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About the Glass |
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COMPOSITION
Borosilicate glass is created by substituting boron oxide in place of the soda lime particles found in soft glass, creating “hard glass”. Borosilicate has a very low thermal expansion coefficient (COE), reducing material stress, thus making it more resistant to breaking. The quality allows for a higher percentage of light transmissions, reflections and sparkle compared to lower grade and soft glasses typically used for pendants, beads, vases, paperweights, marbles, ect.. It requires exceptionally high working temperatures (1500*+), requires more labor to produce, but gives it remarkable durability. Borosilicate demonstrates such strength that it is used for everything such as stovetops and high quality telescopes to scientific chemistry and the reflective tiles that protect the space shuttles. It is a costly material, and must be worked continuously in an open flame. The process is both exciting and exhausting, and it has captured my heart.
COLOR VARIATIONS
Borosilicate colors are unique from soft glass in an organic, magical spectrum. There are by far fewer “crayon colors” available in this material, so it is up to the artist to custom create a lot of their own colors using precious metals such as gold and silver. It is possible to achieve intensity and life that cannot be reproduced with any other material. It takes tremendous amounts of practice and skill to understand the use of metals and flame to create the final beauty.
FINISHING PROCESS
Upon completing the flamework, the piece must go immediately into the kiln where it is annealed. Annealing is the process of slowly reducing the temperature of the piece to prevent thermal shock which causes shattering. It takes a minimum of 8 hours to properly anneal, and a longer soak only strengthens the piece.
REPAIRS
ALL GLASS BREAKS!- BUT…
Because it is more resistant to breaking, Borosilicate glass will generally crack instead of shattering. Most repairs can be made easily, please inquire and I will be happy to explain the process and inform you if there are necessary charges.
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