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Control bubbles

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:25 pm
by 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

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 9:54 am
by 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.

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:00 pm
by lorimendenhall
there is bubble powder but I never tried it.

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 3:15 pm
by 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.

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:32 am
by JestersBaubles
clear stringer criss-crossed over each other.

Dana

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 6:31 am
by 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

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 9:30 pm
by S.TImmerman
image.jpg
JestersBaubles wrote: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.

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 3:00 am
by 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

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 8:26 am
by 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

Re: Control bubbles

Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 11:36 am
by Havi
Haydo wrote: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