Frit and clear glass

[cam@velocity.net]

I recently opened up an online store where I sell some of my own custom frit blends. In the process of testing the frit on different types of glass, I ran out of Lauscha clear. So, I started using some old Effetre clear that I had from years ago. Well, wouldn’t you know it, I noticed some significant differences in how the frit looked on the two different clears! I’ve been lampworking for about 5 years now and I’ve NEVER noticed any difference in clear glass (other than how dirty other clears are to Lauscha).

Lauscha clear makes frit appear darker and it handles silver differently – depending on the frit used. Here are some pictures to show what I mean:

http://www.velocity.net/~cam/other/frit_clear_1.jpg http://www.velocity.net/~cam/other/frit_clear_2.jpg http://www.velocity.net/~cam/other/frit_clear_3.jpg

Sometimes Lauscha makes the bead look better, but sometimes not. I was really surprised by this! Mostly, I was surprised that Effetre clear could have any real good use. HUH! My experience is that Uroboros clear behaves like Effetre clear. I have no idea how Vetrofond behaves compared to other clears. Any of you guys know?

I haven’t noticed any difference when encasing frit, but then again I haven’t encased frit much to really know for sure. What have any of you noticed about frit and the different types of clear?

I just don't want to think or say anything universal about clear glass and frit before I asked what others who have used frit know about this subjet!

Thanks!

Candy

[MaryBeth]

Well - I stopped using Lauscha clear a long time ago. I will use it on occasion if I am doing an all Lauscha bead. I like the way either Moretti clear or Vetrofond super clear react with silver a lot better. And I use a lot of silver.

I usually don't use Moretti rods to encase - I use the premade stringer. The Moretti stringer is super clean and I have never had any scumming issues with it.

So that's my 2 cents worth:razz: