effetre 006 - there was a bad batch a while ago that was quite mucky and scratched. Most of us now using it as the core for more expensive glass. Otherwise, echo the suggestions made above and add to make sure you are moving the clear around in the flame before applying to the bead - not just holding in one place as that can make it scummy and streaky.
Kazx
Thanks, yes it is Eff oo6 although I always clean my glass before using it, all the rods look quite scratched. Which clear is in you oppinion the best for clarity to encase?
Rita
Hi Rita
The latest batch of 006 is fine. I have all of the clears and 006 is my favourite generally - provided you clean it and remove the cut end.
Wouldn't touch Eff 004 or Vetrofond clear with a barge pole - though I know others swear by the Vetrofond.
Reichenbach clear is a good one and is easy to work but does have a slightly yellowy tinge to it.
Lauscha (stiff or soft) is the best for clarity but has known compatibility problems with silver and silver glass - if you are just using standard glass under the encasing and no inclusions, this is the one I would go for - Off Mandrel stock it
CIM clear is beautiful but again has compatibility issues with silver glass and sometimes even with other CIMs - again, if using standard glass beneath the encasing and no inclusions, then this is a good option and is well priced compared to the Lauscha.
Tag Clarity and DH Aether - both have nice clarity and work well with silver glass but are not, in my opinion, worth the huge price tags.
Precision (Northstar) clear is, in my opinion, the best clear you can buy - but it is expensive and very difficult to get hold of.
Bullseye clear is beautiful but it is a different COE so is only compatible with itself and not the standard glasses - it works nicely with frit though.
I haven't really used Plowden & Thompson so won't comment on those.
Hope that helps
Kazx
Quotemake sure you are moving the clear around in the flame before applying to the bead - not just holding in one place as that can make it scummy and streaky.
I didn't know that! ;)