Foster's Fire Question

[beadstillmyheart]

I got some Foster's Fire for the first time today. I'm really pleased that it is so smooooooth, but it seems like it might be a little too smooth. I shook and shook and shook and it still seems kind of soupy, but I dipped some mandrels anyway and the release is dripping slightly back down the mandrel. Is this a two coat product? Is this normal? Should I leave it open for a while to evaporate?

Any help is appreciated.

[kimberly]

I use it very thin, one coat only. When I dip, it is almost so thin you can see the mandrel through it. Allow it to dry, then, when you use the mandrel, do not overheat the release. PM me if you have any trouble. There are a few tricks to using it that might help you if you have problems!!! I LOVE it!!!!!

Kimberly

[JCHerrellGlass]

As long as we are on the subject... Mine seemed too thick. I separated a small amount and added water to thin it out. Now it seems too weak on the mandrel and cracks if there isn't any glass on it. Normal?? Did I thin it too far?? (I'm using the boro & sculptural formula)

Gracias!
JC

[kimberly]

As long as we are on the subject... Mine seemed too thick. I seperated a small amount and added water to thin it out. Now it seems too weak on the mandrel and cracks if there isn't any glass on it. Normal?? Did I thin it too far??

Gracias!
JC

Yep, might be too thin. I usually don't have any problems with cracking before the glass is added. I think it down to the consitency of a semi-melted milkshake (does this make sense??). Usually, when I dip, I get a little bit that runs down the mandrel (sometimes a lot).

[JCHerrellGlass]

Thanks, Kimberly... I'll dump the experiment batch back into the rest of it and try again... Don't ya love trial and error???

JC

[chrisdd]

If the bead release is slipping off the mandrel, it might be that your mandrel is dirty. Are you using new mandrels? If so, you might want to wash them in hot, soapy water to remove the machine oil.

Everyone seems to have their own way of doing things, but this is the method that works for me: I dilute my FF until it's very thin and let the mandrels air dry while the kiln heats. Then I heat the mandrel (only where the glass is going to be wound on) until it just barely starts to glow before adding glass. I also use mandrels that have been dipped and then sat around for a month. I've never had a single bead stick.

[MikeAurelius]

When I start a new jar of FF, the first thing I do is take an old beat up bent and twisted mandrel and stir the crap out of it. Make sure all the stuff that may have settled during shipment and/or sitting on the shelf is all in suspension.

Then I test dip a mandrel.

If it's too thick, I add about a teaspoon of water, and shake the bottle for several minutes and test again.

It usually takes about 4-5 teaspoons of water to get it to where *I* like my consistency (you may require more or less water).

The key (and trick) is to do it slowly and in small amounts and test every time. It may take a bit up front, but you will be very happy with the results.

Additionally, I recheck each time I do a batch of mandrels - it seems that even keeping the bottle lid down, it does tend to dry out, especially once the bottle gets about half empty or so.

[beadstillmyheart]

great advice and greatly appreciated

[Shawn T]

I agree, I add a little water to Mine almost every time I dip mandrels. But "I" like it thin, and I use the heavy duty formula. So after I dip my mandrels I tap them on the table a few times with the undipped end of my mandrel so the release dips down making a nice even coat.

Oh and had someone the other day who didn't know they put the lable on the right way, the jars a supposed to be stored with the lid down.

[Julabula]

I use my FF really, really thin, too. Of course, my bottle of it turns to rock in my studio (dang Alabama heat....yeah, I know, I should keep it inside, but that might mess up my whole Feng Shui in my studio or whatever....just kidding!), Currently I've been using Fusion, and I really like it, too, because it's really easy to clean out of the bore.

~ Jules

[bolimasa]

Save your bottle when its empty. When you get a new bottle, poor about a third of the bottle into the old one. Add a couple of wonky beads. Add a little water, shake like crazy. If the consitancy is good for you coat your mandrels, if not add a little more water or release. Tightly seal all your extra release so it doesn't dry out. I really like having my bottle only on third full. It's so much easier to shake and mix to adjust the thickness. I live in Utah, it's really dry here so I'm constantly adjusting my release.
Oh, yeah, if your bottle is only 1/3 full there is less to fling on the wall if you forget to tighten the lid. Have you ever had a bead release facial?