You can find stained glass windows and sun catchers almost anywhere you go. These are created simply by cutting glass, grinding it to fit correctly in its place and connecting the glass by copper foil or lead came. Solder is used to complete the connection of the pieces of glass and also gives the finished glass panel strength and stability. The last step is cleaning and polishing the glass.

Stained glass panels can be hung from a window or you can cover the entire window using clear adhesive caulking. Some have taken the window framing off, removed the current window and then replace that window with the stained glass panel and place the window trim back into place.

FUSED GLASS

Fused glass is a total different process. Fused glass is a term used when glass is taken to a temperature between 1400 and 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature the glass becomes liquid (like honey). The glass then goes through a slow cooling stage known as annealing. Annealing takes place at a temperature around 950 degrees down to around 700 degrees. This step in the cooling process is very critical to avoid thermal shock to the hot glass. The hot glass is taken down very slowly to 950 degrees where it then rests for 30 or minutes, depending on how thick the piece is. During this process the glass molecules are recomposing to their original state.

After the fusing one can then shape the glass. This is called slumping or draping, depending on what you are doing. Slumping is when the glass is warmed to a temperature around 1200 to 1300 degrees. The glass will fall into a mold and take on the shape of that mold. Draping is when glass is heated and falls over the mold. Draping the glass requires close observation of the glass as it begins to fall over the mold. You then flash cool when the glass has reached the point at which you desire.

Another form of fusing is called tack fuse. This is where you can add elements or more glass on top of the fused piece. After applying the elements you place it in the kiln and take the temperature to around 1350 degrees. At this temperature the glass will soften enough to glue itself together and round out the sharp edges. You can also fire polish a piece with this temperature which will bring back any shine that may have been lost during other firings.

I could go on and on with more details concerning fusing glass but this gives you enough information for you to understand how much is involved in fusing glass. I hope this helped you with any questions on how fused glass is done and I will be happy to answer any question you have. If I don’t have the answer I will get it for you. Thank you for visiting my web site and I hope you come back again.

Brad Peterson