Repairing a chipped bead

[DKS]

I’ve repaired beads before and when I chipped one of my favourite beads I thought someone else might benefit from a how-to.



1) Dip mandrel in bead release (same size mandrel bead was originally made on). Carefully put bead on wet mandrel, trying to get as much bead release in the bead hole.
2) Allow to dry thoroughly.
3) Once dry remove any bead release on bead. I used a mandrel to gently scratch most of it off, then a damp cloth to remove the rest. Make sure all finger prints are removed.
4) Put in cold kiln and bring up to your normal garaging temperature. I brought this one up at full speed but if you want to be careful , you can do it over an hour or two.
5) Once the kiln is up to temperature remove bead. I don’t have a bead door so I do this with hemostats, first introducing it into the flame, then dunking the end of the mandrel into a jar of water, repeating until I can hold the mandrel.
6) Repair the bead trying not to use too much pressure – the bead release will not be as strong as usual. (I’ve repaired beads before without the release breaking but this one did, luckily I was still able to get an ok finish.)
7) Make sure you get good even heat right down to the mandrel and put it back in kiln, anneal as usual.

Because the bead release broke on this bead I wouldn’t sell it but it’s for me anyway so I’m just glad to have it back in one piece.

[Eileen]

Nice how-to Denise, and pretty bead!

[BerylsBeads]

Very good information Denise, will remember that hint for sure.

[Ekkie]

Thanks Denise!

[tammydownunder]

Damn, I wish I saw this a couple of days ago when I tossed a beautiful bead that had lost a bit of the encasing.

[karrina310]

That's incredible info! Thank you so much for posting that. I can't tell you how many chipped beads I've had over the years and just throw them in my gargen.

[Alibeadbar]

Thanks Denise - very useful information - why didnt I think of that????

[Lyssa]

That's awesome! Now I want to know how you chipped the bead!

[artsyuno]

I just discovered last week that it's even easier if you dip a mandrel, let the bead release dry and then wedge on the bead. Leave that little drip on the bottom of the bead release and it'll work as a stopper. No mess to clean up. Also, if you bring the kiln up to 1100 and let it soak for a good hour, you have to be far less careful reintroducing the bead to the flame.

[DKS]

Originally Posted by Lyssa

That's awesome! Now I want to know how you chipped the bead!

I dropped in on a timber floor while it was in a Burgard fitting. I do love their fittings but I find that a bead is more likely to chip if dropped while in the them. I've chipped a couple of beads that way.