Needing Advice about Boron Nitride
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:01 pm
I have sprayed "Slide Boron Nitride" onto my stainless mold according to the company's directions, and I have tried doing 3 separate draping projects in order to create votive cups. I have had very poor results. The more I used the mold, the worse the aftermath. I have no problem with boron nitride's ability to act as a reliable releasing agent. However, the material leaves a nasty residue and rough surface all over my fused glass. Worse yet, this mess is impossible to remove! Alcohol, vinegar, soap and scrub brushes will not do the job. In fact, scrubbing can damage the glass.
1st project- I used a full fused 5 inch square (opague cranberry) twhich had been fired on lava paper.
I cleaned off the glass. Then I balanced it atop the steel mold, and draped it at 1235 degrees fahrenheit. *Since the textured side of the glass was touching the mold, the milky scum was not super obvious... though... there are lots of spots that look like mineral deposits.
2nd project- I used a full fused 5 inch square (transparent champagne) which had been fired on kiln paper.
I cleaned off the glass and repeated the steps. *The draped glass now has lots of dull areas and streaks running throughout.
3rd project- I used a full fused 6 inch square (clear with blue stringers) that had been fired on kiln wash.
I cleaned off the glass, and repeated the steps. *The draped glass is uglier than the previous!
What am I doing wrong?
I just used a belt sander to remove most of the boron. I have applied another coat. I am debating whether to spray on an additional coat. Could I have overcoated it? Should I try pre-firing the sprayed mold in my kiln, and then do my drape later on? Will doing either of these things effect the outcome? I contacted the manufacturer. I was told that the product was not intended for using with glass materials. The person suggested I ask a glass expert about this matter.
Thanks for your assistance!
1st project- I used a full fused 5 inch square (opague cranberry) twhich had been fired on lava paper.
I cleaned off the glass. Then I balanced it atop the steel mold, and draped it at 1235 degrees fahrenheit. *Since the textured side of the glass was touching the mold, the milky scum was not super obvious... though... there are lots of spots that look like mineral deposits.
2nd project- I used a full fused 5 inch square (transparent champagne) which had been fired on kiln paper.
I cleaned off the glass and repeated the steps. *The draped glass now has lots of dull areas and streaks running throughout.
3rd project- I used a full fused 6 inch square (clear with blue stringers) that had been fired on kiln wash.
I cleaned off the glass, and repeated the steps. *The draped glass is uglier than the previous!
What am I doing wrong?
I just used a belt sander to remove most of the boron. I have applied another coat. I am debating whether to spray on an additional coat. Could I have overcoated it? Should I try pre-firing the sprayed mold in my kiln, and then do my drape later on? Will doing either of these things effect the outcome? I contacted the manufacturer. I was told that the product was not intended for using with glass materials. The person suggested I ask a glass expert about this matter.
Thanks for your assistance!