Tip to stop Bead Release powder ruining beads??
 

I searched the threads, but didn't find any other unfortunate souls with this issue. When I use my Zoozii straight lentil spree, regardless of how gentle I am, the bead release (I use BoM) cracks and gets into the mold. Is there a technique to avoid this? I keep wiping the brass mold down after each pressing with a moist sponge and then a dry cloth to clear out the powder, but this happens 80% of the time. Do you have any suggestions?

-Tracy :-s

mix in some fusion bead release with bom. Fusion really has some sticking power I find mixing fusion with my choice release cuts down on flaking and cracking big time.

i just keep a small paint brush nearby and brush out the mold after each press.

ETA: oh and don't press so hard - that's partly what will crack the release. took me a bit to figure that out

I have a can of compressed air nearby when I torch. 1 little spray blasts out the offending release.

Please don't be offended, but I don't think that's the safest idea. There's stuff in bead release that you don't want to inhale. Those blasts of air kick all that mess around and make it very possible for you to breathe it in. Please stay safe. I think the paintbrush idea is much safer, especially if you're using very gentle flicks.

I think the BOM is the culprit, that stuff is awful flaky. I vote for throwing in some Fusion. I use a blend of FosterFire and Fusion, and love it.

I use fusion, and while I won't say I don't have some cracking issues
using presses, it sticks better than any other release I've used.

As for the air canisters to clean out the molds - I second the motion
that it's a bad idea. 1) you don't want that crap going airborne
and 2) the stuff in most of those cans can be flammable. Not the
best thing to be spraying around in front of an open flame.

I just have a soft brush I use to clean the mold out.
An old makeup brush works just fine.

what if you use the air under your vent? I have an air compressor that I'd be more than willing to use to blow the powder out. Which reminds me, I still have a mold I've gotta get glow powder out of....

I use BOM and love it. Yes, it sometimes flakes w/my presses (and I use them alot) but just be sure to get any flakes off your bead before putting it back in the flame. I use a pick, tweezers, whatever's handy. Also, even with cracked release, I've still pressed them several times - just be careful with it. And - be sure your mandrel is lined up with the holes for it in the press.

Good luck

Thanks to all of you for helping out. The makeup/paint brush is a great idea! My next bead release will be the Fusion. Also I am probably pushing down on the press too hard/quickly, causing so much of the bead release to crack. Then again, the mandrel with the release doesn't even fit in the groove of the press. It's a a thin mandrel. I must be using too much release? As a newbie, I was concerned the glass would cool too quickly, thereby making the press useless! Again, thanks!
-Tracy

I would suggest you not worry about it.
It's just the nature of the process of using a press mold.

Even the best applied bead release will crack and flake
off. Just make sure you give a quick swipe with the
brush before you press again.

Any bead release that sticks to the bead can be gently picked off with a
pair of tweezers or brushed off the bead with a butter knife (or something long those lines).

I keep a wet paper towel nearby and have found I can wipe off little bits of release from the bead without any drama.

Make yourself a bead of polymer clay, or playdoh, or whatever on a plain mandrel to see what size glass you REALLY need to use the press--then round it back up & set it on your table to use as a visual guide for "how much glass" to use for that press--if your mandrel isn't fitting in the press, either you're using too large a mandrel (possible) or you're pressing too much glass (likely) or both :)
~luna
been there, done that :)

Switch to Fusion Bead release.

One other thing...making sure your mandrel is properly aligned in the press will help, too. I notice that if I'm just a bit crooked, that's when I really give myself trouble. It's such a quick process, it's easy to rush, but do take the time to LOOK and that can help.

BRILLIANT! I am going to do this. Thanks!

you're so right...rushing is a bad habit of mine. Thank you for your help. This forum is so fantastic.

If you are using 1/16 mandrels your mandrel should easily fit in the groove. Try applying a much thinner coating of bead release. If you aren't using 1/16 mandrels that would be a good idea

Another thought here.
As we go merrily along, our mandrels get old and out
of shape. If your mandrel is even the slightest bit bent,
then it won't line up properly in the press.

Take a good look at all your mandrels after you
clean them, and see if any can be tweaked back
into shape so it rolls smoothly, or maybe be replaced with a new one.

Oh, yes, I :love: :love: :love: my Fusion!

That's a really great idea!

I second using good mandrels...Bent ones make life so much harder!!! Cheap mandrels can be made using a small bolt cutter to cut the steel, a jig that helps you to cut consistent lengths for speed and a dremel with a disc cutter bit or sandpaper to grind/round the ends. You can get the stainless steel from a welding shop or look online. 316 is best but you can use 308. Hope this helps,

Cheers

Jenny

Thank you for your suggestion! :)

burn a flame with no oxygen so it is real sooty, and use the flame to preheat the mold a bit, but mainly to cover the entire hot area of the mold with a layer of black carbon. then use the mold and the black carbon will be your release. then the carbon will burn off when placed back into a flame.

I've been using your suggestions -very helpful having that brush nearby! Thank you. :)

Thx Mark. I use a hothead so I don't have much oxygen control, but thanks for offering to help!

Your clay idea has worked like a charm for reducing flaking of the bead release with my lentil press. Thx for the great idea. I did it just today. :)

10 years old, and this thread gave me great ideas! I miss coming here, fb has kinda taken over unfortunately.
Thanks all!

Ha I was excited to hear BOM was available still, the bump got me :badgrin:

And LE is ever so much easier to use and find useful information!

Georgia