keeping copper...copper

slats · Post by **slats** » Sun Sep 28, 2003 9:45 pm

I was recently at a glass show and saw a beautiful clear glass table with copper fused inside. The color was really light copperand shades of red...did not turn lack like it did for me.....Artist said he coats it with something but would not say what......any ideas?

Tom White · Post by **Tom White** » Sun Sep 28, 2003 10:12 pm

I have good results using original Unique Glass Paint clear from Unique Colors. http://uniqueglasscolors.com/glasoriginal.htm I clean the copper well, apply one coat clear and fire to full fuse for float glass. You can see pictures at http://photos.yahoo.com/tomwhite2

Best wishes,
Tom in Texas

gone · Post by **gone** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 12:49 am

Spray A and Superspray also work for this.

Els

Bert Weiss · Post by **Bert Weiss** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 1:19 am

doctac wrote:I was recently at a glass show and saw a beautiful clear glass table with copper fused inside. The color was really light copperand shades of red...did not turn lack like it did for me.....Artist said he coats it with something but would not say what......any ideas?

I think a dip in borax solution works. Recipes in old archives. It is the cheapest way

bskirwin · Post by **bskirwin** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 9:48 pm

Do you spray superspray or spray A directly on the copper and then cover with clear glass?? I am confused. Barbara

Brock · Post by **Brock** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 9:50 pm

jerry flanary · Post by **jerry flanary** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 10:04 pm

Also if you want more of the reds, torch the copper til, it glows then let it cool. Encase it in the glass so that air cannot reach it during the cast and you will get some very nice reds.
j.

deborahbur · Post by **deborahbur** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 11:11 am

What thickness copper are you using? Or does it matter? If you are torching the copper first, it must be fairly thick copper?

Thanks

Cheryl Wade · Post by **Cheryl Wade** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 6:19 pm

A very little wire wool placed on the copper will make it retain the colour and, although it doesn't burn away completely, doesn't show much. I don't know why it works though!
Cheryl

Tom White · Post by **Tom White** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 9:17 am

My guess about how this works would be that as the steel reacts when the edges of the glass are sealed it robs the oxygen it needs to rust from the copper oxide on the surface of the copper thus brightening the copper.

Best wishes,
Tom in Texas

bskirwin · Post by **bskirwin** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 8:11 pm

Are you talking about using steel wool from the hardware store, and just a few threads around the copper or quite a bit more?????? Barbara

John · Post by **John** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 5:27 am

I also did a fusing of 2 pieces of 5mm with copper wire. some of the wire is a nice copper colour some have darkened looks very tricky but I shall try some of the other tips.

John

Cheryl Wade · Post by **Cheryl Wade** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 7:03 pm

Barbara, yes ordinary steel wool. I've used it only when the copper is completely encased in the glass, I've not tried it for hangings. Just a small amount placed somewhere on the copper is enough. You could do a few test pieces to see how much you need - trying to describe "a small amount" is quite difficult!
Cheryl

WarmGlass.com

keeping copper...copper

keeping copper...copper

Re: keeping copper...copper

How thick is your copper?