My effetre black was sparkling today...

[TiaraHelen]

and the bead came out without the shine it usually has.  It may have been my imagination, but the last few times I've torched, I've also got actual sparks either from the bead, or the torch, or the graphite marver, not quite sure where they're coming from. Very pretty, but would love to know why and how to stop these...

[Marijane]

If the sparks come from the torch it could mean there is dust or soot particles in it.  I have never put my marver in the flame, but some colours of glass can spartk if they get too hot.  Never had it with black though.

Mari

[TiaraHelen]

My best bet is that the sparks are coming from the torch. I wonder if my marver is disintegrating due to the illtreatment of using it in the flame?

[Wishing Wells Glass]

This happens with my Effetre black too, sometimes.. I believe it is particles within the glass (metal) 'burning' out.  It leaves nasty little devit marks on the glass as well.  When I see this happening, I move the glass higher up in the flame and don't keep it in the flame for too long.  This helps but cannot repair the damage that is already done.  Weird thing is that it doesn't always happen.  Most colours that are prone to devitrification seem to *always* do it if they get too hot or are exposed to the flame for too long. 

Try working it higher in the flame and moving it out of the flame every so often to let it cool a bit.  It helps me

x

[Mary]

Black does tends to pit more if you use a graphite marver, for some reason. It does it less with brass.
By the way, you do know not to put your graphite marver directly in the flame? It will eventually disintegrate.

[TiaraHelen]

I do now!!! Thanks.