Character Pods
Character Pods offer a unique option for fusing
glass. Use Frit of varying sizes to fill a mold that
has been created with specific designs such as a
butterfly, heart or a pendant.
Priming Your Mold - Begin by priming
the mold to be used with Primo Primer. It is essential
that the mold is completely dry prior to fusing glass
in the piece. Otherwise, bits of the mold may permanently
fuse to the glass and also ruin the mold.
Create The Design - Fill the mold
to the rim with your choice of frit. Fine or medium
frit is ideal for frit casting. Fine frit will shrink
more than larger frit. Additionally, fine frit will
be more opaque when fired. Fi you would like to achieve
a more transparant look, medium frit works well.
While coarse frit may be used in the Character Pods,
it can be difficult. Piling too much coarse frit
above the rim of the mold can cause jagged edges
on the back of the piece.
Fusing The Glass -
Fire casting pods at 1500-1600F. Try increasing the
hold time to 30-40 minutes. As always, hold time
depends on the kiln, glass & size of the mold. If
a mold is fired too hot it may cause the glass to
stick in the mold or break the mold. Once the pieces
have cooled and are removed from the kiln, turn the
mold upside down to release the fused piece. If the
piece does not come out easily, gently tap the mold
(upside down) on a table to release the glass.
Cleaning The Glass - After the
glass has been fused and slumped, touch up any rough
areas with the abrasive sanding ribbon and clean
the glass again to remove any residue. You will notice
that some primer will be left on the piece after
it is removed from the mold. To remove the excess
primer, simply rub the piece under warm water. If
the mold primer does not come off easily, brush Wash
Away on the piece and rub with a stiff brush. You
may soak in Wash Away if necessary.
Finishing The Glass - Character
Pods may be used as sun catchers, jewelry, garden
stakes or an addition to another glass piece. They
may also be attached to completed ceramic pieces
to add a new medium to the piece. Kids will really
enjoy Character Pods as an after school or Summer
Camp project.
Cleaning The Glass - As with any
glass, it is essential to keep slumping and fusing
molds clean. Use a small wooden tool (such as a pottery
sculpting tool) to gently scrape and smooth excess
mold primer or frit from the mold. By doing this,
you will allow future firings to produce smooth glass
surfaces. Be sure to check molds after each firing.
COE96. System 96
Compatible.
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