clear BE irid... qestion

Lauralei · Post by **Lauralei** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 6:35 pm

Hi there - sorry to bother you guys but I've searched for this in the archives and apparently I'm the only person who has a hard time telling the irid side on clear BE irid glass. When I was at Corning last year it was described as the "side that had a bit of a drag" indicating the metallic coating - but I've heard it described as the "rougher" side too. I am not getting it and some recent work is inconsistant due to this problem. Can you share any observations with me - besides disbelief? Ha - thanks - Lauralei

Ron Coleman · Post by **Ron Coleman** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 7:03 pm

I just looked at a sample of BE clear irid. Run your fingers over the glass and feel for a texture, the smoothest side has the irid coating. The non irid side will have a slight pebble finish.

Ron

Ron Coleman · Post by **Ron Coleman** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 7:17 pm

Another test, slide your fingers over the glass surface quickly like you're sanding wood.

The irid side will make a sound like sanding (if your hands are dry and rough) the non irid side will be almost silent.

Ron again

Lauralei · Post by **Lauralei** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 10:43 pm

Thanks a million Ron! that is a huge help!

Rob Morey · Post by **Rob Morey** » Sun Feb 01, 2004 1:45 am

Take a shape pencil and put the point on the surface of the glass. If the refection of the pencil touches the tip that is the irid side, if there is a space then that is the non-irid side. Do it once then feel the difference sides and you will suddenly see the difference. Thank you Brock.

Rob

daffodildeb · Post by **daffodildeb** » Sun Feb 01, 2004 2:58 am

I also use the "point" method for telling the iridized or dichro side of glass. I find a pin or very fine point tweezers works better for me than pencil points. Once you see it, it IS very obvious--the difference between looking AT the surface, vs. looking THROUGH the glass.