Questions about Alice's bead release

[Lisi]

I know a lot of people use Alice's and love it, so I need to ask:

Is there any way that I can make it really smooth, or is it always going to be "grainy" textured?? It has been mixed with a mixer and was sitting around for a while. I put wonky beads in the glass jar I keep it in to help mix it up before I dip.

I was using Purple Piffle and it was so nice and smooth, but hell to get the beads off, and carpal tunnel is something I really want to avoid....

I love love love the Alice's because getting the beads off after a brief soak in water, it's very easy, no problems whatsoever! It holds quite well, and I've made some 3 inch long boro beads with it.

[cghipp]

I have heard you can put it in a blender, but I'm not about to do that! I use mine pretty thin, and let the release dry overnight. It seens like there's less texture this way, but maybe it just doesn't bother me anymore.

Courtney

[Starrr]

It will always be a bit grainy, but you can just smooth your mandrels slighty with your fingers before making a bead.
I used to use Alice's and really liked it alot for the reasons you mentioned. But after I tried Foster Fire Heavy duty I never went back. And I can't say I miss mixing up my own release.
Edie

[Lara]

I don't mind the bit of grit. It seems the same as the other releases I have used. I find that when I smooth out the mandrels before hand and then try to put the glass on the mandrel it doesn't stick. I would suspect that is because there is loose dust on the mandrel.

[alexm]

Blend it in the blender, on liquefy for 3 min. It'll me the smoothest release you ever see.

Don't worry about contaminating the blender, there's nothing in the release that a run through the dishwasher won't get off.

[Lisi]

Thanks Alex! It's great to know that I can smooth this stuff out! :D

[Tink]

I need to try the blender trick. I don't even know if we have a blender. LOL! I love Alice's, and I don't really mind finger-sanding them before I begin each piece of work. After I sand, I blow the dust off.

[alexm]

I need to try the blender trick. I don't even know if we have a blender. LOL! I love Alice's, and I don't really mind finger-sanding them before I begin each piece of work. After I sand, I blow the dust off.

Blend it and you'll never have to finger sand and blow the dust off again.

[glasser]

Where does one buy Alices? I understand you can also wash your kiln shelf with it? Pam

[Tink]

You can get it straight from Alice herself! Tell her Tink sez hi!

Go here (http://www.alicesstainedglass.com/release.htm)

I bought two 2.5 pound tubs in 2002 when I started torching. I just two weeks ago FINALLY had to re-order. It lasts forever. And keep in mind that I take it with me when I teach so I can use it on the road.

[MistyCherie]

Did a search on a good bead release to order since I'm pretty much out--and I just placed an order. Thanks everyone!