Terra 2

[helbels]

Ok folks, I need serious help with Terra 2 (NOT Terranova).  I bought some a while back, and all I've ever managed to get from it is a sort of rust red/terracotta colour. 

I don't think I'm alone - I've found some threads on LE where a lot of folk were cursing this glass.

Just thought I'd see if anyone has any magical secret tips that might help me crack the blasted stuff!

Helen x

[Redhotsal]

Oh I LOVE Terra 2. It's the easiest silver glass in the world to use. Just use it like any "normal" glass. Then, let it cool for a few seconds and then very lightly reduce it until you get a lustre. Then I generally encase it. It should go a deep blue/brown colour with oil-slick lustre and then it'll probably strike more in the kiln - although you can keep taking it in and out of the flame to develop the colour. It's so easy to use.

Having said that - if you've done something similar and it just isn't working then it could well be a "dodgy" batch, especially if you've read that other people are having trouble. Anyway - give the above a go, if you aren't already, and if it's still trouble some send me a small section and I'll try it out for you.

[helbels]

Thanks Sal - I shall try following your instructions to the letter.  I expect I am just doing something really numptyish with it.  I think I've only tried it encased, but I don't think I reduced it, which is perhaps where I am going wrong  

[Redhotsal]

Well, technically it is a striker - so if you heat it quite well, which you'll have to to get it into a bead shape or whatever, just let it rest out of the heat for a few seconds and then you should see it strike, it'll turn a brown colour. It 's then when I lightly reduce it. Terra original did'nt seem to lustre up as well as Terra2 but I think the lustre is quite nice and you can get a irridescent mother of pearl look if you encase it and keep the heat low. Too much heating will make the lustre go. Hope I've explained that ok?

[helbels]

You have explained it perfectly Sal thank you. Keeping it not too hot might be a challenge on my little nuclear Cricket, but I will turn it right down and have a go.  Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.