Friday, July 26, 2013

What To Know About Fused Glass Tiles

By Kelli Townsend


Fused glass tiles are formed by arranging pieces of glasses to create a specific design. It is then heated at a very high temperature to be able to reach the desired look of the output. A couple of thin glasses are stacked to have the thickness that is desired. It will be cut depending on its use. In order to achieve a colorful outcome, different colors must be used for every layer. Each will then be categorized according to the manufacturing style it was made. Smalti, sintered, cast and fused glass tile is among the many categories it may belong.

Long ago, glasses were made into beautiful artworks such as mosaics and other handicrafts. Many claims to have started the craft but according to studies, there is no specific place of which it had originated. But it was proven to exist for many years already. Craftsmen had transformed it into tiles. It became more popular nowadays in many fields already.

In the method of fusion, a certain material will be cut into tiny pieces and will be heated in a kiln. The result will usually be a clear one so it is necessary to add various colors at the topmost or maybe in its base. It will be treated through etching and coating. Once done, the result may be used in some crafts and artworks.

A series of quick heating intervals is needed in the said strategy. The stack will easily fuse if higher temperatures are being applied to it. Once the desired fuse is reached, it is necessary to lower its temperature. Allow it to cool and then soak it again to another series of temperature. A shiny result will be attained if higher temperature is applied.

Some steps are provided so that one can easily make a simple product. There are more or less seven layers of the same size in every tile. It must be stacked in an opaque base though. One can have a white or black base but it will not really matter. Just see to it that your base is durable enough to hold your output.

The more output, the better. It can be easily stacked and arranged to be able to have another colorful layer. Place it inside a kiln. Always use the right amount of temperature. Once through, allow it to reach room temperature.

Lots of industries are now getting into the trend of producing such colorful products. Imagination and skills are the key to have a great and unique output though. The whole craft has undergone a lot of revisions already but still making its way to the very present era.

To install it will be another tiring job compared to installing clay. The property of a glass is brittle that makes it break easily if not taken seriously. Proper skill in installing and drilling is needed for an installer so as to avoid it from being broken.

Fused glass tiles must not be used in making your floors. These tiles are very slippery at times especially when it is wet. Still, it can be utilized to be able to make artworks and designs. It can be made into decorative panels for the walls. It can also be seen in different beads and jewelry.




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