Glass Fusing Process Fused Glass Stained Art Kiln Firing Project Design

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Step 1

The collaboration between the designer and the client reaches the printed design stage.

Step 2

The palette for the glass is selected and the process of cutting begins with scoring the glass.

Step 3

The glass is snapped along the score line with pliers, all of the glass is cut in the same manner. Once the glass is cut to shape it is ground to the exact specifications.

Step 4

The glass is snapped.

Step 5

The pieces of glass are placed in the Kiln for firing. This particular project required a tack fuse firing which reached approximately 1275 degrees Fahrenheit. A full fuse project would require a temperature of between 1450 and 1600 degrees.

Step 6

The glass is fired and the final product is viewed once the kiln has cooled to room temperature.

Step 7

The kiln fired pieces are placed on the pattern. The use of kiln fired glass is what makes the projects unique and difficult to replicate.

Step 8

The process of cutting the stained art glass is then followed in the same manner as above and each piece is ground to fit the pattern exactly.

Step 9

Each piece of glass must fit the exact specifications of the pattern so that the end result matches the dimensions required.

Step 10

The glass cutting and grinding process is completed and each piece is then cleaned for the next step.

Step 11

Each piece of glass is then carefully wrapped in copper foil, making certain that the foil is even on both sides of the piece.

Step 12

The copper foiling process is completed.

Step 13

The piece is then “blocked” or secured by wood strips on all sides so that the glass does not move. The copper foil is brushed with Flux to remove any dirt or grease.

Step 14

The glass is then soldered together by running solder along each copper edge making the lines as smooth as possible.

Step 15

This process must be done slowly and generally requires several passes to ensure a uniform finish.

Step 16

The soldering of the front of the project is completed.

Step 17

Zinc edging is then cut to fit and secured to the perimeter of the piece. Rebar is generally inserted into the edging to provide extra stability. Once the front is completed the entire piece is flipped over and the process is repeated on the back. The piece is then washed to remove all of the flux on both sides.

Step 18

The soldered piece is then patinaed in one of several finishes. Black, copper or silver. The entire piece is cleaned with a fine grade of glass wax. This help to protect the glass and removes any dirt or finger prints from the working process.

Step 19

The piece is installed by securing it to the inside of the existing window.