Baking Soda

It Isn't Just For Baking

Regular baking soda is the most frequent substance used to generate bubbles in fused glass. These blisters can also be produced by using any chemical or solutions that will generate gas that is then ensnared inside layers of fused glass. Borax is another product that has been used for this process.

Sodium carbonate or commonly known as baking soda will liberate CO2 when it decomposes. This generated gas produces air pockets. Used sparingly on glass then firing it to a fusing temperature will create blisters in the glass piece. A little bit of this powder goes a long way, so use in moderation. The bubbles will form erratically in an unrestrained pattern.

Directions

2. Clean the pieces and allow them to dry. These can be dried with a lint free towel or allowed to air dry.

3. Mix a teaspoon of the soda with a cup of distilled water. Changing the strength of the powder solution can produce various outcomes.

4. Brush or spray the mixture onto the glass.

5. Allow the mixture to dry completely.

6. Once the mixture has dried thoroughly, cap the base piece with a transparent piece of glass. A clear cap will allow the bubbles to show up the best.

7. Place the pieces on a prepared kiln shelf inside the kiln.

8. Turn on the kiln and heat to about 1380 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to anneal the piece in the usual manner.

This powder can also be lightly sifted dry onto the glass and then capped. Try this method on scrap pieces of glass to view the different results. Explore with using borax instead of the soda.

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