Control bubbles

[lmartine]

Hi,

So far so good, I do not have a lot of bubbles in my fused blanks. But I kind of like them... under certain circumstances, of course (e.g., part of the design). I read that there are products that allow you to control the size of the bubbles, their location, etc. I did not find any info on this board wrt this technique.

Can someone provide a link (or a brief explanation) to give me an idea how this is done?

Cheers!

Lucie

[Judd]

You can use a rough textured glass for random bubbles. Some use baking soda, but I've found it can look scummy in the glass. I have had luck using aluminum foil and copper leaf, but the metals will also color the glass.

[lorimendenhall]

there is bubble powder but I never tried it.

[Terry Ow-Wing]

you can used reeded or accordion glass with texture side facing each other and fire. That will give you a gridded rhythm of bubbles.

[JestersBaubles]

clear stringer criss-crossed over each other.

Dana

[Haydo]

As mentioned, bicarb soda mixture can work. I've either applied with airbrush then removed sections once dried and have also used an ear bud to apply,try and keep mixture mixed. One way to rough up the glass is to use a diamond bit on a Dremel or similar tool, making sure to scrub worked areas. Only did a few test tiles using this method but can say that there was control. peace, haydo

[S.TImmerman]

clear stringer criss-crossed over each other.

Dana

Ditto

If you place them further apart you can get more than one bubble. I was just testing out the process.

[Havi]

Hi,
I am very excited about bubbles. I consider them a beautiful contribution to the composition of a piece, if planned properly. Actually right now I am planning two pieces which will include bubbles. Controlled bubbles, in limited areas inside pieces.

However, instead of using stringers, which are expensive , I simpley cut glass 'stringers' and use them to create the bubbles.
If you want a more detailed explanation of how to do it - check BE tip sheet or Technotes dealing with volume controll.

Good luck,

Havi

[Haydo]

I'm with you Havi when it comes to bubbles. Have just set up kiln to have a go at bigger bubble blocks, have gone conservative for the moment with the schedule until I get a better idea of maximum wall thicknesses once bubble is formed. Really want to understand best temp to control rise of crown with time. peace, haydo

[Havi]

I'm with you Havi when it comes to bubbles. Have just set up kiln to have a go at bigger bubble blocks, have gone conservative for the moment with the schedule until I get a better idea of maximum wall thicknesses once bubble is formed. Really want to understand best temp to control rise of crown with time. peace, haydo

Thanks, Haydo

I shall attach later a photo of a piece with controlled bubbles


Havi