Can I fire polish THIMBLES?

[lori 2]

I love making thimbles, but would like to make the inside of them look more finished.
I have tried using different bits on my Dremel, and have used cerium oxide with a felt tip, but I would really like a finer finished inside. But they still look fuzzy.

Is it possible to fire to a temp that will polish but not melt my purdy thimbles?

[rainygrrl]

My guess is that that would be a tough balancing act, and you wouldn't be able to see the inside while you tried. Maybe you could try it on undecorated ones first?

[lori 2]

I have plenty of not-so-good ones to experiment with.

What would YOU use as a target temp, for COE 104, for a fire polish?

[28676bhe]

Simple answer is no. 1350 is considered fire polish temp, and you might go as low as 1300. BUT, glass begins to move at 1050 to 1100, so you would have a pretty flat thimble! There are some products out there in retail land that claim to achieve a polish at or around 1000, but I have never tried them. Watch out for lead if they are going to be more than just decorative.

[Speedslug]

You may get the results you are looking for ( or closer anyway ) by smoothing your bead release on the molding form.
Try wetting your finger and rubbing the bead release to a smooth, almost creamy surface.
Another thought would be to dip/sprinkle the surface of the mold with dry kiln wash powder while the bead release is still wet.
That should give you a consistently smooth finish to the inside of your thimbles.

Good luck and come tell us how it works out.

[Lisi]

What bead release are you using?

[lori 2]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try that.

I have been using whatever I have on hand..., usually Frantz Art Glass Bead product, sometimes Foster Fire. I don't pay much attention, as I don't seem to have problems with any of them.

I think smoothing and powdering the mandrel ahead of time is a great idea, I will give it a try.