Getting rid of the mucky dark blue

[anditsinthefish]

I'm not sure if anyone has seen this or its been posted before. I had pretty much given up on most of my opaque blues because they always end up all scummy and dark, but I was on pintrest and found this!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36hvozXzeTM&feature=share

I have yet to give it a go but it defiantly seems worth a try

[lampworklover]

It works on turquoise, and also those opaque purples that get silvery grot too! If you haven't got cola, Cillit bang / Tesco bathroom cleaner works too; I tried that last week and it worked well, just make sure it's a limescale removal type thing.

[cbeadies]

I had pretty much given up on most of my opaque blues because they always end up all scummy and dark

I've been reluctantly avoiding the turquiose blues too, although I do love the colour.

What puzzles me is that some people seem to make gorgeous turquoise beads and use this colour very effectively...is there some trick like altering the flame to prevent the grey effect?  Or is everyone using the cola / loo cleaner ?? 

[fionaess]

If your turquoise is going grey then your torch is too reducing.  Try turning down the propane and working further back in the flame.  If your trans blues are murky it sounds though you are working them too hot and burning them

[DementedMagpie]

So is the principle basically "soak it in acid"? Because I seem to recall limescale remover doing the trick, too.
(And remember to check that none of the beads you're doing that too have shiny surface reduction effects which you want to be there).

[Shirley]

It isn't necessarily the torch. My kiln seems to have a reducing atmosphere.

[Blue Box Studio]

Makes you wonder what's in cola! I don't drink it because I don't like the feeling it leaves on my teeth.   I use Cillit Bang Grime & Lime on the rare occasions I use turquoise and this happens.

[JanieD]

Makes you wonder what's in cola! I don't drink it because I don't like the feeling it leaves on my teeth.   I use Cillit Bang Grime & Lime on the rare occasions I use turquoise and this happens.

Cola contains phosphoric acid. Good for cleaning metal!


Jane

[anditsinthefish]

If your turquoise is going grey then your torch is too reducing.  Try turning down the propane and working further back in the flame.  If your trans blues are murky it sounds though you are working them too hot and burning them

I've tried everything and they still turn out yucky! Good to know, maybe my heat skills aren't that good!!

[helbels]

If you very quickly dunk in Dip N Etch (literally in and straight out!) then rinse, that works too x

[Blue Box Studio]

Makes you wonder what's in cola! I don't drink it because I don't like the feeling it leaves on my teeth.   I use Cillit Bang Grime & Lime on the rare occasions I use turquoise and this happens.

Cola contains phosphoric acid. Good for cleaning metal!


Jane

Well, at least my fillings will be shiny then?!