Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Lampworking Tip n Tricks => Topic started by: Jolene on October 12, 2007, 04:58:00 PM

Title: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Jolene on October 12, 2007, 04:58:00 PM
I was wondering if anyone makes their own bead release and would be happy to share their recipe?

Thanks, Jo
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: GlassOcean on October 12, 2007, 07:57:26 PM
I would love to know too Jolene, my pot has dried up already, can you add water to it do you know?
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Mary on October 12, 2007, 09:19:51 PM
Yes, when it dries up you just add water (not softened water) and shake.

Not sure about making your own. I saw details once, that required several things including diatomaceous earth, and other hard-to-find bits that come in hundredweight bags (well, maybe not that bad, but you get the idea!). Since there is so much variation in the named brands, I wouldn't like to risk making a pile of junk, I prefer to buy one I know will work!
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Jolene on October 12, 2007, 10:22:28 PM
I added water to mine but I went over the top LOL

With the postal strikes next week I am sure that any I order will not arrive quickly and even tho I am new to beadmaking I can't imagine having to spend a whole week away from my torch..... :'(

Looks as though making my own won't be a possible solution......does anyone know of a stockist in or near London, maybe I could go to pick some up?

Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Bumpy Beads on October 12, 2007, 10:23:50 PM
Jo if you leave the lid off and put it somewhere warmish, it'll thicken up again as  the water in it evaporates.
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Jolene on October 12, 2007, 10:32:00 PM
Quote from: Bumpy Beads on October 12, 2007, 10:23:50 PM
Jo if you leave the lid off and put it somewhere warmish, it'll thicken up again as  the water in it evaporates.

Brilliant! I will give that a go :)
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Vicki on October 13, 2007, 12:29:14 AM
it does seem to thicken quite quickly ;)
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Redhotsal on October 14, 2007, 11:58:04 PM
Reading Stained Glass may have some or you could try the stained glass shop in Camden - they might hold bead stuff now?

You can use Batt Wash - whch you can get from Potterycraft in Battersea

http://www.potterycrafts.co.uk/extra%20content/generic.asp?GroupID=20&bannerId=233&section=b.d&file=../extra%20content/misc.html (http://www.potterycrafts.co.uk/extra%20content/generic.asp?GroupID=20&bannerId=233&section=b.d&file=../extra%20content/misc.html)

Just add water and mix to yorkshire pudding batter consistency and dip.
This will see you through the postal strike as long as you are happy to make small beads. It isn't strong enough to hold for larger beads or anything sculptural but the beads never stick and it's absolutely first class for clean holes! And for lining your kiln shelves of course.
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Jolene on October 15, 2007, 10:16:15 AM
Sally,

Thank you for the info about Batt Wash, it is really helpful.....I had no idea there was a stained glass store in Camden!! Will definitely go check it out as I am getting my Mum tools for glass cutting etc for her Birthday.

Thanks, Jo
Title: Re: Making your own bead release?
Post by: Redhotsal on October 15, 2007, 10:35:48 AM
Yessir - Hartland Road, tucked away just off the main drag - a real little gem of a stained glass shop - loads of unusual glasses I'd never seen anywhere else!

http://www.leadandlight.co.uk/home%20page.htm (http://www.leadandlight.co.uk/home%20page.htm)