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Fusing and Stained Glass Tips and FAQ's => Fusing Tips and FAQ's => Tools & Equipment => Topic started by: Rachel on August 19, 2007, 07:09:11 PM

Title: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: Rachel on August 19, 2007, 07:09:11 PM
Hi all

Haven't actually fused anything yet - still in the process of reading and getting it clear in my head.  I've seen sandblasting mentioned several times.  I'm assuming that you can do this to give the glass a matt look?

So is that all it's used for or is it a necessary part of the fusing/finishing process? :-\

Cheers - Rachel
Title: Re: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: littlegiggles on August 19, 2007, 07:19:39 PM
with glass work there are two phases hot work and cold work.  Sandblasting is one of the cold work techniques which as you say gives the piece a matt finish, it can also etch the piece to remove layers of glass to give an interesting effect... the matt finish is more intense than etching

its not and essential part of a piece but can create interesting effects
Title: Re: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: Rachel on August 19, 2007, 08:09:35 PM
Thanks Julie - that's a relief.  I was thinking - oh no more money to spend :)

Title: Re: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: CelticGlass on August 19, 2007, 08:32:42 PM
Lorra subjects on here keep bouncing around like a power ball..... sandblasting search found my old thread.....

http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3256.msg61879#msg61879
Title: Re: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: Zeldazog on August 19, 2007, 10:55:46 PM
I've not tried sandblasting anything that I have fused out of coloured Bullseye, but I have used it to great effect on float glass (as well as giving the matt look, it got rid of a few fingerprints that wouldn't go away....)

Now, sandblasting Bullseye - there's an idea to try .......  :)
Title: Re: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: beadysam on August 19, 2007, 11:00:32 PM
I did a bit when doing stained glass at college, good fun and nice effects.  Hubby has got an unused cabinet in his workshop - must dig it out.... ;)
Title: Re: What's sandblasting all about?
Post by: Mary on August 20, 2007, 08:51:49 AM
I've seen sandblasted beads, where sections are masked off in different stages. They were 3D, like really swish cameos. Cool!