How Do You Fuse Dichroic Glass?
Fusing glass is the process of joining pieces of glass. A kiln is used for fusing and heating at high temperatures until the glass flows together. When fusing pieces of glass together, they need to have the same coefficient of expansion. Glass comes in COEs of 90, 104, and 33. This is the rate at which the glass expands and contracts. If you fuse different COEs together, the glass will crack. Fuse dichroic glass the same as any glass. Use a glass kiln. There are a lot different brands of glass kilns. Glass kilns have the heating elements on the inside lid and are easier to fuse the glass in since they are made for that purpose. The newer kilns on the market are computerized and programmable. Place shelf in kiln. The shelf should be prepared with a kiln wash. Kiln wash is a protected wash used on the kiln shelf so the glass will not adhere to the shelf. A fiber paper is also available and comes in a roll or squares. Cut the paper to the size of the project or cut it to cover the shelf.
