Bead Release problems

[SquareOneBeads]

Hi there,
I am using pink slipper bead release and am having some problems but I don't know if they are operator error because I'm new, or if its just not a good bead release.

I mixed up the release like it said, it was the consistancy of pancake batter and no lumps. I dipped the mandrels in straight down and straight up then let them air dry. I only gave them one coat.

When I made some beads I preheated the mandrel before winding the glass onto it. But when I tried to remove them it was harder than heck to do. I had to get out the big guns and have my hubby do it for me :)

These beads were not annealed on the mandrels (no kiln yet) and were opaque so I couldn't see any broken release between the bead adn the mandrel.

Would I have had an easier time if I'd given them a second coat or would that make things worse?

Should I have flame dried rather than airdried the release? The directions say I can do either.

Anything you can tell me would be great. I know very little at this point and appreciate any help I can get.

Heather :koolaid:

[flutterbugbeads]

It's not you, its the bead release. the pink is for large beads that take a long time to work. it's great for that. But to do regular beads just get fosterfires regular release. It's really good. comes right off.

[SquareOneBeads]

Thank you! I am very glad to hear that it isn't me even though I was expecting operator error to be the answer :)

Do you know where I can get this? I looked on ebay but people are selling it in 2 and 3 pound sizes. I don't think I want to buy that much just yet :)

Thanks again!
Heather

[ChristyPhelps]

Fusion bead release is my favorite. You can get it from Molly here: Heritage Glass (http://heritageglass.com/index2.htm) (no affiliation)

People swear by all different kinds of bead release, you'll have to find the one that works for you. When they say flame or air dry, you still have to put it in the flame. Think about clay - you have to fire it to make it hard.

Then soak the beads in water. I use a stainless bowl, becaus eyou don't want to put bead release down the drain. I grip the mandrel with a vie grip pliars in my right hand and pull the bead off with my left. If one does seem really tough to remove, put it in the freezer for a day. It usually works. O:)

[BillBrach]

Heather,

If you don't want to buy any more bead release, just thin it out and double dip the mandrels.

They need to air dry for an hour or so in between dips. If you are in air conditioning, it won't take an hour.

Don't worry about diluting the whole container. If you want to take it back to thick, just leave the lid off a couple of days and the extra water will evaporate.

Bill

[starlia]

I love Foster Fire and Fusion. Foster Fire for when I'm not doing large sculptural beads and fusion for when I am. I also use fusion for everyday use. You can mix the two and it gives you a fusion type hold with a foster fire release.

[dgg112]

I love Foster Fire and Fusion. Foster Fire for when I'm not doing large sculptural beads and fusion for when I am. I also use fusion for everyday use. You can mix the two and it gives you a fusion type hold with a foster fire release.


Wow now why didn't I think of that????
I was going to ask the trick to getting the beads off when using fusion. I love it for it's hold, but then I hate it for it's hold. lol I'm ruining all my 1/16th mandrels!

[firegrl]

I maybe that your mandrels are not stainless steel. I ran into this last week or the week before. I bought new mandrels that were not SS and did my usual thing...all of them were a pain to get off the mandrel. Changed mandrels ~ no problem. I think if you hold a magnet to the SS it will not stick. Try it ~ it may save you some time and money. Best of luck!!!

Cathy

[BillBrach]

Some stainless steel IS MAGNETIC. Try to buy ONLY the 316 alloy, this is the best.

[FlameDancer]

I use Kragg Mud. I have yet to have a bead that wouldn't come off and never had one to "let go" while torching either. I LOVE that stuff! It can be flamed dried too. You can get it here:) 888-865-2228

[firegrl]

Crap crap crap

I think I got something figured out and nope I was not quite right. :-? (Like the way I put that) lol

Thanks Bill, I usually learn something from you at least once a day!

Cathy

[dgg112]

I really like the hold of the fusion, I tend to do a lot of pulling!! :0)
The mandrels are either 306 or 316 I'm not sure which but they're the welding rods.
I'm bending the crap out of them!!! :0(
I did mix the foster fire and fusion last night and had a easier time of it. Maybe that'll be the trick.
thanks for the help
I've also been wanting the try the Kragg Mudd but keep forgetting to call them!
(senility is my middle name!!)