Materials
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Below is an overview of the main materials we use to make glass works and what they are used for.
- Glass comes in many sizes, types and shapes. Apart from Spectrum System 96, we use a lot of float glass which is made by pouring the molten glass from a kiln into a bed of molten tin. The glass floats on the tin and then takes the shape of the container in which it solidifies.
- Colour pigments come in all sorts of colours and grain sizes. They may be transparent or opaque, bubble pigments, contour pigments, etc. Transparent paints sink into the glass, opaque ones stay on top. Which one we use depends on the effect we want to achieve or what has been commissioned.
- A grisaille is a decoration technique in which different shades of the same colour, usually grey or brown, are used to produce a three-dimensional effect.
- Eggshells, confetti, granules and stringers are thin pieces of coloured glass that have a decorative effect. We can also combine certain metals with glass, such as copper, tinfoil, gold leaf, etc.
- Various brushes in different thicknesses and shapes. For example a badger brush (made of badger hair) is used to paint a glass plate evenly. A spalter is a broad brush that is used to apply the grisaille or colour to the glass plate. Tamponing brushes serve for removing grisaille. Pencil brushes are for the finer work. Each tool creates its own texture.
- Crown pens are used for the very finest work such as drawing lines with contour paint.
- Sieves are used for applying dry colour pigments to a surface.
- A glass kiln; our Westeneng kiln has 50 x 50 cm as its interior size. It is the largest kiln that works on regular two-phase electric power.
- Depending on the specific purpose, all kinds of liquids may be used, such as vinegar, water, lavender oil, aniseed oil, a water-friendly oil medium of methylated spirit, distilled water and plain water.
- A pallet knife and mortar are used to mix the glass powder with the various liquids. The mortar also ensures that grains in the powder are finely ground.
- Moulds, which can be pre-shaped from ceramic or metal (stainless steel) or produced from Silke mat.
- Separators are used to prevent the glass from "sticking" to the mould: Bullseye paper (for single use), ceramic fibre paper, embossing sand with dry separator.
- All kinds of materials, such as sticks and metal objects, are used for removing paint and grisailles before firing, but also for shaping moulds.
- Scissors are used for cutting out patterns: ordinary scissors, but also pattern shears for leading (with double blades 1.5 mm apart) or for copper (with double blades 1.2 mm apart).
- Firing schedules for the different kiln techniques.
- An engraving tool (Dremel) and a sandblaster are used to dull certain parts. The engraving tool comes with a variety of attachments to achieve different effects. When using the sandblaster, the parts that are not sandblasted are covered with duct tape.
- A glass cutter (Bohle), a circle cutter, a glass drill and a band saw are used for cutting, drilling and sawing glass.
- Running and grozer pliers are used for separating the cut pieces of glass.
- A grinding machine (Kristall) serves to grind away small irregularities on the side of the glass.
- A Morton system is used to quickly cut glass strips.
- Lead cames with an H- or a U-profile are used to slot pieces of glass in.
- Copper foil to wrap around each piece of glass. The adhesive side can be copper-coloured, black or silver. It is available in different widths.
- A lead knife, a plastic fid and a lead vice are used for cutting, opening or pulling the lead.
- Lead stop blocks are used to hold the different pieces of glass in their place.
- Glue is used to attach types of glass which are not compatible. Examples include two-component adhesive, silicone sealant, superglue and UV adhesive.
- Wallpaper paste is used to glue glass granules into a shape.
- Leaded light cement serves to prevent glass pieces from "rattling" in the lead cames.
- Soldering irons, soldering tin, liquid soldering flux for stained glass and Tiffany are used for joining lead or copper joints.
- Ceramic fittings to support works in the kiln or to prevent them from falling over.
- Plaster, silica and fibreglass for making moulds. The fibreglass is used to reinforce the mould.
- Glass chunks or coarse glass pieces are used to fill casting models with.
- Clay and wax are basic materials used when making plaster moulds.
- A ceramic kiln; our Toma kiln has 37 x 37 x 45 cm as its interior size. The kiln works on regular two-phase electric power.
- Silhouette cameo 4 plus
- Permanent vinyl
- Taurus ring saw
- Color Line Paints