Periwinkle blue turned matte gray

[FieryVisions]

Just completed 9″ plate with a large portion of background being this periwinkle blue. Did a tack fuse to 1340º. Of course when I saw the boring gray color after firing, I researched and discovered this frequently happens unless devit used or clear glass laid on top (back side with clear glass is fine). Is there ANYTHING I can do short of a full fuse to get the top back to the blue? Devit and fire again? What  is the lowest possible temp to keep contour and ‘burn off’ gray? If I lay clear glass on top of this blue portion I’m afraid it will distort piece. Any tips or help is greatly appreciated!

 

P.s. I WISH I had known that this could happen before firing… 20 hrs of layout work involved with this piece

[Anonymous]

Is it possible you are seeing this:

http://www.bullseyeglass.com/methods-ideas/special-effects-steel-blue-opal.html

If so, you can (carefully) clear-cap the glass with a very thin layer of clear powder and it will eliminate the oxidization that you are seeing.

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Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.com

 

[FieryVisions]

Thank you for the tip on the powder Paul. Looks like that is definitely an item I need to keep in stock! I now need to repair the plate, as it cracked during the slump fire. Any advice on repairing cracks? Thanks again

[Author]

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