Textured Glass Method

Textured glass is glass that is manufactured with some type of non-flat surface. This texture can be random lumps and bumps, or ribs that are straight lines. When capped with glass the inconsistent surface that is raised can cause air to be trapped.

This trapped air will cause bubbles. Depending on the location and size of the raised areas will determine the size and shape of the blisters.

As the glass is heated in a kiln, the base glass surfaces that are touching the capping piece of glass will start to seal first. If there are enough of these areas in close proximity, it will form a barrier that will not allow the air to escape. The trapped air stays inside this trapped air and is now a bubble.

This glass can be used to promote the formation of bubbles. Watch the placement of the base piece and the transparent cap to see where the bubbles will form.

Ribbed glass can generate either long slender bubbles, or tiny trapped bubbles. By placing these pieces of glass so that the texture is running in the same direction, it will cause bubbles to form that are lengthy and slim. If placed with the textures running in the opposite direction to each other a grid like pattern of tiny bubbles will be trapped within each crossing of the glass.

Using textured pieces of glass is a fun and easy way to promote the formation of bubbles in your fused glass pieces. Try designing small pieces to compose some extremely fascinating one-of-a-kind pendants.

Textured and Ribbed Glass

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