Can someone remind me how you tell which side is which on dichro strips

Kaz · March 05, 2009, 08:24:58 AM

I know you put a pen or something up to it and then look at the reflection to see if there is a gap but can't remember which way round. And am I right that the uncoated side goes nearest the flame in order to encase the dichro coated side? I have made one dichro bead that was OK but I think it was more by luck!

julieHB · March 05, 2009, 08:31:56 AM

Kaz, yes you need to put the coated side to the bead, so the dichroic coating is not exposed directly to the flame (unless it is dichro on black, of course

).

I normally hold the glass up to a lamp at an angle that gives full reflection from the piece - if there is a strip along the edge with no reflection you are looking at the uncoated side (the see-through edge is the clear glass you are looking through). If there is a solid reflection along the whole piece you are looking at the coated side.

When working with fusing I normally take a cd-marker and doodle all over the dichro piece - that way I know immediately know later which side is up (The pen marks burns away).

Mary · March 05, 2009, 09:05:22 AM

Kaz, yes touch the surface with a pen or pokey tool point. If there is a gap in reflections that's the uncoated side (try it with a mirror, they are coated on the back too). If the reflections touch, it's the coated side.

Kaz · March 05, 2009, 09:27:44 AM

Thank you - may even have a play this evening!
Kazx

GlassOcean · March 05, 2009, 09:39:52 AM

Are the strips COE 104 Kaz?

Kaz · March 05, 2009, 10:34:29 AM

Oh yes!

GlassOcean · March 05, 2009, 10:56:40 AM

Oh No! Another thing to put on my v.long wish list!!!

Are they from Martin?

Actually don't tell me.......no do tell me......AARRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Kaz · March 05, 2009, 12:04:50 PM

Here you go
http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/Shop/CategoryProducts.aspx?CategoryId=66
I have the mixed pack (clear not black) which is on page 2.
I think they are having a sale next week from Tuesday for beadmaking stuff so maybe these will be in?
Kazx

Trudi · March 05, 2009, 01:15:19 PM

Make sure you melt glass around the sides and a clear over the top (Lauscha is best) to stop the scumming! If you can get fused strips it's much easier!!

Kaz · March 05, 2009, 01:15:52 PM

Those are fused strips