Fused Glass

Glass fusing is the process of heating two or more pieces of glass together in a kiln in order that they fuse together. The kiln needs to reach between 760 and 815 degrees celsius in order to melt successfully. The difference in heating of certain elements of your project can lead to different textures. Glass heated to a lower temperature to create texture is called ‘tack fuse’, which gives a raised layer to the glass. Glass heated to the highest temperature to create a smoother finish is called ‘full fuse’. Both techniques are used in this project.

Heated to sufficiently high temperatures, glass behaves like a liquid. But different glass styles have different viscosities, depending on their composition. One of the key components of successful glass fusing is selecting the correct glass to use. 

The glass needs to be resistant to breakage after being heated up and then cooled down in the kiln. All glass used has to be the same coefficient of expansion, to make sure the glass does not crack.

Hot glass requires thicker gold foil, the thinner gold leaf burns off when the furnace is heated to full fuse temperature. Genuine Gold foil specially manufactured for applications that require a thicker heavier material. 24kt Gold – “Heavy” foil  is used with the hot glass. Thickness is 4.0 to 8.0 microns approx.