Sugar beads?

anditsinthefish · February 22, 2013, 06:52:37 PM

So I got some #00 crystal frit from Val cox and decided to try some sugar beads. I did a clear and one on CIM poisoned apple and they both came out with a dark, metallic look on parts of the frit. They have the right texture but they have this strange finish on them. I don't know if its because I used a silver frit earlier on that day and that has some how affected them or weather I am doing something wrong..

any one know what I am doing to cause this? Thanks xx

spexy · February 22, 2013, 07:30:11 PM

Maybe try a bit more of an oxidising flame and see if that helps. I bought some clear frit from Crystal Rose that can be reduced to a metallic finish.

Trudi · February 22, 2013, 10:59:18 PM

Are you sure its a clear Frit you're using .... You can get a crystal silver version that looks just the same ....

Shirley · February 22, 2013, 11:01:59 PM

The Val Cox one is recommended for sugar beads. There are some lovely examples on the website. Wish I knew what to suggest but I haven't actually tried this one yet.

Kaz · February 22, 2013, 11:13:58 PM

Quote from: Trudi on February 22, 2013, 10:59:18 PM
Are you sure its a clear Frit you're using .... You can get a crystal silver version that looks just the same ....

I wondered that - I would use either lead crystal or crystal clear for sugar beads. silver crystal would turn mucky looking.
Kazx

Shirley · February 22, 2013, 11:21:19 PM

Quote from: Kaz on February 22, 2013, 11:13:58 PM
Quote from: Trudi on February 22, 2013, 10:59:18 PM
Are you sure its a clear Frit you're using .... You can get a crystal silver version that looks just the same ....
I wondered that - I would use either lead crystal or crystal clear for sugar beads. silver crystal would turn mucky looking.
Kazx

It's Kugler Lead Crystal Clear K100.

Sarah, you said something about using silver earlier. Did you have silver glass beads in the kiln at the same time, or did you mean that you had been using leaf or wire that might have caused contamination?

anditsinthefish · February 23, 2013, 10:09:36 AM

Quote from: Shirley on February 22, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
Quote from: Kaz on February 22, 2013, 11:13:58 PM
Quote from: Trudi on February 22, 2013, 10:59:18 PM
Are you sure its a clear Frit you're using .... You can get a crystal silver version that looks just the same ....
I wondered that - I would use either lead crystal or crystal clear for sugar beads. silver crystal would turn mucky looking.
Kazx

It's Kugler Lead Crystal Clear K100.

Sarah, you said something about using silver earlier. Did you have silver glass beads in the kiln at the same time, or did you mean that you had been using leaf or wire that might have caused contamination?

I has used some silver frit earlier in the day, but the sugar beads has turned slightly metallic while they were still in the flame. xx

Shirley · February 23, 2013, 10:14:00 AM

What colour base? What type of torch?

It sounds as if there is a reduction going on, so what Linda said about an oxidising flame could be the answer. Try turning the propane down and going slowly.

If you are using pinks, purples or turquoise opaques as a base they are more prone to reducing.

anditsinthefish · February 23, 2013, 10:16:10 AM

Quote from: Shirley on February 23, 2013, 10:14:00 AM
What colour base? What type of torch?

It sounds as if there is a reduction going on, so what Linda said about an oxidising flame could be the answer. Try turning the propane down and going slowly.

If you are using pinks, purples or turquoise opaques as a base they are more prone to reducing.

I used clear and CIM poisoned apple. I tried oxidising but maybe I just need to give it another go. xx