WarmGlass.com

As a newcomer to glass art I'm just using float glass to get started until I know what I'm doing. I've made a tindicator from a 6v torch using black light blue fluro. I've cut a 5 mm slit in the plastic lens and covered the rest of the lens up with black tape. I waited 'till dark, turned on the torch with the glass at a 45 degree angle and looked at it from above. NOTHING! Both sides looked the same. I did this with 3 different bits of glass and still couldn't see any difference. Where have I gone wrong Cheers, Keith.

you have the wrong type of uv bulb in it. you need a short wave uv (germicidal) one.

Hello Keith...I made one using the correct globe... and just couldn't see any deference..so in the end gave up...Colin

PS You could check out Rosanna's thread in spab's place this may help!!

You could also try using a brillo pad or steel wool and soap and scrub both sides- one side is usually noticably rougher- which I have always assumed is the tin side. I suppose I should taste it to make sure. slurp, Jolly

Bought the germicidal UV lamp from maxmax.com

remove the clear plastic cover before using. We can see the tin side without the 45 degree angle and no dark room needed.

Nelson

That's an important point that many people don't know about (including manufacturers). Many plastics that are commonly used for lenses do not transmit short wave UV light.

Tony

Thanks for the link Nelson. After much frustration I ended up with a 4' flouro which I then had to insert into a length of PVC pipe. Because of all the health warnings regarding this light I only made a small slit in the pipe which shields me and directs the light downwards onto the glass I place under it. It's ugly but it works. - haydo

Many thanks for all your help. My tongue failed the tin taste test so I guess I'll have to track down a germicidal lamp. If anyone in Australia knows where I can get one I'd like to hear from them. Cheers, Keith.