PATE DE VERRE

Pate de verre means creating a paste from frit. Small or powdered frit is recommended for this process. The smaller the frit, the more opaque the casting.

To make the paste, you can use white glue mixed with distilled water, or mix the frit with plain distilled water. Always use a mask to prevent inhaling the glass particles when mixing.   Apply the paste to the sides of the mold with a palette knife or brush. Apply a thin coating of paste, approximately 1/16". You can tack fuse this first coat to about 1400^ο F. to dry or use a hair dryer or let it dry on its own. When dry, add a second layer of the same thickness and press this layer tightly down. You don't want the glass to move during firing. If the mold is deep and sides have a significant slope, you can fill it with fiber paper to prevent the glass from moving.

CASTING